Chaozhou has been designated as a City of Gastronomy within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), as announced on the UNESCO website on October 31st.

UCCN serves as a platform for cities worldwide that invest in creativity as the basis for their development. The Network covers seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music. After deciding to apply for the UCCN City of Gastronomy in 2020, Chaozhou set up a dedicated management office in February 2021. With over three years of unwavering work, Chaozhou has been accepted as a City of Gastronomy.

Chaozhou is well-known all over the country for its abundant cultural and historical heritage. Notably, the local cuisine is one of its many signatures. A global online survey has recognized it as a Chinese city for gourmets. In addition to being an outstanding food product producer in China, Chaozhou is the birthplace of Chaozhou-style meals and a City of Geographically Indicated Food. Chaozhou cuisine dates back to the Han and Tang dynasties. It developed during the Song, Ming and Qing dynasties and is now popular at home and abroad. Furthermore, the culinary techniques of Chaozhou cuisine, known for preparing seafood, rich seasonings, cooking skills and fresh flavors, make a national intangible cultural heritage project. Chaozhou food is distinctive and diverse, with over 500 local dishes, over 300 snack options and around 100 condiments. Friends and family always enjoy the delicate and nutritious dishes made with raw ingredients.

With the designation as a UCCN City of Gastronomy, Chaozhou can better promote its culinary arts and local delicacies to the globe, fostering interaction and exchanges, particularly with other UNESCO Creative Cities. We hope that more and more people will come to discover the rich culture and distinct charm of the ancient city of Chaozhou.