Why Quanzhou is one of China’s hottest domestic travel destinations and tourist hidden gem
Explorers once called Quanzhou one of the world’s greatest ports. Today, the city continues to enchant visitors with its history and culture
Marco Polo recalled Quanzhou in the 13th century as “the Haven of Zayton, frequented by all the ships of India, which bring thither spicery and all other kinds of costly wares”.
The Venetian explorer portrayed the southeastern Chinese city as the beating heart of the maritime Silk Road, a view echoed by the Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta, who described it as “one of the greatest ports in the world, if not the greatest”.
Their words conjure images of harbours teeming with vessels from every corner of the globe, vibrant markets and neighbourhoods where every faith and culture was welcome.
Today, Quanzhou continues to enchant visitors with its serene, scenic atmosphere of lush parks, gentle rivers and historic mountain retreats.
The city’s tranquil atmosphere endures in the incense wafting from ancient temples, the bustle of street markets, and centuries-old bridges and historic architecture. Here, the spirit of multicultural China comes alive, sustained by a long tradition of dialogue and diversity.
Once deemed the “Emporium of the World”, Quanzhou is now making headlines as one of China’s hottest domestic travel destinations and a hidden gem for foreign visitors.