Macao, June 11, 2024 — In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR and in collaboration with the inaugural "International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao" organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Wynn is pleased to be partnering with award-winning Chef Xue Quansheng, a master of Huaiyang cuisine, to present Emperor Qianlong's "Culinary Journey to the South" Royal Banquet. At the same time, Wynn will set up a culinary exhibition booth at the "International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao" event to promote local Macanese specialties for residents and tourists to experience Macao as a "Creative City of Gastronomy". The event also gives Wynn the opportunity to promote Macao's unique East-West culture with immersive cultural exchanges; forge new collaborations in culture and tourism; and showcase Macao as a "Culture City of East Asia" on a global level.

On June 15 and 16, Wynn will collaborate with Huaiyang Master Chef Xue Quansheng to host the Emperor Qianlong's "Culinary Journey to the South" Royal Banquet at the Wynn Macau Grand Ballroom. Organized in partnership with the Yangzhou Cuisine and Catering Industry Association, the Royal Banquet pays homage to Emperor Qianlong's six inspection tours to the south of the Yangtze River and his time stationed in Yangzhou. Emperor Qianlong was not only a highly successful military leader, but also a protector of Chinese cultural heritage and a gourmand with exceptional taste. His well-documented six tours to the south have left a lasting legacy, and elevated Huaiyang cuisine to new heights.

Inspired by the historical records of "Emperor Qianlong's Royal Culinary Journey to the South", this meticulously crafted Royal Banquet is of tremendous cultural significance. Wang Zhen, an expert on Huaiyang cuisine and Master Chef Xue who has garnered the honorary title of "Distinguished Service Culinary Artist" in China's Culinary Hall of Fame, have thoroughly researched Emperor Qianlong's southern tours and will soon be in Macao to showcase the very best of Huaiyang cuisine. Not only is Master Chef Xue honored in China's Culinary Hall of Fame, he also ranks among China's Top 10 Celebrity Chefs, he is a Master of Huaiyang Cuisine, and he is a purveyor of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yangzhou's "Three Knives" in Jiangsu Province.

At Wynn, Master Chef Xue will present masterfully crafted Huaiyang dishes featuring rare and wild birds, mountain mushrooms and more from the mountains, seas, rivers, and lakes located south of the Yangtze River. The Royal Banquet is a true representation of China's profound gastronomic culture as it upholds the nation's time-honored culinary. Guests will also be given a rare opportunity to experience the culinary artistry of one of China's greatest national master chefs. As a tribute to the finest in Huaiyang cuisine, unparalleled culinary skills, and China's intangible cultural heritage, the Royal Banquet is certain to command the attention of the Chinese culinary industry skills and shines a light on Macao's status as a "Creative City of Gastronomy" and a "Culture City of East Asia".

MGTO is also hosting the first-ever "International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao" for 10 consecutive days from June 14 to 23 at Macau Fisherman's Wharf, where representatives from 30 UNESCO "Creative Cities of Gastronomy" have been invited to participate and showcase their cuisines. As one of the co-organizers for this event, Wynn will set up a culinary exhibition booth to showcase Macanese cuisine. Wynn is also pleased to be collaborating with renowned Macanese chef Mr. Raymond Vong to host cooking demonstrations to present the essence of Macanese cuisine and its unique flavors, showcase culinary traditions and innovation, while also promoting Macao's unique culinary culture on an international level.

Wynn continues to support the Macao SAR Government's "1+4" appropriate diversification development strategy by organizing an array of diversified events to attract overseas visitors to Macao and expanding the cross-sector integration of "Tourism +" to enrich the city's cultural tourism offerings. To showcase Macao's role as a "Creative City of Gastronomy" and further solidify the city's position as a World Center of Tourism and Leisure, Wynn is also creating a variety of new top-tier events; promoting tradition, innovation, and cultural exchanges with other global gastronomic capitals and making efforts to achieve the UN's 2030 SDG goals.