Revitalization of World Heritage Sites Boosts Quanzhou's Tourism Market in Southeast Asia

Recently, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, visited Quanzhou, a historical port city in the southeastern province of Fujian, China. This city, recognized as the "Trade Center of the World" during the Song and Yuan dynasties, has once again garnered global attention due to its rich cultural heritage and tourism initiatives.

The UNESCO recognition has provided a significant boost to Quanzhou's inbound tourism market, as the city has invested in optimizing its tourism services over recent years. A notable development is the introduction of a 240-hour visa-free transit program, which has made visiting Quanzhou considerably easier for international tourists. Recent statistics reveal that Quanzhou welcomed approximately 403,900 tourists in the first half of 2025, marking a 95.5% increase compared to the previous year. Furthermore, tourism revenues from international visitors reached an impressive 2.995 billion Yuan (around $421 million), representing an 83.3% rise from the same period the previous year.

At the heart of this tourist influx are the city’s unique cultural routes and heritage sites. From the millennium-old Kaiyuan Temple to the exotic architecture of the Qingjing Mosque, each of these cultural heritage sites acts as a magnet for international visitors. Additionally, the city's international tourism promotion program, "Maritime Silk Road Quanzhou," has placed it among the top 100 travel destinations in Asia according to Ctrip.com, a leading online travel service provider in China. This recognition further enhances Quanzhou's reputation and influence in the global tourism arena.

Quanzhou is also paving the way for international cooperation in heritage preservation. The city is engaged in exchanges and collaborations with various locations along the Maritime Silk Road, focusing on heritage protection and the promotion of cultural tourism. Looking ahead, Quanzhou plans to deepen its collaboration with UNESCO, sharing its heritage conservation experiences on global platforms and introducing advanced international concepts and approaches to develop its cultural tourism sector sustainably.

Moreover, Quanzhou aims to leverage its intellectual property related to world heritage by developing cross-border cultural trade initiatives, allowing its intangible cultural heritage products and creative cultural goods to gain traction in the global market.

During his visit, Assomo described the city as a "living heritage" and highly praised its approach towards preserving cultural heritage. He also expressed hope for broader sharing of China’s experiences in monument preservation around the world. As Quanzhou continues to improve its tourism facilities and services while promoting its rich history and culture, the prospect of further growth in its tourism sector looks promising. The city exemplifies how heritage conservation can effectively inspire and elevate local economies through tourism while nurturing a deeper appreciation of history and culture.