On the occasion of World Cities Day 2025, observed on October 31, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has designated 58 new cities to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Among them, China's Quanzhou and Wuxi have been named a City of Gastronomy and a City of Music, respectively. These cities are committed to championing creativity as a driving force for sustainable urban development and bring extensive experience in building resilient and vibrant communities.

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This year, the Creative Cities Network introduced a new field, "Architecture," alongside Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music. The network now comprises 408 cities in over 100 countries. Among the 58 new members, two cities from China were selected: Quanzhou as a City of Gastronomy and Wuxi as a City of Music. Notably, Wuxi is also China's first-ever "City of Music." With these additions, the total number of Chinese cities in the Creative Cities Network has reached 20.

City of Gastronomy: Quanzhou

Located on the coast of southern Fujian, Quanzhou has been shaped by the tides of history. Its cuisine is a significant representative of Min Cuisine, one of the Eight Great Cuisines of China. The flavors here carry the traditions and culture of a place where land meets sea. From the fish balls and peanut soup of morning tea to the oyster omelettes and Tǔsǔndòng (Sea Worm Aspic) in the evening, the fragrant everyday aromas reflect a way of life enriched by multicultural fusion.

City of Music: Wuxi

Wuxi breathes in the gentle waves of Taihu Lake and in the melodies and chants from its ancient alleyways. It is the birthplace of many traditional Chinese musical instruments and a fertile ground for contemporary musical creativity and the growth of cultural industries. This is the city that gave birth to musical masters like Abing and Liu Tianhua, as well as classic works such as The Moon Reflected on the Second Spring. Wuxi serves as a vital bridge linking Eastern music and aesthetics to the wider world.

As UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stated, "The cultural and creative industries can be a driving force for development. With the 58 new cities joining, we are strengthening a network where creativity can inspire initiatives, attract investment, and foster social cohesion."

Since its establishment in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network has actively promoted people-centered urban living and governance, offering a wide range of cultural and creative activities to its citizens. Following the MONDIACULT 2025 conference, during which countries reaffirmed their commitment to culture-led sustainable development, the Creative Cities will respond to UNESCO's call to establish culture as a global public good.

Being selected for the Creative Cities Network not only signifies international recognition of a city's creative achievements but also presents opportunities to drive multifaceted urban development. It can attract international exchange, investment, and tourism, injecting new vitality into local industries. It also encourages governments and the public to place greater emphasis on cultural heritage and innovation, integrating resources from arts, technology, and education to form a sustainable cultural ecosystem. For the city's residents, this process enhances their quality of life and inspires a deep-seated cultural confidence.