Overview of the City

　　Quanzhou, located in Fujian Province, China, has a population of 8.88 million and a regional GDP of 1,217.23 billion yuan in 2023. As the starting point of the Ancient Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou is a city of profound historical and cultural significance. Its strategic location, combined with a spirit of openness and inclusivity, has earned it the prestigious title of "City of East Asian Culture."

　　With over 1,700 years of history, Quanzhou is a central birthplace of Southern Fujian culture and is recognized by Overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia as the "Hokkien Heritage City." In 2021, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its pivotal role as a maritime trade hub during the Song and Yuan dynasties. The city is home to 628 items of intangible cultural heritage, including five UNESCO-recognized world-class heritage items and 36 national-level heritage items. Globally, Quanzhou has earned titles such as "World Ceramics City" (2015), "World Stone Carving City" (2015), and "Craft Capital of the World Crafts Council" (2019) for its exceptional craftsmanship in rattan and iron arts.

　　Beyond its cultural wealth, Quanzhou is also a modern hub of infrastructure. Its well-developed transportation network—including airports, railways, highways, and ports—connects inland regions to the sea, facilitating both domestic and international trade. As a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, Quanzhou’s diaspora spans over 170 countries and regions, with 9.5 million people, including large communities in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. This vast global network facilitates immense opportunities for economic and cultural exchange.

　　Culinary Heritage and Global Influence

　　Quanzhou, the birthplace of Oolong tea, has seen its tea culture thrive through maritime trade, leaving a lasting global impact. Oolong tea spread across Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, blending with local traditions to create a rich, diverse tea culture. Along with the tea, the word for "tea" in the Minnan (Southern Fujian) dialect has become a widely recognized global cultural symbol.Quanzhou’s culinary heritage is deeply intertwined with Southeast Asia, where its traditional dishes have been embraced and have evolved alongside the region’s unique food culture. As Quanzhou migrants and merchants traveled along trade routes to Southeast Asia, they brought with them flavors and cooking techniques that significantly influenced local cuisines. Iconic dishes such as Hokkien Mee (Fujian Fried Noodles) and Bak Kut Teh (Pork Bone Tea) are perfect examples of this cultural exchange, becoming beloved staples in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These dishes not only reflect the rich culinary traditions of Quanzhou but also serve as symbols of the city's enduring influence on global food culture.

　　In addition to their popularity across Southeast Asia, these dishes are now celebrated as a part of Quanzhou's culinary identity, representing the city's historical and cultural ties to the region. This influence continues to grow, as the city’s private enterprises, such as Dali and Jacques, successfully integrate traditional recipes with modern food industry practices. These companies have played a crucial role in modernizing and globalizing Quanzhou’s culinary traditions, propelling them to the international stage and breathing new life into the food industry. By combining time-honored flavors with contemporary innovations, they have expanded Quanzhou's gastronomic reach, creating a vibrant food culture that continues to thrive worldwide.

　　International Connections and Global Outreach

　　Quanzhou has developed strong international connections, establishing sister-city relationships with 17 cities worldwide. These partnerships are vital for expanding the city’s global outreach, contributing to its economic vitality and enhancing its cultural exchange.

　　Governance and Cultural Infrastructure

　　Quanzhou’s governance model emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration, with the private sector playing a central role in ensuring that cultural and economic growth are aligned for the benefit of all residents. This synergy has fostered a thriving environment for both traditional culture and modern industries. The city’s cultural infrastructure is robust, featuring museums, theaters, and libraries that are continuously updated to meet the evolving needs of both residents and international visitors.

　　Conclusion

　　In conclusion, Quanzhou is a city where rich historical traditions and modern innovation harmoniously converge. Its vibrant culinary heritage, deeply entwined with Southeast Asian food culture, makes it an ideal candidate for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, particularly in the "Gourmet Cities" category. With its strategic location, extensive infrastructure, and global connections, Quanzhou looks forward to sharing its cultural diversity and culinary treasures with the world. The city aspires to foster new global collaborations through the universal language of food and culture, continuing its legacy as a bridge between East and Southeast Asia.