Understand

Once upon a time, the city of Quanzhou was bustling with international trade as the eastern terminus of the Maritime Silk Road. It was a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse community of Arabs, Persians, Indians, and others, totaling over 100,000 people. In fact, the Arabic name for Quanzhou, "Zaiton," gave birth to the English word "satin." Quanzhou was not only a major port of the Silk Road but also renowned as the world's busiest port, second only to Alexandria. Even the famous explorer Marco Polo sailed home from Quanzhou. Fascinatingly, it was also the starting point of Kublai Khan's ill-fated fleet, destined for the invasion of Japan. Unfortunately, the fleet was destroyed by a fierce storm known as the "spirit wind," giving rise to the term kamikaze plots. Sadly, Quanzhou's prosperity waned when the emperor halted foreign expeditions and let the grand ships decay in the 1420s. Today, the city may be lesser-known compared to Fuzhou or Xiamen, but it has its own unique charm. One of its highlights is the captivating architecture, from districts with picturesque traditional Chinese tile-roofed buildings to areas near the old mosque with Islamic-inspired designs. Additionally, the preservation of the Zhongshan Road shopping area earned a UNESCO award for heritage conservation, while Quanzhou itself was recognized as one of the most livable cities in an international contest. Come and explore Quanzhou, where history, culture, and shopping blend harmoniously. It's a city that will surely captivate your senses.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dim Sum - A collection of small bite-sized portions of various Chinese dishes, which can include dumplings, spring rolls, barbecued pork buns, and egg tarts. These are often served as a brunch or pre-lunch meal, accompanied by tea.

Peking Duck - A whole roasted duck that is a specialty of Beijing, known for its thin, crisp skin, rich, tender meat, and flavorful fat. The duck is typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.

Kung Pao Chicken - A stir-fried dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables (usually bell peppers and onions), and chili peppers, all coated in a spicy, savory sauce. It's a staple in Sichuanese and broader Chinese cuisine.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing