By Reporter Yin Siqi

　　During the May Day holiday, Quanzhou evolved into a "museum of flavours," blending the vibrant atmosphere of its historic alleyways with the craftsmanship of its intangible culinary heritage. This unique convergence transformed the city into a celebration of taste and culture. Renowned for its centuries-old gastronomic traditions, Quanzhou delighted visitors with signature dishes such as mianxian hu (noodle porridge), ginger duck, and a variety of local specialty banquets. This dynamic "tastebud economy" is breathing new life into the city's cultural and tourism sectors.

　　Temple Fair Markets: Where Taste Meets Nostalgia

　　Performances, street food, and bustling market stalls brought the Chengnan Temple Fair to life during the holiday—an unmissable destination for immersing oneself in Quanzhou's rich cultural tapestry. Themed "Labour Day's Joy, Chengnan Temple Fair," the event featured over 40 stalls offering traditional snacks, handicrafts, intangible cultural heritage products, and souvenirs. Visitors indulged in local delicacies, explored artisan crafts, and captured memories in the lively old town atmosphere.

　　Students from Licheng District Experimental Primary School added a festive touch with performances including flute music, street dance, and aerobics, delighting passersby who stopped to watch and take photos. Each evening, the fair also hosted open-air film screenings, live band performances, and "Huoding Gongpo" folk theatre, evoking fond memories of childhood cinema under the stars.

　　Mr. Lin, who travelled from Shantou with his family, shared his excitement: "I've been looking forward to this trip since I read about the Temple Fair. It's incredible to sample authentic Minnan cuisine all at once and enjoy a one-stop experience of food, shopping, and entertainment. It was definitely worth it." His family left with local souvenirs to share with friends and relatives.

　　Zhuangyuan Street also embraced the holiday spirit with a double treat for food lovers. From May 1 to 3, the "Time-Honoured Brands Food Carnival" showcased 40 local heritage food brands alongside captivating storytelling by "Chuo Bian Tou Wei" folk artists, reviving the street's historic charm. Simultaneously, the "Old Flavours Food Market" offered a nostalgic journey with a theme of "Awakening Old Times," featuring open-air films, a coffee station, Minnan martial arts demonstrations, and glove puppetry. Visitors could unwind in teahouses with Tieguanyin tea, enjoying traditional finger-guessing games—a true taste of Quanzhou's unique blend of the old and the new.

　　Creating New Consumer Experiences: Small Bites, Big Economic Impact

　　Quanzhou is crafting a new narrative that integrates culinary tourism with cultural experiences, creating innovative opportunities that bridge its rich heritage with modern economic growth.

　　Across the city, different districts are staging unique culinary events: Fengze hosted the "Welcome to Quanzhou" True Warrior Temple Market; Luojiang's "Maritime Silk Road Summer Food Festival" drew crowds with its offerings; Jinjiang's Shenhu Food Festival showcased coastal specialities; Nan'an featured the "Chenggong Night Market" and "Chenggong Banquet" events; Anxi launched its "Tea Country Shopping" initiative and distributed second-quarter food coupons; Yongchun promoted ancient street culinary experiences; Dehua's renowned restaurants unveiled the "Porcelain Capital Feast" and a vibrant food carnival; and the Taiwan Investment Zone staged a dynamic Food and Entertainment Carnival. Each event invited both locals and tourists to explore Quanzhou's diverse culinary scene.

　　"For a relaxing holiday, nothing beats sampling local food—especially for those of us who prefer short local trips," said Li Mingyang, a Quanzhou resident. "It's perfect for the whole family. We didn't plan to travel far, so we decided to rediscover time-honoured restaurants and food markets right here at home. It truly felt like a 'tastebud holiday'."

　　Ensuring a Positive Visitor Experience: Safeguarding Quanzhou's Reputation

　　To guarantee a safe and enjoyable dining experience, the city implemented a range of measures ahead of the holiday rush. Authorities conducted targeted inspections, including a check on a popular beef restaurant in the historic Zhuangfu Lane that was found to be in violation of China's Food Safety Law and was promptly investigated. A well-known hotpot restaurant in Quanzhou's Food Street area also faced scrutiny for suspected price fraud and food safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Licheng District Market Supervision Bureau cracked down on illegal pricing practices, investigating 13 cases involving fabricated original prices and excessive holiday surcharges.

　　These actions underscore Quanzhou's firm commitment to maintaining order in its cultural and tourism sectors. The city is determined to protect its reputation and ensure the long-term sustainability of its tourism industry by fostering a safe, high-quality consumer experience for all.