Editor's Note:

　　Quanzhou's recognition as China's first "Culture City of East Asia" is a proud milestone not only for the city itself but for the entire province of Fujian. On 26 September, Fujian Daily ran a full-length report titled "Quanzhou Crowned as the East Asian Cultural Capital" along with a commentary, "Cultural Confidence as a New Force for Development." Through wide-ranging coverage, the feature highlighted Quanzhou's historical depth, cultural diversity, and dynamic momentum as it steps into this prestigious regional role.

　　Key Message:

　　On 26 September, cultural ministers from China, Japan, and South Korea gathered in the historic city of Gwangju, South Korea, to celebrate the region's rich cultural heritage. The three cities—Quanzhou, Gwangju, and Yokohama—were officially selected as the inaugural East Asian Cultural Capitals and will receive their formal titles during the Fifth Trilateral Culture Ministers' Meeting on 28 September.

　　As a flagship cultural initiative in the region, the East Asian Cultural Capital programme is a prestigious honour. Among many historically rich contenders, Quanzhou emerged as China's sole representative—once again drawing global attention.

　　Quanzhou is a city of unique character and pride, deeply rooted in Chinese cultural traditions while embodying the spirit of international exchange.

　　It carries the legacy of 1,700 years, the memory of the Maritime Silk Road, and the shared cultural imprint of humankind.

　　A Compelling and Confident Cultural Showcase

　　26 August 2013, Beijing—

　　China's Ministry of Culture hosted the final round of selection for the title "East Asian Cultural Capital." Ten cities advanced from 19 applicants across 12 provinces and regions. Among them were major cultural centres like Xi'an, Suzhou, and Hangzhou—former capitals and cities with greater economic prominence than Quanzhou.

　　Yet Quanzhou stood out with its cultural confidence and pioneering spirit. Led by Huang Shaoping, Secretary of the Quanzhou Municipal Party Committee, the delegation impressed the judges with a well-prepared, unified vision. Huang stated:

　  　"Quanzhou preserves the essence of Han Chinese civilisation while embracing the legacy of Minyue, maritime, Southeast Asian, and European cultures. Advancing through the first round gave us confidence. We meticulously prepared and presented a vision that is culturally distinctive and cohesive."

　　Quanzhou's presentation—last in the draw—featured a vivid introduction and a high-quality video showcasing its deep heritage and vibrant cultural initiatives.

　　During the Q&A session, the judges raised three core questions:

　　  How will Quanzhou integrate intangible heritage with public cultural services?

　  　How will the city protect historical villages amid urban development?

　  　If selected, how will Quanzhou fulfil its responsibilities as a Cultural Capital?

　　Huang replied with a clear commitment:

　　  "We are prepared to invest 900 million RMB to deliver on our promises. We hope to contribute to East Asian cultural exchange on behalf of the over 30 million descendants of Quanzhou across mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, and beyond."

　　This passionate response resonated with the panel. With a final score of 88.92, Quanzhou edged out Suzhou (88.85) and secured the honour of becoming China's first East Asian Cultural Capital—met with thunderous applause and congratulations.

　　A City of Cultural Grandeur and Global Reach

　　At Mount Jiuri in Fengzhou, Nan'an—7.5 km west of downtown Quanzhou—a remarkable cliffside inscription stands. Carved during a 1991 UNESCO expedition, it records prayers for maritime safety and affirms Quanzhou's place as a medieval maritime hub of global importance.

　　The same expedition identified four major historical ports along the ancient Maritime Silk Road: Quanzhou, Venice (Italy), Muscat (Oman), and Osaka (Japan). Historical accounts describe Quanzhou as a city where "people of ten continents gathered" and "merchants from all nations came with the tides."

　　Evidence of Quanzhou's influence spans the region. Goryeo-sa (The History of Goryeo) notes the presence of Quanzhou merchants in medieval Korea. Korean scholars have traced the Shinan shipwreck to Quanzhou. Zheng He's fleets departed from Citong Port in the Ming Dynasty. Song-era shipwrecks and the famed Nanhai No. 1, which carried over 350,000 Dehua porcelain pieces, highlight the city's pivotal export role.

　　UNESCO official Dr. Dean once remarked that the most astonishing find of the 1991 expedition was a fully preserved Manichaean sanctuary in Quanzhou—featuring a statue of Mani, the prophet revered from Persia to Europe. Such a site exists nowhere else in the world.

　　Quanzhou is also home to historical relics and active worship sites of Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. This rare religious diversity earned the city the title "Museum of World Religions" and recognition as a UN Centre for the Display of Multiculturalism.

　　Its inclusive culture draws from Central Chinese migrants, Minyue traditions, maritime roots, and global influences. The result is a unique heritage—resilient, entrepreneurial, and outward-looking.

　　Today, Quanzhou protects 791 heritage sites (31 national-level) and 565 intangible cultural heritage items (31 national, 76 provincial), including nanyin music, glove puppetry, red-brick architecture, and watertight shipbuilding—each aligned with UNESCO's safeguarding initiatives.

　　A Cultural Promise Made—and Kept

　　A Cultural Commitment That Resonates

　　Quanzhou's victory as the first "Culture City of East Asia" is not merely an accolade—it is a responsibility. How will the city live up to the promises it made?

　　Following the announcement, Huang Shaoping told CCTV and other media outlets that Quanzhou would treat this title as a new starting point. The city would establish a dedicated organising committee and allocate special funds to accelerate the development of key cultural infrastructure, including a new city library and performing arts theatre. Quanzhou also pledged to create a model national public cultural service system.

　　Guided by the spirit of "East Asian awareness, cultural integration, and mutual appreciation," the city aims to mobilise its diaspora at home and abroad to elevate East Asian cultural exchange, protection, and innovation—ultimately strengthening the global influence of Chinese civilisation.

　　Chen Qingzong, Quanzhou's Propaganda Chief, announced that in 2014 the city would honour its commitments with five main types of cultural activities: academic forums, international exchanges, performing arts, exhibitions, and competitions.

　　A total of 112 thematic events were scheduled for the year, including:

　　  "The Ocean and the Chinese People" exhibitions in Japan and Korea

　  　The "Culture City of East Asia Cultural Week"

　  　A Dongxiao and Shakuhachi concert by Chinese and Japanese musicians

　  　The East Asia Trilateral "Sanxian–Sanshin–Shamisen" music concert

　　Quanzhou's local government is not only providing funds and venues—it has also incorporated cultural development into its long-term urban planning. Since 2004, the city and county governments have allocated annual budgets for intangible cultural heritage. To date, over 300 million RMB has been invested in landmark projects, including:

　  　The China Museum for Minnan-Taiwan Relations

　  　Quanzhou Museum

　  　Liyuan Classical Theatre

　  　Nanyin Art Centre

　　  Quanzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum

　　In 2023 alone, Quanzhou allocated over 10 million RMB to build a global Minnan Culture Exhibition Centre. A new Quanzhou Puppet Theatre is also under construction—set to be China's largest and most advanced puppet theatre when completed.

　　Mayor Zheng Xinchong explained that Quanzhou has created a sustainable mechanism for cultural investment. Indicators such as public cultural spending, artistic output, and library access are now part of government performance evaluations. Since 2011, the city has invested over 1.5 billion RMB in culture, media, and sports—growing at over 25% annually, well above the rate of regular fiscal growth.

　　Looking ahead to 2015, Quanzhou plans to invest 1.2 billion RMB in urban cultural projects, aligned with its bay area development strategy. Key initiatives include the Quanzhou Grand Theatre, a new academic exchange centre for cross-strait cultural dialogue, a workers' cultural palace, and a new library—efforts to raise the cultural profile of the city and inspire generations to come.