Quanzhou, a southeastern Chinese city once known as the "Emporium of the World," continues to captivate visitors with its remarkable multicultural legacy rooted in its historic role as a major maritime Silk Road hub. The city welcomed nearly 100 million visitors last year, marking a 20.8 percent increase compared to 2023, as it emerges as one of China's hottest domestic travel destinations and a hidden gem for international tourists.
The city's rich history dates back over 1,700 years, when its port served as the terminal point of the maritime Silk Road. During the 13th century, renowned explorer Marco Polo described Quanzhou as the "Haven of Zayton," noting it was "frequented by all the ships of India, which bring thither spicery and all other kinds of costly wares." Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta similarly praised it as "one of the greatest ports in the world, if not the greatest."
At its peak during the Song and Yuan dynasties, Quanzhou anchored a vast global trade network connecting Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, the Arabian Peninsula, and Africa. The city welcomed thousands of merchants, sailors, and scholars who established lasting communities. Historical records show that Korean students, monks, and merchants settled in neighborhoods called Silla Village and Goryeo Village, while more than 4,500 Quanzhou merchants actively traded with Korea, exchanging silk, ceramics, ginseng, and shipbuilding expertise.
Today, Quanzhou's multicultural heritage remains evident throughout its religious monuments and architectural treasures. The city's profile has risen significantly since UNESCO inscribed 22 World Heritage Sites there in 2021, recognizing Quanzhou's role in centuries of global cultural exchange. For millions of overseas Chinese, the city remains an ancestral home, connecting families from 129 countries, including approximately half of Taiwan's population.
Kaiyuan Temple, founded in 686 during the Tang Dynasty, stands as the city's largest and most revered Buddhist temple with over 1,300 years of history. The temple's architecture incorporates elements from successive Chinese dynasties including Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods. Its twin stone pagodas rank among China's tallest and have weathered centuries of storms. Remarkably, the temple also features carvings from a 13th-century South Indian Vishnu temple built by Tamil merchants, including fragments of Hindu deities and architectural motifs that blend with traditional Buddhist art.
Nearby, the Qingjing Mosque, established in 1009, represents China's oldest Arab-style mosque and serves as a lasting symbol of the city's multicultural heritage. Drawing its design from the Great Mosque of Damascus, it features stone arches, pointed domes, and intricate carvings that blend Islamic and local motifs. Over the centuries, it has served as a spiritual center for Quanzhou's Muslim community, composed largely of Arab, Persian, and other foreign traders.
Just steps away from Qingjing Mosque stands Guanyue Temple, demonstrating the peaceful coexistence of diverse faiths and communities. Originally constructed as Guandi Temple during the Song Dynasty and expanded in 1914 to honor loyalist general Yue Fei, the temple serves as a center for Taoist and folk worship. This proximity of different religious sites exemplifies Quanzhou's centuries-long tradition of religious tolerance and cultural fusion.
The city's multicultural spirit extends beyond its monuments into everyday life and local customs. Traditional hospitality dictates offering tea to every visitor, a gesture that extends to both business travelers and tourists. Festival crowds have set new records, with more than 10 million people visiting during this year's Spring Festival, earning Quanzhou a spot among China's top 10 hottest festival destinations according to major travel platform Mafengwo.
To enhance its appeal to international visitors, the Quanzhou Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau has committed to improving bilingual services, including signage, guided tours, and payment methods. "To attract more international friends, we are committed to enhancing our bilingual services, ensuring a seamless travel experience," the bureau stated. "Simultaneously, we are actively promoting Quanzhou's unique charm through international partnerships and events."
For visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences, local hotels like Hilton Quanzhou Riverside offer immersive services including traditional activities such as Zanhua, a floral hairpin arrangement practiced by Xunpu fisherwomen. The hotel also provides the exclusive Song Yan banquet, a meticulously revived Song Dynasty-style feast that blends historical gastronomy with modern luxury. This multicourse experience features local seafood, creative regional dishes, and performances of traditional opera in the Minnan dialect, allowing guests to taste history while experiencing the grandeur of a bygone era.
