Quanzhou and Wuxi, China | Officially Admitted to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Two Chinese cities, Quanzhou in Fujian province and Wuxi in Jiangsu province have been officially admitted to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, earning the titles of “City of Gastronomy” and “City of Music” respectively. 

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) features are a platform for cities to collaborate internationally, share the best practices, and strengthen their cultural and creative industries. Member cities are designated in one of of seven creative fields : Crafts and Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music. Key features include promoting sustainable urban development, fostering creativity and innovation, and integrating culture into local policies and plans.

Covering these creative fields, UNESCO’s Creaative Cities Network selects new members every two years through a rigorous process, including national - level nomination and international level review. 

This year, 58 cities worldwide joined the network and the total number of Chinese cities has reached 20, including major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen as reported by China Daily, an authorative provider of information, analysis, comment and entertainment to global readers with a special focus on China. 

Some information about the two cities Joined UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Quanzhou – City of Gastronomy -  Quanzhou is a prefecture - level port city on the north bank of the Jin River, beside the Taiwan Strait in southern Fujian, a province of the People’s Republic of China,, considered and the heart of the Sea Silk Road and Chinese Civilization. This harbour city was a strategic juncture at the mouth of the Jin River and at the centre of several sea routes became an important centre for trade during the Tang dynasty. 

The city’s gastronomy is a blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, influenced by global exchange of ingredients and techniques. It is celebrated through its diverse restaurants, a strong culinary education system and initiatives that support farmers and promote cultural fusion through food. 

Quanzhou actively integrates its culinary heritage through events and collaborative projects, such as the “Local Specialty Themed Banquet Development” Project. The city includes over 100.000 restaurants, a large workforce in food services, and very active to launch initiatives like the “village chef teams” that provide flexible employment and a comprehensive gastronomy education system. In addition the city boasts 17 universities and vocational institutions offerings programs in culinary arts and food – related fields. 

Wuxi -  City of Music - Wuxi is an attrctive ancient city located on the outskirts of Jiangsu Province nestled on the shores of the vast Lake Tai and in the southern Yangtze delta, with a history dates back over 3.000 years, but it really prospered when the Great Canal was built through the area. The Wuxi section is one of the best preserved, with magical bridges and footpaths to follow. The city is famed  for its picturesque scenery, grand film studios, rich Jiangnan - style cuisine and music. 

Wuxi City of Music features a blend of ancient tradition and modern industry, including a strong folk music heritage, known as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Music” and has over 500 folk music ensembles. The city boasts a thriving music industry and a global reputation for instrument craftmanship, considered a world leader in producing instruments like the erhu, and eight of China’s top ten erhu classics originated in Wuxi. 

Wuxi has a long history of musical innovation, producing renowned figures and acting as a bridge between Eastern and Western musical traditions. The classic piece “The Moon Reflected on the Second Spring” is a testament to its deep musical roots.

Music education is a priority in Wuxi, with programs like those at Meicun Experimental Primary School offering erhu classes to student from a young age, and boasting more than 80 school clubs across the city. The designation as a UNESCO City of Music undoubtedly recognizes Wuxi contribution to music heritage and creativity for its long traditions and history in this creative field.

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