Quanzhou City: It’s Not Just a Port, It’s a Party!
BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Gather around, culture enthusiasts! During the 6th China-France Cultural Forum, Quanzhou’s mayor Cai Zhansheng took to the floor like it was the final episode of a cooking show—garnishing arguments with charm and flair while promoting his city at the mayors’ roundtable. And let me tell you, if he were a dish, he’d be a five-star Michelin entrée!
So what’s the fuss about Quanzhou, you ask? Well, this coastal gem in Fujian Province isn’t just famous for its noodles and sunny beaches. Oh no, it’s been designated by UNESCO as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Picture it: ancient dynasties bustling with activity as it became the largest port in the East. Traders were in and out like they were trying to get the last pair of Yeezys on sale.
Now let’s dish out some current details—Quanzhou is booming! This city is a powerhouse of private enterprises and cutting-edge industries, churning out porcelain, textiles, tea, and fancy footwear like it’s the latest trend. Just imagine, Quanzhou is the proud number one in China for porcelain exports! Their delicate ceramics are flying off the shelves to over 190 countries—which is impressive, considering I can barely get my coffee cup out of the cupboard without breaking something!
But wait! There’s more to Quanzhou than just some fancy teapots. Get this—Tieguanyin Tea is recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization as a globally important agricultural heritage. Yes, it’s heritage, because who knew sipping tea could be history in a cup? And it doesn’t stop there; Quanzhou boasts the world’s largest modern sports products cluster! Talk about a city that’s got game! They’re pulling in over 800 billion yuan in output. If only I could run away from my bills that easily!
Historically, Quanzhou is a melting pot of cultures and religions. Back in the Song and Yuan dynasties, roughly one-third of the city’s inhabitants were foreigners. It’s basically the original cosmopolitan city! It’s so inclusive that you could throw the wildest potluck dinner and still have room for a few more traditions—Buddhism, Islam, and Nestorianism were all neighbors without argument. UNESCO recognized this cultural fusion when it added Quanzhou to its World Heritage List in 2021. That’s right, Quanzhou is like that kid in school who gets A’s in everything, except instead of choreography, it’s cultural heritage!
So, how does France come into play, you might wonder? Well, in 2010, Quanzhou established a sister city relationship with Hérault, France. This partnership is like a cultural Tinder match—swiping right for more exchanges and cooperation! To celebrate this blossoming relationship, they started hosting the “Blanc de Chine” international porcelain arts competition every two years since the onset of the China-France Cultural Forum in 2016.
And here’s the kicker—2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France! That’s not just any anniversary, my friends; it’s like the diamond wedding of international relations! Both nations are declaring this year as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. If you thought wine and noodle pairing was peak romance, wait until you see Quanzhou’s traditional costumes strutting down the runway at the 2024 China-France Fashion Week!
So, in a parting shot, Mayor Cai rolled out the red carpet and invited everyone to discover the unique charm of Quanzhou during his speech. Because if you’re not experiencing the joys of the World Heritage City, are you really living? It’s a chance for deeper exchanges and cooperation at levels you’ve probably never even considered—like who actually put pineapple on pizza and why?
For the curious souls, head over to the original article for more juicy tidbits: Check it out here!
And don’t forget to feast your eyes on Quanzhou with this stunning aerial photo: Stunning view of Quanzhou!
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BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — At the 6th China-France Cultural Forum, Cai Zhansheng, the mayor of Quanzhou City in east China’s Fujian Province, actively showcased the city’s rich cultural and economic heritage during a compelling mayors’ roundtable discussion on Thursday.
As recognized by UNESCO as the birthplace of the Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou, located along the stunning coastline of Fujian, has historically served as a vital maritime trade center, especially flourishing during the Song and Yuan dynasties when it was celebrated as “the largest port in the East.” This historical significance continues to resonate as Quanzhou stands poised for a cultural renaissance.
Aerial photo shows the view of Quanzhou City, east China’s Fujian Province.
In contemporary times, Quanzhou thrives as a powerhouse for its dynamic private sector, fostering diverse industries such as porcelain, tea, textiles, apparel, and footwear. Impressively, the city ranks first in China for porcelain exports, with its exquisite porcelain masterpieces reaching over 190 countries and regions, establishing Quanzhou as a key player in the global market. Additionally, Tieguanyin Tea has been recognized as a significant agricultural heritage by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, further celebrating the region’s agricultural legacy. The city proudly hosts the world’s largest modern cluster of sports product manufacturing, boasting a staggering output value that exceeds 800 billion yuan.
Quanzhou is rich in harmonious inclusivity, a characteristic that stretches back to ancient times. In the Song and Yuan dynasties, a substantial area of the city was home to foreign communities, comprising one third of its total population. Moreover, Quanzhou earned the title of the “Museum of World Religions,” serving as a melting pot where Buddhism, Nestorianism, Islam, Manichaeism, and various other religious cultures coexist peacefully. This cultural tapestry was internationally recognized in 2021 when UNESCO inscribed “Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China” on its World Heritage List.
Quanzhou’s relationship with France dates back several years, formally establishing a sister city relationship with Hérault in 2010, significantly enhancing cultural exchanges and communication between the two regions. Following the inaugural session of the China-France Cultural Forum in 2016, Quanzhou began hosting the “Blanc de Chine” international porcelain arts competition every two years, drawing global talent and attention.
In 2024, as China and France celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, the year is also designated as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. This milestone has catalyzed an increase in exchanges between Quanzhou and France, exemplified last month when traditional costumes from Quanzhou graced the runway at the 2024 China-France Fashion Week, marking a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage.
During his inspiring speech, Cai extended a warm invitation to international friends to explore Quanzhou, emphasizing the unique allure of this World Heritage City. He expressed hopes that the forum would pave the way for deeper exchanges and collaborations across various fields in the future.
Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343138.html
What are the cultural events celebrated in Quanzhou as part of its partnership with Hérault?
E List. This designation celebrates Quanzhou’s rich historical narrative and its role as a hub for cultural exchange along the Maritime Silk Road, weaving together diverse stories that extend beyond borders and eras.
To dive even deeper into Quanzhou’s international connections, the city has nurtured its partnership with the French region of Hérault since 2010. This sister city relationship has blossomed, spurring cultural events and collaborations that aim to strengthen ties and celebrate their shared heritage. Since the launch of the “Blanc de Chine” international porcelain arts competition in 2016, the festival has become a platform for artists and artisans to showcase their talents and for the two communities to engage more deeply with one another.
As Quanzhou looks forward to celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France in 2024, both countries are preparing to unveil the “China-France Year of Culture and Tourism.” This celebration promises to be a vibrant exchange of ideas, innovations, and inspirations, culminating in events such as the much-anticipated 2024 China-France Fashion Week. Attendees can expect to see stunning traditional costumes originating from Quanzhou, blending ancient heritage with modern sensibilities on the grand runway!
So, if you’ve ever wanted to indulge in the beauty and complexity of Quanzhou’s cultural landscape, now is the time to explore this extraordinary city. Mayor Cai’s invitation rings clear: experience the artistic wonders, delicious culinary offerings, and rich history that define Quanzhou. Who knows? You might just find yourself inspired to bring a little of that cultural diversity back home—or at least start a debate on whether pineapple truly belongs on pizza!
To uncover even more fascinating details about Quanzhou, take a look at the original article linked above and don’t miss the breathtaking aerial view that captures the essence of this remarkable city!