As the scent of ginger duck fills the air, the delicate sweetness of rice noodles, the crispy crunch of oyster omelettes, and the tangy bite of vinegar-infused pork awaken the senses, visitors to Quanzhou embark on a culinary journey like no other. This historic city, long celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, is now gaining international recognition for its dynamic food scene.

　　In honour of China's first Intangible Cultural Heritage Year, Quanzhou has launched the "One County, One Signature Dish"initiative, inviting locals and tourists alike to savour the region's diverse and authentic flavours. This initiative has quickly captured the hearts—and appetites—of visitors, with many raving, "Quanzhou's cuisine is simply unforgettable!"

Visitors capturing memories through photographs.

　　Culinary Delights Drawing Food Enthusiasts from Afar

　　At a bustling food stall on Baiyuan Road, an eager queue forms before the morning sun is fully up. A visitor from Shandong shares her excitement: "We've been looking forward to trying Quanzhou's famous rice noodles with vinegar-marinated pork, shrimp, braised eggs, and tofu. The variety and freshness of ingredients are incredible!" She and her family meticulously planned their food tour in advance, determined to experience Quanzhou's renowned specialities—ginger duck, taro cakes, and sticky rice dumplings among them. "Everything is so delicious—we're making the most of every meal before we leave!"

　　A tourist from Shanghai echoes the sentiment: "Quanzhou's food is both flavourful and affordable. I wish I could bring it all home! I've already packed some taro cakes, and I'm seriously considering taking rice noodles back with me."

Authentic Quanzhou cuisine draws long queues of eager visitors.

　　A Gastronomic Experience Rooted in Tradition

　　By midday, the scent of simmering ginger duck drifts through the streets of Tumen, drawing in eager diners."The queue is long, but it's worth every minute! The duck is tender, the broth rich with the warmth of ginger—it's a perfect balance of flavour," says Ms. Xie from Shenzhen. She adds that beyond the flavours, Quanzhou's culinary scene is a reflection of its deep cultural roots, offering a taste of history in every bite.

　　Nearby, at a bustling dessert stall near Tianhou Temple, a mother and daughter from Beijing cool off with a refreshing bowl of four-fruit soup, a beloved traditional dessert."After all the savoury dishes, this is just what we needed to cleanse the palate,"the mother remarks. She's particularly fascinated by stone jelly, an ingredient she had never encountered before. "Its smooth, cooling texture paired with honey syrup makes it a delightful treat."

　　A Food Haven for Visitors Worldwide

　　Quanzhou's culinary appeal extends far beyond its famed street food. At a local beef stew restaurant, visitors from Sichuan and Zhejiang indulge in the slow-cooked perfection of braised beef with savoury rice, capturing every bite on their phones to share with friends. "Quanzhou's food scene is incredibly welcoming—you can wander into any street and discover something authentic and delicious,"one of them notes.

　　For many visitors, Quanzhou is not just a city to visit—it's a place to experience. "I came for the UNESCO-listed heritage sites, but the variety of local dishes has truly won me over,"says Ms. Chen from Zhejiang.

　　Food Enthusiasts Celebrate Quanzhou's Unique Flavours

　　Social media is abuzz with praise for Quanzhou’s culinary scene. A traveller from Hubei gushes on her blog: "I wasn't expecting Quanzhou to be such a food paradise. Without much planning, I followed local recommendations and was completely blown away by the flavours!"

　　Another visitor from Hunan, who chooses a different food destination to ring in the New Year each year, declares: "Quanzhou is now my spiritual home! The city's fusion of cultural heritage and outstanding cuisine makes it the perfect place to celebrate."

　　Even Hong Kong actor Terence Yin has joined the chorus of praise, posting about his love for Quanzhou’s beef dishes: "If I lived in Quanzhou,I'd eat this every day. The taste is simply unparalleled!"

　　With its deep-rooted culinary traditions, warm hospitality, and ever-evolving food culture, Quanzhou is fast becoming an essential stop for food lovers worldwide. Whether it's a comforting bowl of rice noodles or a fragrant plate of ginger duck, the city offers a gastronomic adventure that lingers long after the last bite.