In an insightful discussion about the evolution of maritime heritage in China, one fascinating story surfaces from Quanzhou. Over the last 24 years, this city has seen a remarkable bridge being built, connecting its rich maritime past to the present, guided by Xi Jinping’s cultural vision. It all began back in 1999 when Xi, then the governor of Fujian Province, issued a directive to establish the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, highlighting its crucial role in cultural development.
This initiative goes beyond mere bureaucracy; it signifies a profound commitment to preserving China’s illustrious shipbuilding and maritime history. Quanzhou, with over 1,300 years of history, once served as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, it was reputed as the “first major port of the East,” facilitating vibrant maritime trade with nearly 100 countries.
The ships from Quanzhou introduced innovative watertight compartment technology that significantly advanced China’s nautical capabilities, a contribution to global maritime technology that European shipbuilders would not adopt until the late 18th century.
After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, academics pushed for the creation of a museum dedicated to Chinese ship models, celebrating the country’s exceptional shipbuilding heritage and maritime civilization.
Taking on this challenge, the Quanzhou Maritime Museum launched a large-scale project to reconstruct ancient wooden sailing ships. Over eight years, a team of experts and craftsmen produced 156 ship models, including famous vessels from various dynasties and recreations of Zheng He’s fleet during his voyages to the West.
However, a major hurdle emerged when, despite their hard work, funds were lacking for a display hall. Wang Lianmao, the museum’s director, faced a difficult situation and decided to reach out to then-Governor Xi Jinping for support.
Upon learning of their plight, Xi immediately recognized the significance of this initiative and called for prompt action. He emphasized, “Fujian is the center of ancient Chinese shipbuilding, and Quanzhou is the start of the Maritime Silk Road; building a museum to showcase the history of ancient ship development is fitting, meaningful, and fundamentally viable.” He stressed the urgency of their report.
With Xi’s endorsement, funding for the exhibition hall was swiftly arranged. Construction of the Ancient Ship Development History Exhibition Hall commenced in February 2001, and just two months later, Xi visited the site to admire the undertaking.
By the summer of that year, the hall opened its doors, marking the first comprehensive exhibition of China’s maritime history and its notable achievements as a maritime power. Inside, visitors could explore an array of ship models, shipbuilding techniques, navigational tools, and artifacts from overseas trade, all reflecting ancient China’s rich interactions with various civilizations.
On May 18, 2024, during a reflection on Quanzhou’s vibrant cultural heritage, Xi expressed his pride in the city’s history. Later that year, he convened a meeting to advance the application for the “Maritime Silk Road: Quanzhou Historical Sites” to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a goal successfully achieved by 2021, further entrenching Quanzhou’s significance.
Today, as China embarks on a new era of maritime exploration—highlighted by the launch of a domestic cruise ship in early 2024—the country continues to embody the spirit of innovation and resilience. From the wooden ships of the past to modern cruise liners, this journey symbolizes not only technological transformation but also the relentless spirit of the Chinese people, determined to sail confidently into the future.
