Through the Maritime Silk Road, China connected with various nations, from Southeast Asia to the Arabian Peninsula. Its commercial peak occurred during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. During that time, the country not only traded goods but also shared its distinct heritage with the world. One of the key factors behind its maritime trade success was the city of Quanzhou.
Located in Fujian province on China’s southeast coast, Quanzhou (pronounced chen-jow) is one of the four major Chinese ports. Known as Zayton by Arabian traders, it is recognized as one of the birthplaces of Minnan (Hokkien) culture, making it a hub for trade and cultural exchange.
With its rich history and unique customs, Quanzhou was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021. Its designation also recognizes 22 sites, including historic monuments, transportation networks, and Islamic edifices, highlighting its diversity and the strong ties China established with other countries, including the Philippines. In fact, many Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs based in Manila trace their roots back to Quanzhou.
“Throughout history, Quanzhou and the Philippines have shared a close and enduring connection,” said Liu Linshuang, president of the Quanzhou International Overseas Friendship Association. “This longstanding relationship continued during the Ming Dynasty when Chinese merchants and settlers from Quanzhou made the Philippines their new home. Today, the Filipino-Chinese community from Quanzhou remains one of the most significant Chinese diasporas in the world.”
On a trip organized by Quanzhou Radio and Television Station, Manila Bulletin had the opportunity to explore the city's ancient structures, experience its customs, and savor the flavors of Minnan cuisine. These intangible treasures truly make Quanzhou the perfect destination for discovering China's ancient culture and heritage, which remain vibrant today.
Women of Xunpu
In Xunpu, a fishing village in Quanzhou, women are easily recognizable by their distinctive attire. They wear elaborate floral headdresses called Zanhuawei. It is believed that this tradition was introduced by Arabian traders who arrived in Quanzhou during the Tang and Yuan Dynasties. The women of Xunpu have practiced this custom for generations, with some special arrangements reserved for specific occasions. The goal is to adorn a woman's head like a spring garden. While young ladies wear intricate designs, elderly women opt for simpler floral headdresses.
Beyond the traditional attire of its female villagers, Xunpu's charm is also reflected in its ancient architecture. The village's oyster heritage is evident in the walls of its humble buildings. Villagers mix oyster shells with sea mud to construct their houses. Some of the shell houses in Xunpu Village date back to the late Song and early Yuan Dynasties. Research suggests that the shells used were not native to Quanzhou but originated in Africa. These shells were collected from African beaches and loaded onto empty ships to improve navigation as Chinese traders journeyed home. Upon arrival, the shells were stacked along the coast of Xunpu, where villagers used them to build sturdy houses capable of withstanding floods, typhoons, and earthquakes. Today, these structures provide picturesque backdrops for tourists who have adorned themselves with Zanhuawei.
The perfect way to complete the Zanhuawei experience is by indulging in Xunpu’s famous oyster pancakes. Made from fresh oysters mixed into a batter of sweet potato and egg with garlic shoots, this dish can be enjoyed on its own, though many locals prefer it with sweet chili sauce.
Ancient sites
Among the factors that solidified Quanzhou’s place on the UNESCO World Heritage List is its historic architecture. One of the city's must-visit landmarks is Kaiyuan Temple. Located in the northwest part of Quanzhou’s old town, Kaiyuan Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the city. Founded in 686 AD during the Tang Dynasty, it features diverse cultural relics and towering East and West pagodas. The temple is also home to a mulberry tree that is over a thousand years old.
On the other side of the city lies another significant heritage site that played a vital role in Quanzhou’s commercial and trade activities. Spanning the Luoyang River, the 731-meter-long Luoyang Bridge connects Quanzhou to Fuzhou and the nation’s heartland. Walking along the bridge, visitors can learn more about the city's oyster cultivation and explore its history through stone pavilions and temples. While the bridge once served as a crucial transportation hub, today, it is a beloved spot where locals and tourists can relax, enjoy the natural beauty of the city, and dine at the many bars and restaurants lining its sides.
Crafted by hands
Quanzhou’s pride also lies in its preservation of Minnan culture, particularly in its crafts. At Yuanhe 1916, tradition meets modernity, with historic buildings blending seamlessly with contemporary cafés. Inside this cultural and creative industrial park, visitors can experience Chinese opera, folk art, and traditional performances.
Also on display are various artisanal works by Chinese craftsmen and artists. Among them are artist Wu Jiandong's botanical and scenic carvings on red bricks, the enchanting wood sculptures of Zhang Hongping, and the intricate Chinese marionettes crafted by artist Huang Ziyan.
A taste of Minnan
One of the most familiar aspects of Chinese culture, especially to Filipinos, is its cuisine. We enjoy dim sum, noodle dishes, and steamed buns—but have you ever tried sandworms? The Anhai Sandworm Jelly is a traditional snack made from worms that grow in seaside mud. It is certainly different from the savory Chinese dishes Filipinos love, but it is an experience worth trying. The best place to sample this and other unique Quanzhou delicacies is Zhongshan Road.
Honored with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit, Zhongshan Road is a 2.5-kilometer commercial strip that travelers inevitably find themselves exploring when in Quanzhou. It boasts numerous clothing, jewelry, and medicine shops, as well as restaurants and food stalls that complete the Quanzhou experience. There is much to see and discover along Zhongshan Road, so travelers should come prepared with handheld snacks and drinks. Our top recommendations include stinky tofu, traditional mung bean cake, and mango jelly juice to quench your thirst. The best time to explore is at night when Zhongshan Road transforms into a golden spectacle, illuminated by lights and lanterns that highlight its traditional arcade-style architecture.
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