Quanzhou, August 15 – The 3rd Silk Road Gastronomy Summit, co-hosted by the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry and Quanzhou Cultural Tourism Group, opened with a landmark Maritime Silk Road Cuisine Showcase spotlighting Quanzhou's rich culinary traditions.

　　A Feast for the Senses

　　The evening began with Hundred Birds Returning to the Nest, a spellbinding nanyin performance whose ancient cadences intertwined with the vitality of Quanzhou's historic cityscape—evoking the bustling cosmopolitan spirit of the Song-Yuan era. This was followed by Clever Encounters, a lively marionette play that charmed the audience with wit and artistry.

　　Theme: Silk Road Flavours · Culinary Futures

　　Framed around the preservation of Maritime Silk Road traditions and their dialogue with global gastronomy, the highlight was the Feast of Global Encounters banquet. This curated menu distilled Quanzhou's "mountains-meet-sea" philosophy into dishes that embody cultural convergence:

　　Beef Tendon Soup – a humble yet profound reflection of the city's street-food heritage.

　　Ginger-Infused Duck – showcasing the refined craft of Fujian's time-honoured techniques.

　　Ten further creations celebrating the fusion of land and sea that defines Quanzhou's palate.

　　Dialogue on Food and Tourism

　　Alongside the feast, culinary leaders and cultural tourism experts engaged in a roundtable on "food + travel" integration, generating new pathways to:

　　Translate Quanzhou's UNESCO World Heritage status into immersive dining experiences.

　　Foster cross-border collaborations with Silk Road cities.

　　Promote local flavours as cultural ambassadors through creative formats such as artisanal spice kits and digital cooking classes.

　　Looking Ahead

　　"Through cuisine, we are reigniting Quanzhou's legacy as a bridge between civilizations," the organisers remarked. "This event is not just about tasting history—it is about co-creating a future where every bite carries the story of exchange, resilience, and innovation."

　　By Ye Hongyu