Quanzhou

Quanzhou is a historic port city on the coast of Fujian that was, during the Song and Yuan dynasties, one of the largest and busiest harbors in the world — the 'Emporium of the World' that Marco Polo praised as rivaling Alexandria. Its UNESCO World Heritage sites reflect centuries as a hub of maritime trade where Chinese, Arab, Persian and Indian merchants mingled, including one of China's oldest mosques, the Qingjing Mosque, founded in 1009. Today Quanzhou is Fujian's economic powerhouse, dominating China's manufacture of sportswear and shoes with home-grown brands like Anta and 361°. The old city preserves ornate temples, stone bridges and a distinctive Minnan culture. Its living traditions of Nanyin music and puppet theatre remain vibrant.