A new cultural space dedicated to the food and crafts of Chaozhou, a coastal city in Guangdong recognized by UNESCO as a "City of Gastronomy," opened on November 18 in Guangzhou. The "Reception Hall," located in the Haizhu District's Gongmei Port International Digital Innovation Center (广州工美港), aims to serve as a bridge between Chaozhou's traditions and the wider Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Spanning three floors, the venue features themed displays of ceramics, tea ware, and festive banquets. The ground floor recreates ceremonial feasts—wedding, longevity, and coming-of-age tables—each with symbolic dishes, while the third floor showcases porcelain tableware decorated with Chaozhou's distinctive "caiyou" enamel art. Ceramic teapots, embroidery, and wood carvings are also on display, with interactive workshops allowing visitors to engage with artisans.
The center is designed to be more than a static exhibition. Organizers say it will host master chefs, Gongfu tea practitioners, and ceramics experts in residency programs, with regular tastings and craft demonstrations planned. It also incorporates an "entrepreneurship incubation base" aimed at encouraging young innovators from Chaozhou to develop businesses linked to local culture.
Chaozhou, which lies in eastern Guangdong, has a distinct cultural identity shaped by its Teochew dialect, ceramic heritage, and light, seafood-driven cuisine. The city's ceramic tradition dates to the Song Dynasty, and its Gongfu tea ceremony is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.
Author | Feng Huiting
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
