A Taste of Heritage in a UNESCO World Heritage City

　　As Quanzhou pursues its bid to become a UNESCO "City of Gastronomy," the 2025 Quanzhou Culinary Study Camp has officially launched. Over a dozen carefully curated learning journeys will bring young participants closer to the rich, diverse food heritage of this ancient Maritime Silk Road hub. The camp uses food as a bridge to help students discover the enduring vitality of Quanzhou's culinary traditions, explore how these dishes evolve with time, and understand the city's core philosophy: "Quanzhou Savour, Global Flavour."

　　First Stop: Ginger Duck Reinvented — Unpacking the Layers of a Fujian Favourite

　　Famed as a UNESCO-listed city and starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou is steeped in Minnan culture. Its cuisine reflects the city's deep historical roots, cross-cultural exchange, and mountain-sea geography. Quanzhou food is not just a feast for the senses but a living embodiment of local history, customs, and craftsmanship.

　　On May 18, the first session of the Culinary Study Camp explores the iconic dish Ginger Duck through an exciting blend of tradition, innovation, and technology. The group will visit Kelong Restaurant at Huaqiao University and Wu's Culinary Enterprise, tracing the dish's origins and experimenting with modern interpretations — from human vs. robot cooking contests to DIY tastings.

　　Highlights of the Session:

　　1. Cultural Lecture

　　Dr. Ding Xin, Deputy Director of the Tourism Lab at Huaqiao University, unveils the story behind ginger duck:

　　Is it "Ginger-Mother & Duck" or "Ginger & Mother-Duck"?

　　What are the medicinal roots of the dish?

　　How has it evolved through time?

　　2. AI Kitchen Showcase

　　Watch "digital chefs" cook with precision and flair

　　Compare robot-made ginger duck with the handcrafted version

　　3. DIY Workshop

　　Make your own bamboo-leaf-wrapped ginger duck

　　Experiment with flavour pairings and share your creations

　　4. Flavour Lab

　　Taste test: traditional, pandan-flavoured, and bamboo-leaf versions — which wins?

　　Try other Wu's specialties like Taiye Chicken and Turmeric Rice

　　Culinary Surprises Still to Come

　　This first session, themed "Play with Ginger Duck," is just the beginning. The camp will continue across Quanzhou's districts, unlocking each region's unique culinary secrets through the "One County, One Table" initiative.

　　Through collaborations with master chefs and intangible cultural heritage holders, the program blends travel, study, and taste into one immersive format — highlighting the interplay of food, culture, and technology.

　　The experience will be covered in full by media platforms including Southeast Morning Post, "Quanzhou Student Hub," and "Quanzhou Flavour," capturing students' discoveries in text, photo, and video.

　　Event Details:

　　Date & Time: May 18, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

　　Meeting Point: Quanzhou Evening News Building

　　Participants: Young reporters from Quanzhou Evening News and students in Grades 4–6

　　Fee: RMB 50 per person

　　Registration: Scan the QR code below to sign up

　　Contact: 0595-22500241

　　Note: Spaces are limited to 40 students — sign up early to secure your spot!