By Wang Yujing (Integrated Media Reporter) | Photos by Li Jia, Lei Yingmiao, and Yang Hua

　　(Quanzhou Net, October 11)

　　As the final glow of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival faded over the upturned eaves of Kaiyuan Temple, trains and flights carrying travelers filled with Minnan memories departed one after another. Visitors from across the country set off home with lingering fondness—rooted not only in nostalgia but also in Quanzhou's thoughtful planning. Through advance coordination and diverse holiday events, the city ensured that visitors ate well and stayed comfortably. From the culinary charm of "One County, One Signature Dish" to the warmth of "affordable, traveler-friendly hotels," guests departed saying, "We'll be back!"

　　A Culinary Feast: "Quanzhou Flavor" Leaves a Lasting Impression

Visitors enjoying local delicacies

　　"The mianxianhu (flour noodle soup) is absolutely divine!" exclaimed Ms. Li from Hunan, while packing up some braised ginger duck and scrolling through photos from the previous night's 'Hairpin Flower Banquet.'

　　During the holiday, Quanzhou rolled out its 'One County, One Table' campaign, turning local dishes into both a cultural highlight and a key driver of holiday spending. For many visitors, the taste of Quanzhou became their most treasured memory.

　　In the ancient city's narrow lanes, food and culture intertwined seamlessly. Beneath the East and West Pagodas, the air was rich with the scent of snacks sizzling on street stoves. Along the coast, the 'Huinü (Minnan Fisherwomen) Banquet' featured rustic dishes such as red mushroom chicken soup and oyster omelets, allowing visitors to experience local life as they donned flower hairpins and shared laughter over communal tables.

　　Signature dishes like creamy mianxianhu, tender beef soup, and refreshing siguo (four-fruit soup) became "must-tries." Many visitors rose early to queue for a steaming bowl near the Clock Tower, paired with a freshly fried dough stick.

　　Unofficial data shows Quanzhou's food and beverage industry revenue surged by more than 15% year-on-year—a smile-filled testament to how Minnan flavours warm hearts and attract crowds.

　　Thoughtful Accommodation: "Affordable Havens" Feel Like Home

　　"I didn't expect the hotel to be so close to Xunpu Village—and so affordable!" said Mr. Zhang from Sichuan, who stayed with his family at one of Quanzhou's newly launched 'Friendly Price Hotels.' Just a 10-minute walk from the flower-adorned fishing village, their stay was effortless and relaxing. Amid the peak holiday travel rush, Quanzhou not only ensured ample accommodation but made it accessible and welcoming—like home.

　　The city introduced 100 'Friendly Price Hotels and Guesthouses' across 13 counties and districts, most conveniently located near major attractions such as the Ancient City, Xunpu Village, and Mount Qingyuan.

　　Options ranged from traditional Minnan-style homestays with swallow-tail roofs and red-brick walls to modern chain hotels offering reliable service—all reasonably priced.

　　This initiative bore fruit: as part of the 'Hundred Hotels Upgrade Programme,' Quanzhou's lodging standards improved significantly, with occupancy rates holding steady across the Old City and surrounding counties.

　　Unofficial figures show monitored hotels saw revenues climb around 8% year-on-year.

　　"I worried holiday prices would skyrocket, but Quanzhou was so considerate," said Ms. Wang from Zhejiang while boarding her train home. "Comfortable, affordable, and close to everything—we've already recommended it to friends!"

　　As the train slowly pulled away from Quanzhou Station, the ancient city receded in the distance. Yet the aroma of "Quanzhou flavour" and the warmth of "thoughtful stays" lingered in travellers' hearts. With the city's ongoing consumption season, this millennium-old port is ready to welcome the next wave of visitors—with even greater sincerity.