Source: China Media Group International Online | March 29, 2025 | Reporter: Shi Limin

　　On March 28, the Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Banquet tasting event for foreign diplomats took place at the Fujian Building in Beijing. Ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives from international organizations—including Greece, Montenegro, and Panama—embarked on a cultural and gastronomic journey to explore Quanzhou’s rich culinary heritage.

　　Distinguished leaders and guests strike the ceremonial gong to commence the banquet. (Photo by Zhang Hexuan)

　　Quanzhou: A Culinary Legacy of the Maritime Silk Road

　　As a key hub of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 under the title "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China." The city’s 22 interconnected heritage sites tell the story of its prominence in global trade. Over a thousand years ago, Quanzhou flourished as an open and diverse port city where Eastern and Western cultures converged, shaping its unique culinary traditions.

　　Foreign diplomats in China savour the Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Banquet. (Photo by Zhang Hexuan)

　　A Banquet Inspired by History

　　The Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Banquet reinterprets Quanzhou’s ancient food culture, drawing inspiration from "Shanjia Qinggong" (Simple Delights from the Mountain Home), a Southern Song dynasty gastronomic text by Shishi-born gourmet Lin Hong. The banquet blends historical recipes with immersive settings, traditional music, and poetry to recreate the culinary atmosphere of the Song and Yuan periods. It features an impressive 127 dishes, including 104 meticulously reconstructed historical recipes alongside innovative reinterpretations of Minnan cuisine.

　　Yao Fei, Vice Mayor of Quanzhou, speaks with China Media Group International Online. (Photo by Zhang Hexuan)

　　Quanzhou’s UNESCO Creative Cities Bid

　　Yao Fei, Vice Mayor of Quanzhou, emphasized the city’s ambition to be recognized as a UNESCO "City of Gastronomy." He noted that events like this banquet highlight Quanzhou’s rich cultural heritage and promote global appreciation of its culinary traditions. He also expressed hopes for stronger collaboration with other creative cities, leveraging gastronomy as a driver for sustainable economic, social, and cultural development.

　　Leonardo Kam, Panamanian Ambassador to China, shares his impressions in an interview with China Media Group International Online. (Photo by Zhang Hexuan)

　　Diplomats Praise Quanzhou’s Culinary Excellence

　　Panamanian Ambassador to China, Leonardo Kam, praised the banquet not only for its exquisite flavors but also for its artistic presentation and historical tableware. "This event was truly remarkable," he remarked. "Although I knew some Chinese people in Panama, experiencing China firsthand has been completely eye-opening."

　　Conrado Sol, Minister Counsellor at the Nicaraguan Embassy in China, discusses cultural exchange in an interview with China Media Group International Online. (Photo by Zhang Hexuan)

　　Nicaraguan Embassy Counselor Conrado Sol echoed these sentiments, highlighting the role of food in cultural exchange. He noted similarities between Nicaraguan and Chinese cuisine, reinforcing his belief in the power of cross-cultural dialogue. Recognizing Quanzhou’s historical role in maritime trade, he expressed enthusiasm for strengthening collaboration with the city.

　　Organizers and Partners

　　The event was guided by the Fujian Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, Fujian Provincial Department of Commerce, Fujian Provincial Office in Beijing, the CPC Quanzhou Municipal Committee, and the Quanzhou Municipal Government. It was jointly hosted by the Quanzhou City of Gastronomy Application Task Force, Quanzhou Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Quanzhou Bureau of Commerce, Quanzhou Foreign Affairs Office, the CPC Shishi Municipal Committee, and the Shishi Municipal Government.