中国·福州——热爱城市从热爱美食开始

On February 14, 2025, the Minqing “Shibaban” Market Fair officially kicked off at Honglin House in Bandong Town. During the event, the county also unveiled its signature “Honglin Banquet,” inviting visitors from far and wide to embrace good fortune, shop for festive goods, savor traditional delicacies, and explore scenic attractions.

By 9 a.m., the streets of Bandong Town were already bustling with crowds. Merchants from across the country flocked to Naishang Street and other traditional market areas, where over 800 stalls lined the streets, attracting streams of enthusiastic shoppers. The air buzzed with the lively calls of vendors, while visitors wandered through the bustling market, fully immersed in its vibrant and festive ambiance.

Originating during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, the “Shibaban” fair boasts a history of over 200 years and stands as one of the most celebrated folk traditions in the Fuzhou region. Once a rural market primarily for agricultural trade, it has transformed into a comprehensive event that seamlessly blends commerce, culture, and tourism. As visitors stroll through the fair, they are greeted by a diverse array of offerings, including Minqing’s “One Town, One Product” specialty agricultural goods, Southeast Asian imports, Minqing’s intangible cultural heritage crafts, and collaborative rural development products from Fujian and Taiwan. This vibrant mix of goods creates a bustling shopping frenzy.

At the event, the “Honglin Banquet” menu was officially unveiled, inviting visitors to sample the region’s signature dishes. In recent years, Minqing County has actively tapped into its rich culinary traditions, organizing events such as the Minqing Specialty Snack Collection Campaign and the Minqing Specialty Snack Selection and Recommendation Conference. These efforts have helped identify and promote local delicacies that best represent Minqing’s gastronomic culture. Among them, Braised Pork Trotters with Litsea Cubeba Root and Oyster and Tofu Soup were included in Fuzhou’s first “Fujian cuisine Preservation List” under the hot dish category, and Bamboo Shoot Slippery Delight and Loach and Dried Rice Noodles were recognized under the specialty snack category.

According to event organizers, this year’s “Shibaban” Market Fair has introduced a dedicated tourist shuttle service connecting Fuzhou’s Sanfang Qixiang to the fairgrounds. From February 14 to February 23, visitors can take the “Shibaban” Tourist Express from the Tourism Distribution Service Center located on the south side of Sanfang Qixiang. This convenient service allows travelers to immerse themselves in the lively market of Bandong Town, indulge in the exquisite “Honglin Banquet,” and explore the scenic wonders of Minqing, a land blessed with natural beauty and tranquility. (Fuzhou Daily Reporter: Ruan Guanda)