As the host city of the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival, Fuzhou – capital of southeast China's Fujian Province – is serving more than cinematic masterpieces this week. The coastal metropolis has emerged as an unexpected hotspot for gastronomic tourism, combining cultural diplomacy with its legendary culinary traditions.
Festival attendees from over 50 countries and regions are discovering why locals call Fuzhou a 'foodie's paradise,' sampling iconic dishes like Fotiaoqiang ('Buddha jumps over the wall'). This complex broth containing over 30 ingredients symbolizes Fujian's culinary philosophy of harmony through diversity.
"The festival creates a unique bridge," noted local chef Lin Wei during a cooking demonstration. "Through shared meals, international filmmakers experience our history – every bite tells stories of maritime trade routes and cross-cultural exchange."
Business analysts highlight Fuzhou's growing appeal, with tourism revenue up 18% year-on-year. The city's strategic position in the Fujian Free Trade Zone continues attracting overseas investors, particularly in cultural and food-tech industries.
