Strolling through the ancient city of Quanzhou, amidst the red walls and old houses, a bowl of clear, glistening seaweed jelly always seems to grace the air, becoming the most delightful taste of summer. As a traditional intangible flavor of southern Fujian, it's not as sweet and intense as desserts, but its simple, natural taste has captivated countless palates, making it a perfect choice for women's outings.

The soul of seaweed jelly comes from the seaweed, a gift from the ocean. This seaweed, growing on shallow sea reefs, is repeatedly washed, sun-dried, and soaked before being slowly simmered to extract its gelatinous substance. After filtering and settling, it solidifies into a crystal-clear jelly. Completely additive-free and oil-free, low in fat and calories, it's cool and refreshing, even cooling in the summer. The Compendium of Materia Medica also records its lung-moistening and heat-reducing effects, making it a natural and healthy summer essential.

The authentic way of eating seaweed jelly reveals the ingenuity of the people of Quanzhou. The simplest, traditional way to enjoy agar-agar is to shred it into thin strips, drizzle it with sweet honey or brown sugar syrup, and add a spoonful of crushed ice. The cool, smooth texture melts in your mouth, the freshness of the sea and the warmth of the sugar blending on your tongue, instantly dispelling any heat. For a richer texture, add soft, chewy taro paste, bouncy taro balls, and refreshing fresh fruit, transforming it into a bowl of Minnan Four Fruit Soup—a multi-layered and delicious treat perfect for photos.

In Quanzhou, Bingzheng Hall near the Tianhou Temple and Ai'a Agar-agar in Zhuangfu Lane are both long-established shops with a history spanning many years. After strolling through West Street and Xunpu Village, sit down, order a bowl of agar-agar, watch the people come and go on the ancient streets, and savor the cool, sweet taste of the sea—that's how you truly understand the slow pace of life in Quanzhou.

However, agar-agar is considered cooling in nature. Women should choose the room-temperature version, and those with weak spleen and stomach should consume it in moderation. This intangible cultural heritage dessert, originating from the sea, is unadorned, using only its pure flavor to tell a story of the unique gentleness of Southern Fujian, becoming the most refreshing and unforgettable memory of a trip to Quanzhou. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Quanzhou Shihua Gao (a Southern Fujian intangible cultural heritage, a summer dessert super friendly to girls), including how to eat it, recommended shops, and tips.

How to Eat & Recommended Pairings

1. Traditional Original Flavor: Shihua Gao + honey water/brown sugar water + crushed ice, refreshingly sweet and guilt-free;

2. Deluxe Four-Fruit Soup: Topped with taro paste, taro balls, watermelon, pineapple, and mung bean paste, drizzled with honey water;

3. Refreshing Fresh Fruit Version: Add mango, lychee, and lemon slices, served with sparkling water/sour plum juice.

Must-Visit Shops & Addresses:

1. Bingzhengtang (Famous Chinese Snack, Tianhou Palace Branch): No. 1-3, Tianhou Palace, Zhongshan South Road, Licheng District, a time-honored brand and inheritor of intangible cultural heritage;

2. Aia Shihua Gao (Zhuangfu Lane Branch), Yifuji (Zhongshan Middle Road Branch): High cost-performance ratio, rich in ingredients.

Friendly Tips:

- Almost oil-free and sugar-free, low in calories, transparent for better photos;

- Slightly cooling in nature, women are advised to consume less ice/at room temperature during menstruation, and those with weak spleen and stomach should consume in moderation;

- Perfect for summer strolls in Xijie, Xunpu Village, and Tianhou Palace, a bowl of this is super refreshing.