Advancing Quanzhou’s Bid for UNESCO’s "City of Gastronomy" | Quanzhou Food Museum and Cultural Food District to Be Established in Donghai

　　Breaking news! The Quanzhou Culinary Culture International Exchange Center (Quanzhou Food Museum) is officially set to be established in the Donghai Central Vitality Zone, with an anticipated grand opening in May 2026.

　　Quanzhou, a historic maritime trade hub during the Song and Yuan dynasties, has long been a crossroads of cultures and cuisines. Over the centuries, it has preserved Chinese heritage through successive waves of migration while embracing global influences. Now, as a UNESCO World Heritage City, Quanzhou is embarking on a new chapter—the creation of a vibrant international culinary hub.

　　On March 3, key city officials, including Cai Tianshou, Standing Committee Member and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, and Wang Chunlei, Deputy Mayor of Quanzhou, visited the Central Vitality Zone Exhibition Center. They conducted an on-site inspection of the "Ten Continents Marketplace" project and the Quanzhou Culinary Culture International Exchange Center (Quanzhou Food Museum), followed by a special meeting to accelerate project development.

　　A Culinary & Tourism Hub: Creating a Cultural Food District

　　The "Ten Continents Marketplace" and Quanzhou Culinary Culture International Exchange Center aim to showcase the city’s evolving food culture, combining contemporary culinary trends with traditional craftsmanship and heritage cuisine. The initiative will highlight the fusion of global flavors in Quanzhou, offering visitors immersive experiences through exhibitions, tastings, and interactive exchanges.

　　Built on the concept of an open and inclusive culinary city, this initiative seeks to promote Quanzhou’s food culture on the global stage, foster cultural exchanges, and drive industry development.

　　During the meeting, officials emphasized the goal of transforming the Quanzhou Culinary Culture International Exchange Center into a landmark food district with international influence. By integrating "food + commerce," the district will become a key platform for promoting and showcasing Quanzhou’s unique culinary heritage on a broader scale.

　　Building a Culinary Landmark: First Collection Donated in 2024

　　The Quanzhou Food Museum is a crucial component of efforts to enhance the city’s global reputation as a UNESCO World Heritage City. In November 2024, the museum received its first collection of donated artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, culinary tools, photographs, and other historical materials. These contributions reflect Quanzhou’s rich food heritage and mark a significant step forward in developing both the "Ten Continents Marketplace" and the Culinary Culture International Exchange Center.

　　Butterfly Bay: A New Icon for Quanzhou’s Cultural and Business Scene

　　The Butterfly Bay Business Center, a cornerstone of the Donghai Central Vitality Zone, is envisioned as a premier urban destination featuring corporate headquarters, luxury hotels, cultural tourism districts, and exhibition spaces. The Quanzhou Culinary Culture International Exchange Center (Quanzhou Food Museum), located on the prime coastal frontage of the zone, will serve as a key attraction within this business hub.

　　To ensure the project's rapid development, city leaders outlined a six-step acceleration plan, including:

　　Simultaneous construction and exhibition planning

　　Expedited collection of artifacts

　　Comprehensive curation and exhibition design

　　Diversified funding strategies

　　Streamlined approval processes

　　Targeted business partnerships and investment initiatives

　　Currently, the project is progressing on schedule, aiming to establish a dynamic cultural and commercial space that integrates food, culture, and commerce. This initiative is expected to position Quanzhou as a leading global culinary destination, reinforcing its bid for UNESCO’s "City of Gastronomy" designation.