On December 19, CFLC and XMU’s International Office organized a successful cultural immersion activity for international faculty members to explore the Maritime Silk Road in Quanzhou, known as the “Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China.” As this year marks the tenth anniversary of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, the activity aimed to enhance international faculty’s understanding of the Maritime Silk Road culture, promote cultural exchange, and deepen their knowledge of China.

The first destination was the Quanzhou Maritime Museum. The museum showcases a variety of artifacts, including porcelain, wooden cargo tags, spices, and stone carvings, illustrating the historical development of porcelain kilns, docks, the Maritime Trade Office, iron smelting, and religion. It provided a vivid understanding of Quanzhou’s significant role as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

The museum also features a special exhibition on Chinese boats and ships, highlighting unique regional characteristics and impressive shipbuilding techniques, offering valuable insights into Zheng He’s remarkable voyages and their cultural significance.

In the afternoon, the international faculty visited the Kaiyuan Temple and explored West Street, immersing themselves in the distinctive atmosphere and experiencing the charm of the Maritime Silk Road culture.

The participating faculty members expressed deep appreciation for the rich heritage of Quanzhou’s Maritime Silk Road culture. They were grateful for the opportunity to visit Quanzhou, delve into Chinese history, and considered the activity highly meaningful and remarkable. This experience further deepened their understanding of the cultural fusion along the Maritime Silk Road, broadened their perception of China, and contributed to the overseas promotion of Chinese culture.