Quanzhou, June 16 – Amid the rhythmic beats of the Twenty-Four Festive Drums and a vibrant Northern Lion Dance performance, the "Taste of the Neighbourhood: The Ultimate Minnan Food Carnival & Quanzhou Culinary Culture Showcase" kicked off in grand style at Jinhua Plaza in central Quanzhou. The event forms part of the supporting programme for the inaugural Maritime Silk Road Overseas Chinese Investment and Trade Conference.

　　The bustling night market came alive with aromas and flavours, as locals indulged in a feast of culinary delights. (Photo by Lin Jingfeng) 

　　From a bowl of silky mianxianhu (vermicelli soup) under red-brick roofs to a sizzling plate of oyster omelette by the sea, Quanzhou’s unique culinary traditions represent a fusion of mountains and oceans, as well as a deep sense of community and hospitality. As the birthplace of Minnan cuisine, the flavours of home—"taste of the neighbourhood"—evoke strong emotions among those far from home, embodying both local charm and the welcoming spirit of Chinese culture.

　　As the sun set, Jinhua Plaza transformed into a bustling gourmet night market. Distinguished guests, including Zhou Zhichen (Vice President of Caixin Media), Zhang Xinmin (culinary consultant for A Bite of China), Liu Shuwen (President of Quanzhou Culinary Association), columnist Zhu Xuedong, producer Shen Xing, and Deng Jie (producer of Flavourful Origins 4), gathered to celebrate Quanzhou’s rich food heritage. Five of them were officially appointed as Quanzhou Culinary Ambassadors, promoting the “most Minnan” flavours on a national stage.

　　During the themed salon, these ambassadors introduced iconic Minnan dishes such as braised noodles, Eight Treasures Gourd Chicken, osmanthus crab meat, satay lion’s head meatballs, beef treasure soup, goose stewed in rice wine, vinegar pork knuckle, mushroom shrimp balls, braised yellow croaker, and tube eel in chili sauce. The session sparked vibrant discussions on the origins of Quanzhou cuisine, its cultural significance, the food economy, and city branding. Through the lens of food, participants explored the city’s past and envisioned its future, rich with aroma, stories, and heritage. Local native Zhou Zhichen delivered a heartfelt keynote titled “The Taste of Home”, sharing his personal reflections on Quanzhou’s culinary spirit and entrepreneurial drive.

　　The event also featured the launch of the “Taste of Love, Quanzhou” promotional series and the premiere of the themed short film Only the Delicious Win. Within just three days of its release on June 13, the video garnered over 10 million views online. A youth edition debuted on June 16 and quickly went viral, capturing the attention of major media outlets across China.

　　To further showcase the rich diversity of Minnan cuisine and the culture it carries, a series of side events were planned. From June 16–18, daily from 4:30 PM to 10 PM, the Jinhua Plaza “Red Blossom” area offers an immersive food market experience featuring 40 time-honoured brands, 30 famous Quanzhou snacks, and six intangible heritage booths. Visitors can savour authentic Minnan flavours and experience the nostalgic charm of old red-brick streets. On the evening of June 17, a special Dianshui Nanyin live music concert will blend classical court music with modern flair, bringing neighbours together through song.

　　Quanzhou is not only a vibrant centre of private enterprise but also a city steeped in culinary heritage. Blending Min-Yue, Central Plains, and Maritime Silk Road cultures, it has developed a distinct Minnan food system. In 2022, Quanzhou was listed among China’s top culinary destinations by Ctrip’s Global Gourmet Guide. With its multifaceted identity as a World Heritage City, an enterprising city, a trendsetting hub, and a haven of street food culture, Quanzhou invites the world to discover its stories—one bite at a time.

　　The event is jointly hosted by the Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government, the Fujian Provincial Department of Commerce, Quanzhou Bureau of Commerce, Fengze District Government, and Caixin Media.