Quanzhou, a historic center of overseas Chinese culture, is a coastal city shaped by its subtropical climate and rich culinary heritage. Within its bounds lies Shishi, where the legacy of the Song and Yuan Dynasties’ Maritime Silk Road is not only preserved in history but also celebrated through its diverse gastronomic traditions. The Song-Yuan Maritime Heritage Feast embodies this rich cultural tapestry, offering a vivid reflection of the prosperity and vibrancy of a bygone era.

　　Shishi’s culinary traditions trace back to the Song-Yuan period, nourished by the region’s abundant natural resources. Nestled between mountains and the sea, Shishi enjoys a mild, humid climate, perfect for cultivating a wide variety of crops. Renowned as a land of “fish and rice,” the city has long been a haven for fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and grains, forming the cornerstone of its culinary culture. During the Southern Song Dynasty, Shishi-born gastronome Lin Hong authored Shanjia Qinggong (The Mountain Home Light Diet), a seminal work in Chinese culinary literature. The dishes detailed in this text continue to inspire admiration and have profoundly influenced generations of Chinese culinary artistry.

　　The Song-Yuan Maritime Heritage Feast takes its cues from Shanjia Qinggong, recreated and innovated by culinary experts. This feast encapsulates Quanzhou’s pivotal role as a global maritime trade hub, seamlessly blending the rich flavors of Minnan cuisine with local traditions. From its initial revival of 16 historic recipes to its current repertoire of over 100 dishes, each plate is a testament to the city’s deep cultural and historical legacy, offering diners an evocative taste of the past.

Crab-Stuffed Orange

　　One of the feast’s standout dishes is the Crab Stuffed Orange, a creative fusion of locally sourced crab meat and roe delicately encased in a fresh orange. The harmonious blend of the crab’s savory richness and the orange’s tangy sweetness exemplifies the essence of Minnan’s maritime cuisine and the aesthetic refinement of Southern Song culinary traditions.

Sea and Mountain Treasures Wrap

　　Another signature dish, the Sea and Mountain Treasures Wrap, highlights Shishi’s balance of local and global influences. This dish combines tender bamboo shoots and fresh seafood, wrapped together and seasoned with pepper—a spice introduced through maritime trade routes. The result is a unique interplay of flavors that celebrates both Shishi’s local bounty and its historical openness to global influences.

　　Other notable creations include the Braised Golden Abalone, renowned for its tender texture and umami richness, and Dragon Soars the Seas, a visually striking dish featuring lobster paired with vibrant seasonal vegetables. Fortune Dish, symbolizing good luck, layers crab roe and goose breast to deliver a complex yet harmonious taste experience.

　　Recognized as a national culinary treasure, the Song-Yuan Maritime Heritage Feast has garnered numerous accolades and serves as both a gastronomic symbol of Shishi and a cultural ambassador for Quanzhou on the global stage. Through this feast, locals and visitors alike are invited to delve into Quanzhou’s storied past and immerse themselves in its unique cultural charm. For those who partake, the Song-Yuan Maritime Heritage Feast offers not just a meal, but a rare and unforgettable journey through history, flavors, and tradition.

　　(By Dr. Wang Qiang, Professor of Foreign Languages and Tourism at Liming University, Columnist for the Philippine Chinese Commercial News on Maritime Heritage & Culture Roots, Author of The Legendary Port of Maritime Silk Routes:Zayton[Quanzhou], and other works.)