The Quanzhou Museum (泉州博物馆), established in January 1985, initially located in the Da Cheng Hall of Quanzhou Confucius Temple in the city center, underwent significant expansion with the construction of a new facility that began in September 2002 and opened to the public on New Year’s Day in 2005. This museum, covering an area of over 80 acres with a building space of more than 16,000 square meters, embodies the architectural style of southern Fujian Province and serves as the location for UNESCO’s “World Multicultural Exhibition Center.”
The museum’s exhibits are diverse and include foundational displays such as “Quanzhou Historical and Cultural Artifacts,” “Quanzhou Nanyin and Traditional Opera Arts,” as well as special exhibitions like “Ancient Calligraphy of Quanzhou” and “Folk Art Collections.”
The historical exhibition on the second floor spans 1,500 square meters and is divided into four sections: “Early Development,” “Emergence of Cinnamon,” “Eastern First Major Port,” and “Quannan’s Prosperity.” These sections trace Quanzhou’s history from ancient times, starting with the prehistoric Shanhushu Forest Site, highlighting the presence and development of the Minyue ancestors in this region. The exhibition further explores the bustling Maritime Silk Road era, the zenith of Quanzhou as the largest port in the East, and the vibrant history written during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Upon entering the museum’s second-floor exhibition halls, visitors encounter a preamble titled “Beside the Water,” vividly illustrating Quanzhou as a coastal city nestled against the mountains. The first hall features a sand table depicting the changing terrain of the Taiwan Strait and the migration of ancient humans from the mainland to the island, leaving traces and footprints. Visitors can view fossils of Quaternary mammals excavated from the Shishi Sea area, including ancient mastodons and other species.
The exhibition dedicated to Quanzhou Nanyin and traditional opera arts is a comprehensive display divided into five parts: the Prologue Hall, “Tracing the History of Music,” “World Heritage,” “Musical Treasures,” and “Artistic Inheritance.” Known as a “theater nest,” Quanzhou boasts a variety of local operas including Nanyin, Pear Garden Opera, Puppetry, Gaojia Opera, Dacheng Opera, and Palm Puppetry, each representing a unique cultural gem.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0595-22757002 |
Location and Transportation
The Quanzhou Museum is located on the north side of West Lake Park in Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China, near China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship. Specifically, it is situated at 268 Beiqing East Road. To get there, you can take bus 201, 203, or 601 and get off at Quanzhou Museum Stop (泉州博物馆站).
