Quanzhou, a city rich in diverse, inclusive, and open culinary traditions, is actively working toward its bid to become a City of Gastronomy. On November 9, 2024, the city hosted the first donation ceremony for the Quanzhou Food Museum at the Quanzhou Maritime Museum. The event marked a significant milestone in the development of the museum, as ten initial donors contributed a collection of items vital for preserving Quanzhou's food culture.

　　At the ceremony, the donors were awarded Donation Certificates in recognition of their contributions, and representatives from the donor community engaged in discussions about the importance of preserving Quanzhou's culinary heritage. The donations have significantly contributed to the ongoing efforts to showcase Quanzhou's rich and diverse food culture, aligning with the city's vision of being recognized globally as a City of Gastronomy.

　　Since the official announcement on October 6, 2024, calling for donations to the museum, the response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. A total of ten donors contributed 70 items across 39 categories, including ancient texts, cooking utensils, historical menus, and other miscellaneous items related to Quanzhou's food culture.

　　The donated items include rare ancient texts that document local culinary secrets and the evolution of Quanzhou's cuisine over time. Among the kitchenware donations are items from the Qing Dynasty, the early Republic of China period, and modern-day utensils, such as traditional tableware, cooking vessels, and food molds, showcasing the craft and wisdom behind Quanzhou's culinary traditions. Other donations include memorabilia from renowned historical eateries, and items reflecting the region's significant culinary heritage.

　　One notable donor, Shi Zhengqiang from Yongchun, contributed 15 items that span the Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China. His donation includes historic menus, traditional recipes, and cultural items related to Yongchun's food culture. Shi expressed his desire to contribute to Quanzhou's bid to become a City of Gastronomy and hoped his donation would help preserve the city's culinary heritage for future generations.

　　The Quanzhou Food Museum is planned to be located at 369 Shaolin Road in the city center (previously known as the Citong Times Village). The museum will provide an immersive experience for visitors, combining exhibitions, cultural research, culinary skills exchanges, gourmet tasting events, and sightseeing opportunities. The museum is set to be completed by 2025 and is expected to become a central hub for showcasing Quanzhou's culinary culture while promoting healthy eating.

　　This donation ceremony has highlighted the widespread support for the preservation of Quanzhou's food culture and its efforts to achieve recognition as a City of Gastronomy. In the future, the Quanzhou Food Museum will become a key cultural and tourism landmark for the city, promoting both Quanzhou's rich culinary heritage and its commitment to healthy eating practices.