On the morning of March 28, the "Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet: A Culinary Journey along the Silk Road" cultural tasting salon was held at Fujian Building, Beijing. The event gathered renowned culinary experts, master chefs, food influencers, and representatives from the restaurant industry to delve into the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Shishi "Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet" while exploring its modern reinvention. This initiative aims to position Shishi cuisine as a global gastronomic treasure.

　　Key attendees included Jian Guohong, Deputy Director of Quanzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, Zheng Tianzhu, Standing Committee Member and Minister of Publicity of Shishi Municipal Committee, and Xing Ying, President of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry.

　　The event commenced with the screening of the Shishi City Promotional Film, the Shishi Cuisine Documentary, and a performance of the national intangible cultural heritage puppet show "Lion Dance Majesty", showcasing Shishi’s strategic significance along the Maritime Silk Road—where mountains, seas, traditions, and flavors converge.

　　Reviving a Culinary Legacy: The "Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet"

　　In his speech, Zheng Tianzhu highlighted that Shishi, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Maritime Silk Road," has undertaken extensive historical research over the past three years to reconstruct the legendary "Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet". The banquet features 128 signature dishes, blending influences from Central Plains cuisine, Minnan coastal flavors, and culinary traditions from Southeast Asia and the Arab world.

　　By leveraging digital technology, cultural tourism integration, and e-commerce, this centuries-old banquet has been transformed from a historical relic into a contemporary dining experience, bringing the taste of Shishi from ancient records to everyday tables. More than just a culinary revival, this banquet embodies the spirit of the Maritime Silk Road—"Connecting Nations through Trade and Culture". With Beijing as the launchpad, the goal is to introduce the "Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet" as a cultural brand, sharing the essence of Minnan craftsmanship and maritime heritage with the world and fostering cultural exchange through gastronomy.

　　A Culinary Model for Global Promotion

　　Xing Ying, President of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, praised the banquet as a symbol of cultural inclusivity and fusion, embodying the Chinese philosophy of "harmony in diversity." He emphasized that this culinary initiative provides a "Shishi Model" for the global promotion of Chinese cuisine.

　　He proposed:

　　  Uncovering the historical narratives behind each dish, turning them into ambassadors of Chinese culture.

　　  Leveraging digital tools and social media to amplify global awareness of Shishi’s culinary heritage.

　　  Expanding international partnerships to bring the Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet beyond China and onto the world stage.

　　At the event, the Shishi Culinary Promotion Office signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Beijing Jishenghui Commercial Chain Management Co., Ltd. to promote the banquet across China and beyond.

　　Innovating Tradition: Bridging History and Contemporary Dining

　　Renowned executive chef Hu Manrong of Rongyu International Group shared insights into the banquet’s research and development, illustrating how Song-Yuan historical elements are integrated into modern dining experiences to create a gastronomic concept that blends cultural depth with contemporary aesthetics.

　　During the expert panel, nationally acclaimed chefs Hou Yurui and Dong Zhenxiang offered professional insights on how Shishi cuisine can gain international recognition while preserving traditional techniques. Through case studies, craftsmanship discussions, and culinary innovation, the forum provided new perspectives on the modernization of traditional Chinese cuisine.

　　A New Chapter for Shishi Cuisine

　　This event served as a high-level platform for the internationalization of Shishi’s culinary heritage. Moving forward, Shishi will continue to enhance the brand influence of the "Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet", ensuring its flavors set sail far and wide. With its rich maritime legacy and innovative culinary vision, Shishi cuisine is poised to shine on the world stage, inviting global audiences to experience the taste of China’s Maritime Silk Road.