Quanzhou, March 24–From March 28 to 30, the "Shishi Banquet in Beijing – A Maritime Feast" will take place at Fujian Tower in Beijing. This event will showcase the renowned Shishi “Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet”, along with a curated selection of contemporary Chinese heritage products. It also marks the official Beijing debut of Quanzhou’s "One County, One Signature Feast" initiative. Organizers have confirmed that all preparations for the banquet are now complete.

　　Recognized as a nationally designated landmark feast in June 2022, the Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet was included in China’s National Directory of Landmark Cuisine. In February 2023, it was further highlighted at the "Ancient Chinese Culinary Culture Exhibition" at the National Museum of China. Now returning to Beijing, this historical banquet is set to captivate audiences once again.

　　"We are bringing an authentic recreation of the ‘Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet’ to Beijing, offering guests and media a chance to experience its exquisite flavours," said Hu Manrong, a Certified Chinese Culinary Master and Executive Chef of Rongyu Hotel Group. "This is not just about showcasing Shishi’s culinary heritage—it’s about reviving the flavours of the Song-Yuan era and celebrating the maritime connections that shaped this cuisine."

　　Inspired by the Southern Song Dynasty culinary text Shanjia Qinggong, written by Shishi-born food scholar Lin Hong, the banquet features signature Minnan (Southern Fujian) delicacies. It reflects the rich food culture of Quanzhou—once a key hub of global maritime trade during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

　　The banquet consists of ten meticulously crafted dishes, presented in four thematic sections:

　　"Song-Era Elegance"—Reviving the refined dining traditions of the Song Dynasty.

　　"Silk Road Origins"—Showcasing the international influences of maritime trade.

　　"Harmony in Diversity"—Celebrating fusion flavours from cultural exchanges.

　　"A Taste of Home"—Honouring traditional comfort foods from the region.

　　Chef Hu emphasized that every detail—from ingredient selection and cooking techniques to plating and temperature control—has been carefully refined to authentically recreate this historic feast.

　　This event also marks the first official showcase of Quanzhou’s "One County, One Signature Feast" initiative in Beijing. The initiative spotlights distinctive culinary traditions from different counties, highlighting their historical and cultural significance. By presenting Shishi’s Song-Yuan Maritime Banquet to a national and international audience, the event aims to elevate Quanzhou’s culinary reputation, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen the region’s food industry.

　　Through this initiative, Quanzhou seeks to expand the global recognition of its food heritage, positioning its cuisine as a key player in the international gastronomic landscape.