Splendors of Quanzhou, Past and Present

This open access book explores the past and present of Quanzhou (Zayton) and the rich diversity and tolerance that kindled Quanzhous innovativeness and helped it prosper both commercially and culturallyvalues that are today being embraced by Chinas global trade partners. Quanzhou (Zayton), Marco Polos port of departure and Columbus goal in China, was not only the start of the Maritime Silk Road and the Middle Ages greatest port but also centuries ahead of its time in its tolerance and diversity. The fabled City of Light had 7 mosques for its 40,000 Muslims, some of whom served in government, as well as 3 Franciscan cathedrals funded in part by the emperor, Jewish synagogues, and centers for Nestorian Christians, Hindus, Taoists, Manicheans, Jains, etc. As Franciscan Bishop Andrew of Perugia wrote in 1322, Tis a fact that in this vast empire, there are people of every nation under heaven, and every sect, and all and sundry are allowed to live freely according to their creed. In 2021, UNESCO designated Quanzhou, Emporium of the World, as a world heritage site, and the city is now the hub of the Belt and Road Initiative, the 21st Century Silk Road, which was inspired by ancient Quanzhou.