Quanzhou’s World Heritage Revitalisation Boosts Tourism in Historic Port City: All You Need To Know

Published on November 23, 2025

The ancient city of Quanzhou, which is found in the south-eastern part of China, has taken a big step in the international tourist market as a result of the restoration of its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Once the most important port of the Maritime Silk Road, the cultural heritage of Quanzhou and the modern tourist activities have together produced an amazing growth in foreign visitors. The city has now turned into a must-visit place for the global wanderers who are curious to experience the perfect mix of ancient history and modern-day tourist facilities.

Revitalizing Quanzhou’s Cultural Heritage for Global Audiences

Quanzhou’s appeal to international tourists is closely linked to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site, particularly for its Maritime Silk Road significance. The city, which was once known as the “Emporium of the World in the Song and Yuan Dynasties,” boasts an impressive collection of historic landmarks, including the Kaiyuan Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China, and the Qingjing Mosque, a rare example of Islamic architecture in China. These sites, and many others, not only serve as powerful cultural attractions but also reflect Quanzhou’s deep historical connections to international trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.

Over the past few years, the city has worked diligently to enhance its tourism infrastructure, ensuring a seamless experience for international visitors. A key initiative has been the implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit program, which has made it easier for foreign tourists to visit Quanzhou without the hassle of obtaining a visa. This has had a significant impact on tourism numbers, with the city seeing a 95.5% increase in international visitors in the first half of 2025 alone. This growth has led to a significant rise in tourism revenue, with international tourist spending reaching 2.995 billion yuan (approximately 421 million USD), marking an 83.3% year-on-year increase.

Quanzhou’s Tourism Strategy: Blending Heritage with Innovation

The revitalization of Quanzhou’s World Heritage sites has been complemented by innovative strategies designed to increase the city’s visibility on the global stage. A notable example is the Maritime Silk Road Quanzhou tourism campaign, which has helped establish Quanzhou as one of the top 100 Asian travel destinations, as listed by the Chinese online travel platform Ctrip.com. This recognition has not only boosted Quanzhou’s reputation in the tourism industry but has also attracted more international tourists to explore its rich history.

In addition to the growth in tourism numbers, Quanzhou has been actively fostering international cooperation in heritage preservation and cultural tourism development. The city has partnered with other Silk Road cities to share knowledge and expertise on safeguarding heritage sites while also developing sustainable tourism models that highlight the cultural significance of these locations.

Future Prospects: Strengthening Quanzhou’s Global Tourism Influence

Looking ahead, Quanzhou plans to further its collaboration with UNESCO to enhance global awareness of its heritage preservation efforts. The city aims to use the international platforms provided by the United Nations to share its success stories in heritage conservation and tourism development. Additionally, Quanzhou intends to introduce advanced international tourism development concepts to strengthen its cultural tourism industry, focusing on high-quality growth that preserves its unique history while attracting more international travelers.

The city is also exploring opportunities in cross-border cultural trade, leveraging its World Heritage status to promote its intangible cultural heritage products and creative cultural goods on the global market. This initiative will not only help preserve Quanzhou’s cultural legacy but also open new economic avenues for local artisans and businesses.

Quanzhou’s Bright Future in Global Tourism

Quanzhou’s strategic revitalization of its World Heritage sites has firmly positioned the city as a key destination for international travelers seeking a blend of rich history and modern tourism experiences. With strong efforts in cultural preservation, tourism infrastructure, and international collaboration, Quanzhou is set to continue its upward trajectory as a leading destination on the Maritime Silk Road. As the city strengthens its ties with UNESCO and other global tourism partners, its influence in the global tourism market is only expected to grow, offering travelers an unparalleled experience that blends cultural exploration with sustainable tourism.