Quanzhou, the historic starting point of the Maritime Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is set to host the 2025 Maritime Silk Road International Cultural Tourism Festival on 11 December. The event, themed "Silk Road Symphony: Global Bonding Harmony," aims to welcome international guests to experience the city's unique blend of ancient and modern culture.
In July 2021, Quanzhou was inscribed on the World Heritage List, recognising its 22 heritage sites that reflect its vibrant history as a bustling port city. Recently, in October 2025, it was also named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. This year's festival will highlight Quanzhou's rich cultural tapestry, showcasing its diverse landscapes and culinary traditions.
Quanzhou's geographical setting offers a mix of mountains, sea, and urban landscapes. Visitors can explore the millennium-old West Street, the southern Fujian architecture of Zhongshan Road, and the scenic Chongwu coastline. The city is also a melting pot of cultures, home to significant religious sites like the Qingjing Mosque and Kaiyuan Temple, and known for its unique culinary offerings that blend local and international influences.
The festival will feature ten activities, including intangible cultural heritage shows, an international Nanyin music gala, and the first Quanzhou Cup World Heritage Cultural and Creative Design Competition. The event will bring together representatives from foreign diplomatic missions, international travel agents, and cultural practitioners from over 40 countries.
Quanzhou's integration of its textile and fashion industries with its cultural heritage is also a highlight, with events like Quanzhou Fashion Week transforming heritage sites into fashion stages. The festival promises to be a cultural extravaganza, connecting the past with the present and blending tradition with fashion.
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