Quanzhou

Quanzhou is a harbor city on the coast of Fujian province in southeastern China. The municipality spreads across several bays and includes both modern port districts and older neighborhoods with narrow lanes and historical buildings.

Between the 10th and 14th centuries, the city served as the main Chinese hub for sea trade toward Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Merchants from Arab lands, Persia and India settled here and shaped the urban landscape with religious buildings and trading quarters.

The name comes from an old word meaning spring water, referencing natural sources that once fed the harbor area. Temples, mosques and churches stand side by side in older neighborhoods, showing centuries of trade contact with merchants from distant lands.

The city is best explored on foot or by bicycle in older quarters, while modern districts are accessible by bus lines and taxis. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as many sites are connected by uneven cobblestones and staircases.

In 2021, UNESCO added the site to the World Heritage list for its role in medieval sea trade. Archaeologists still find ceramic shards and coins from different cultures along the old quay lines today.

Location: Fujian

Inception: 260

Elevation above the sea: 2 m

Part of: Southern Coast

Website: http://quanzhou.gov.cn

GPS coordinates: 24.91389,118.58583

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:01