China’s Quanzhou and Wuxi join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network

In a significant cultural milestone, Quanzhou in Fujian Province and Wuxi in Jiangsu Province have been officially inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Quanzhou has been designated as a ‘City of Gastronomy,’ while Wuxi has earned the title of ‘City of Music.’ This recognition underscores their commitment to leveraging creativity as a cornerstone for sustainable urban development and their active engagement in enriching cultural life. With this addition, the number of Chinese cities in the network has now reached 20, joining prominent metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This year, a total of 58 cities worldwide were welcomed into the network, selected through a stringent process that includes national recommendations and international evaluations. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network, a flagship cultural initiative, spans eight creative fields and operates alongside other UNESCO programs focused on World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage. The network’s biennial designation process highlights the global importance of fostering creativity in urban planning and cultural preservation.