Quanzhou, also referred to as “City of Carp”, boasts a long history and profound culture. The city is the first Cultural City of East Asia in China, as well as the core area of South Fujian Culture Preservation Zone. Quanzhou is officially recognized by UNESCO as one of the starting points of the Maritime Silk Road, and designated as the pilot area of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Known in older times as “Zaytun”, Quanzhou was one of the four major foreign trade ports in the Tang Dynasty. In the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Zanytun Port, the then largest port in the East, had trade ties with more than 100 countries and regions. Currently, the robust private sector of Quanzhou ranks first for 15 years in terms of regional economic strength in Fujian Province. The city has been listed as one of the 18 Model Areas for Reform and Opening-up, one of the three Financial Comprehensive Reform Pilot Zones approved by the central government, the Comprehensive Reform Pilot Zone in Private Sector Economy, as well as the first pilot city of “Made in China 2025”.

Symbols of Quanzhou are: City Sculpture – Statue of the Flying Goddess Welcoming Guests; City Tree – Zaytun Tree; City Flower – Flower of Zaytun.

The Twin Pagodas in Quanzhou