To actively pursue its inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a "City of Gastronomy" and strengthen connections with already recognised cities, a delegation led by Chen Rixing visited Macau, Shunde, and Chaozhou from December 13 to 16. This exchange aimed to gain deeper insights into the practices of these cities and to learn from their success stories, providing valuable support for Quanzhou's application process.

　　First Stop: Macau

　　In Macau, Ms. Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office and a key liaison for UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in Macau, shared her expertise. She highlighted the role of gastronomy in cultural preservation and economic development. She encouraged Quanzhou to aspire for the same recognition, drawing parallels to other renowned Chinese gastronomic cities such as Chengdu, Shunde, and Yangzhou.

　　Ms. Fernandes also shared Macau's experience in hosting international culinary festivals and suggested Quanzhou emphasise its unique historical background, recent achievements, and support for young talent in its application.

　　Ms. Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, meets with the Quanzhou culinary delegation and takes a group photo.

　　The delegation also received a warm reception from Mr. Li Yurong, President of the Macau Catering Industry Association, and his team. They visited several renowned restaurants in Macau to explore their operations, signature dishes, and service philosophies.

　　Group photo of the Macau Catering Industry Association and the Quanzhou culinary delegation, with Mr. Chen Rixing presenting exquisite Dehua porcelain to Mr. Li Yurong, President of the Macau Catering Industry Association.

　　Second Stop: Shunde

　　In Shunde, the delegation visited the renowned local food museum to learn about the city’s rich culinary history and its socio-cultural transformations. Mr. Lu Yuansen, President of the Shunde Culinary Association, introduced the city’s sustainable food ecosystem, focusing on brand development and talent cultivation.

　　The Quanzhou culinary delegation visits Shunde’s renowned food museum.

　　During a roundtable discussion, both sides exchanged ideas on preserving and promoting local cuisines. Delegates also enjoyed authentic Shunde dishes, experiencing the region’s distinctive culinary techniques.

　　Mr. Lu Yuansen, President of the Shunde Culinary Association, meets and takes a group photo with the Quanzhou culinary delegation.

　　Final Stop: Chaozhou

　　In Chaozhou, the delegation explored the city’s rich culinary heritage and modern food industry development. Local officials expressed their desire for closer cooperation with Quanzhou to promote cultural exchange.

　　Mr. Zhang Sheng, President of the Chaozhou Culinary Association, introduced initiatives like the creation of a professional food industrial park to elevate the local dining industry. He also highlighted Chaozhou’s participation in international exhibitions, such as the Singapore Teochew Festival, which showcased intangible cultural heritage and strengthened global recognition of Chaozhou cuisine.

　　Mr. Zhang Sheng, President of the Chaozhou Culinary Association, engages in discussions and takes a group photo with the Quanzhou culinary delegation.

　　This exchange trip provided Quanzhou with valuable experience and strengthened its foundation for applying as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Quanzhou's food and beverage sector will continue fostering collaborations with these regions, enhancing its competitiveness and influence in the global culinary scene.