Quanzhou: A Timeless Tapestry of Faith and Cultural Harmony

A cross, angel wings, swirling clouds, and a Buddha’s face —  symbols from different faiths miraculously converge on a single stone carving, which is a type of Citong Cross. Housed in Quanzhou Maritime Museum, this artifact reflects the city’s centuries-old legacy of faith coexistence and cultural fusion.

In Quanzhou, a city in Fujian Province, this stone carving is just one of many traces of religious fusion, which can be seen in its temples, relics, and everyday customs. As one of the few cities where Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and even Hinduism coexist, Quanzhou holds the title “City of Faiths” in China.

The Citong Cross is one of the earliest known Latin-style stone crosses discovered in China, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The name "Citong" comes from the ancient name for Quanzhou, as recorded by Marco Polo. During that time, Quanzhou was one of the largest ports along the Maritime Silk Road and welcomed traders, travelers, and missionaries from Persia, Arabia, and Europe. 

The prosperity of maritime ports not only facilitated trade and economic exchanges but also greatly promoted cultural and customary interactions. Visitors to China established communities, built religious sites, and spread their beliefs alongside commercial activities.

A prime example is Kaiyuan Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian. The temple incorporates elements from Hinduism and Christianity. On the grand hall’s interlocking wooden brackets, 24 exquisitely carved celestial musicians can be seen — blending features of Buddhist Kalavinka, Christian angels, and traditional Chinese flying apsaras. This visual harmony reflects the temple’s role as a cultural crossroads of faith and artistry.

Another prominent site is Qingjing Mosque, built by Arab traders, stands as one of China’s oldest and best-preserved Islamic worship sites. Inside, an imperial stone decree from the Yuan Dynasty, which was issued to guarante the safety of Muslims and protect the mosque, serves as a testament to Quanzhou’s enduring respect and inclusiveness toward foreign communities.

Cultural practices in Quanzhou extend beyond temples to everyday life. Locals worship Buddha, Avalokitesvara, and the Land God at home on the first and fifteenth days of each month of the Chinese canlendar. Shop owners also perform rituals for Guan Yu, a Chinese military general honored as a god of wealth, on the second and sixteenth days. Additionally, the twenty-sixth day of each month is a special day for worship at Kaiyuan Temple. “These rituals are a continuation of tradition and a reflection of faith in daily life,” said Wang Yubao, a bilingual tourist guide in Quanzhou.

Quanzhou’s religious culture, with its inclusivity and diversity, is a vital part of the city’s heritage. Faith is passed down through generations, with traditions and values preserved by both older and younger generations. Zhuang Qun said, “The reverence and devotion passed down remain unchanged.”