An unforgettable journey through a thousand years of heritage—

　　A culinary voyage showcasing the flavours of Quanzhou—

　　As tradition meets the Dragon Boat Festival, the city is abuzz!

　　On 31 May, the Floral Crown Banquet joined hands with Quanzhou Seaside Grand Hotel to host the city's first "Dragon Boat Festival Floral Crown Banquet." This event marked a creative collaboration between the Floral Crown Banquet and authorised restaurants to celebrate intangible cultural heritage. Around 300 guests gathered for this unique experience, blending traditional aesthetics, Minnan cuisine, and Dragon Boat customs into one immersive cultural celebration. The venue bloomed with floral crowns and echoed with the lilting melodies of Nanyin, transporting guests back to the days when Quanzhou was known as the "First Port of the East" during the Song-Yuan era.

　　The "Floral Crown Banquet" brand was created by Quanzhou's Fengze District as a signature culinary and cultural experience, rooted in the city's Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road heritage and the traditions of Xunpu village. By tapping into local culinary techniques, folklore, and historical stories—and seamlessly integrating them into menu design, ambience, and service—this initiative has reimagined Minnan cuisine as a fusion of gastronomy and culture.

Four Highlights Capture the Event's Most Unforgettable Moments

"Immersed in Tradition—A Full Sensory Experience"

　　Guests entering the hotel were greeted by a long corridor adorned with floral crowns and aromatic mugwort branches suspended overhead, accompanied by the soft strains of Nanyin music. Each woman received a floral headpiece and a sprig of mugwort, instantly setting the festive tone of the Dragon Boat Festival.

"A Taste of Culture—Where Every Bite Tells a Story"

　　Highlights of the banquet included:

　　"Bounty of the Sea" Sashimi Platter — Celebrating the homecoming of Xunpu fisherwomen, evoking their joy after a day's catch.

　　"Nanyang Memories" Scallion-Soy Deep-Sea Fish — Honouring the Minnan diaspora and their journeys across Southeast Asia.

　　"Four Seasons Bloom" Fruit Platter — Featuring intricately carved fruits that echo the artistry of the floral crowns.

　　"Heritage in Action—The Floral Crown Challenge"

　　An intangible cultural heritage bearer from Xunpu demonstrated the art of crafting floral crowns, inviting guests to participate in a DIY competition to create the most beautiful floral headpiece. A young participant's "Little Dragon Boat Floral Crown" design won top prize. A lively puppet show also brought to life beloved Dragon Boat Festival legends.

"Lighting Up Quanzhou—A Community Sing-Along in Minnan Dialect"

　　As the event drew to a close, guests held electronic river lanterns and illuminated a model of Quanzhou's ancient city, singing the Minnan classic "Ai Pia Cai Eh Eng" ("If You Work Hard, You Will Succeed"), creating a moment of collective emotion and unity. Each departing guest received a "World Heritage Check-In Map," extending the festival experience beyond the banquet.

One Banquet, Half a Minnan History

　　Using flowers as a bridge and feasts as a medium,

　　We bring tradition to life in the present.

　　We look forward to seeing you again

　　At the next Floral Crown Banquet!