Quanzhou Overseas Relations Museum

Step into the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, also known as the Quanzhou Overseas Relations Museum, located in the Fengze District of Quanzhou, Fujian. Established in 1959, this is the only museum in China specializing in overseas relations. When you visit, you will explore how Quanzhou developed into the major medieval Eastern port known as Citong or Zaytun, playing a pivotal role in global economic and cultural exchanges.

The museum features two distinct sections. On the grounds of the Kaiyuan Temple, the old section displays ancient boats in a purpose-built hall. The new section, completed in 1991 near East Lake Park, is uniquely designed to resemble a large sailing ship afloat on the sea.

Inside, you can wander through four distinct exhibition spaces: the Quanzhou Maritime Exhibition Hall, the Quanzhou Religious Stone Carving Hall, the Quanzhou Ethnic Culture Exhibition Hall, and the Ancient Chinese Model Hall. As you explore, you will discover rare artifacts that bring ancient trade to life. Marvel at the famous Song dynasty Quanzhou ship unearthed in 1974, highly valued Dehua porcelain export ceramics, ancient navigation tools like a Ming dynasty four-claw iron anchor, and fascinating stone tombstones bearing Buddhist, Islamic, Christian, and Hindu inscriptions.

What to see at Quanzhou Overseas Relations Museum

• The Song dynasty Quanzhou ship unearthed in 1974
• Religious stone stelae with Buddhist, Islamic, Christian, and Hindu inscriptions
• Valuable export ceramics featuring Dehua porcelain
• Ming dynasty four-claw iron anchor and ancient navigation equipment
• The main building designed to look like a large sailing ship afloat at sea

Visiting tips

Be sure to visit both parts of the museum, including the old boat hall at Kaiyuan Temple and the ship-shaped main building near East Lake Park.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Quanzhou Overseas Relations Museum is easy to reach on Quanzhou’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Qingjing Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Quanzhou travel guide.