A group of diplomats based in Beijing, the country’s capital, participated in a cultural discovery tour of the port city of Quanzhou in Fujian province from Nov 26-29, 2014.

Renowned as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou has long been one of the biggest tourist draws in the area. The city not only boasts a rich maritime history, but also a wide range of historical and cultural relics. The trip included a wide range of local sights, including the Kaiyuan Temple, Maritime Museum, Luoyang Bridge and so on. The diplomats said they were fascinated by Quanzhou’s rich culture.