Fragrant ginger duck, chilled shihuagao, tender oyster omelettes, and crispy vinegar pork—Quanzhou offers a feast of over 300 regional specialties, each a testament to its rich culinary heritage. As a local saying puts it, "The flavors of the world, distilled into a single bowl of human warmth." This May Day, tourists immersed themselves in the city's timeless beauty—and an unforgettable food journey.

　　After a 40-year hiatus, the Songjiang Battle Array returns to Quanzhou's streets, as 108 flower-crowned warriors captivate onlookers. (Photo by Chen Yingjie)

　　Long Queues, Legendary Flavors

　　By midday, a crowd had already formed outside a famed ginger duck restaurant on Tumen Street in Licheng District. Inside, staff stir-fried duck with golden ginger slices in sizzling clay pots, releasing waves of savory aroma that lingered in the air.

　　"Ginger duck is one of Quanzhou's iconic dishes—flavorful, nourishing, and especially comforting," said Ms. Lin, the restaurant owner. She described their signature method: ginger is laid at the bottom of a clay pot, followed by carefully cleaned duck, then layered with sesame oil and a secret spice blend. The dish is braised slowly, then chopped and pan-fried—entirely without water—resulting in a dry-style duck with a rich, umami-packed aroma. Her family has run the restaurant for 16 years, typically selling over 100 ducks a day—and up to triple that during holiday peaks.

Tourists enjoying freshly prepared ginger duck.

　　Handcrafted Cool Treats for Warm Days

　　Near Zhongshan Road, a humble shop displayed rows of shihuagao in flavors like honey, sour plum, and coconut, drawing curious passersby. "I've been making this for over 30 years," said Ms. Lyu, the owner. "It's not just a snack—it's a taste of my childhood."

　　Her method is entirely artisanal: wild shihua (a type of jelly grass or seaweed) is cleaned, sun-dried, then pressure-boiled. The liquid is filtered through cloth and naturally cooled into a smooth, translucent jelly. Served in strands and topped with sweet syrup, it's a perfect antidote to the summer heat.

　　"On hot days, nothing beats it," Lyu added. During the May Day holiday, sales surged to three or four times the usual volume. To meet demand, she expanded her menu to include coconut, plum, and orange flavors.

　　Oyster Omelettes Steal the Spotlight

　　"Two oyster omelettes—extra oysters!" "More egg on mine!" Orders flew nonstop at a busy stall near Baiyuan Road, where Mr. Li prepared his famous oyster omelettes with swift precision—pouring batter, cracking eggs, tossing in fresh oysters, and flipping each omelette until perfectly golden.

　　"Our family's been making this dish for three generations," Li said. His grandfather began selling oyster omelettes in Licheng over 30 years ago. Eight years ago, Li took over the stall and continued the tradition. With a crispy exterior, soft center, and satisfyingly chewy texture, the oyster omelette has become a must-try for food-loving tourists.

　　More Than a Meal—A Cultural Encounter

　　"Every time I come to Quanzhou, ginger duck is a must," said Mr. Ma from Suzhou, who was dining with his family and had already bought vacuum-packed duck to take home. Mr. Li from Ningbo described shihuagao as "the perfect way to beat the heat." "Quanzhou's culture and cuisine leave a deep impression," he added.

　　"Quanzhou's food scene is overwhelming—in the best way," said Mr. Liu from Anhui. Over the holiday, he and his friends sampled everything from ginger duck and four-fruit soup to rice noodle porridge and taro cakes. "Each dish is a new discovery. The variety and depth of flavors give this city its soul."

　　Behind the Scenes: Meeting the Holiday Rush

　　With visitor numbers spiking during the May Day break, vendors across the city worked behind the scenes to ensure smooth service and consistent quality.

　　"We hired extra staff and coordinated across branches," said Ms. Lin of the ginger duck shop. "We also offered vacuum-sealed packages so tourists could bring a taste of Quanzhou home."

　　Ms. Lyu, the shihuagao vendor, enlisted help from friends and family and launched a promotion: a free handmade red date cake with purchases over 15 yuan. Mr. Li, the oyster omelette chef, extended operating hours and pre-arranged ingredient deliveries to keep up with demand without compromising freshness.

　　A Taste of the World, in One City

　　As the historic starting point of the Maritime Silk Routes, Quanzhou has long been a crossroads of cultures. Its cuisine reflects this legacy—rooted in ancient Central Plains traditions while embracing flavors from across Asia and beyond. Today, its narrow alleys are filled with bustling food stalls and family-run eateries, each carrying the story of generations past. For visitors, every bite is more than a meal—it's a journey into the heart of a city where flavor and history go hand in hand.

　　During the May Day holiday, Quanzhou's vibrant food culture took center stage on national television, inviting tourists to taste their way through the city's living heritage.