Quanzhou Museum

Introducing Quanzhou Museum
Quanzhou Museum is a cultural institution in the city. Quanzhou Museum, a stunning example of Southern Fujian architecture, opened its doors in 2005. Spanning over 16,000 square meters, it stands as the largest museum in Quanzhou and proudly houses a UNESCO-designated “World Multicultural Exhibition Center.”  Its rich collection and diverse exhibitions paint a vivid picture of Quanzhou’s crucial role in history, both as a vibrant hub of global cultural exchange and as the undisputed heart of Minnan (Southern Fujian) culture worldwide.

Quanzhou Museum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Quán Zhōu Bó Wù Guǎn 泉州博物馆
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Culture and History
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 268 Beiqing East Road, Fengze District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province

What to Expect at the Quanzhou Museum
Quanzhou Museum offers a comprehensive look at the city’s rich history as a vital port along the Maritime Silk Road, making it an invaluable resource for academic study, cultural exchange, and casual learning. Beyond its permanent exhibits showcasing Quanzhou’s history, folk art, calligraphy, painting, music, and theatrical traditions, the museum regularly features rotating exhibitions tied to seasonal festivals and special selections from its collection. It’s the perfect place to discover and appreciate the unique cultural heritage of Quanzhou.

Exhibition of Quanzhou History
From the earliest traces of human habitation and maritime activity unearthed at the Tanshi Mountain Cultural Relics site, the exhibition charts the trajectory of Quanzhou’s development, culminating in its golden age during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. This era witnessed a flourishing of overseas trade, driven by the exchange of goods and knowledge between East and West, transforming Quanzhou into a truly cosmopolitan center. Artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, including spices and ceramics, along with navigational instruments designed for extended voyages, offer a compelling glimpse into the bustling trade routes that converged on the city.

Moving beyond this period of prosperity, the exhibition delves into the era of Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) and the subsequent repercussions of maritime prohibition policies enforced during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. These policies, implemented to regulate coastal commerce and suppress piracy, had a profound impact on Quanzhou’s social and economic landscape, reshaping its cultural heritage and its position within global maritime trade. The inclusion of foreign currencies and historical documents further illuminates this complex period, highlighting Quanzhou’s adaptability and resilience in the face of shifting political and economic currents.

Exhibition of Quanzhou Theatrical Arts
The Exhibition of Quanzhou Theatrical Arts, built upon the rich theatrical heritage of Quanzhou, a city known as a “hotbed of opera,” takes visitors on a journey through the amazing world of local performing arts. Divided into five sections, the exhibition showcases the essence of Quanzhou’s representative theatrical genres, including Nanyin, Liyuan Opera, Marionette Theatre, Gaojia Opera, Dacheng Opera, and Glove Puppetry. Beyond simply displaying these art forms, the exhibition emphasizes their transmission and evolution across generations, highlighting the dedication to preserving these treasured traditions.

Exhibition of Quanzhou Folk Art Collections
The Quanzhou Museum’s third floor is currently home to the Exhibition of Quanzhou Folk Art Collections, a unique showcase of privately owned artifacts. This exhibition takes a fresh approach to curation, giving collectors the freedom to determine how long their collections are displayed and how their stories are told. This creates a vibrant, ever-changing exhibition space that offers personal insights into the collectors’ passions and the narratives woven into their cherished objects. Currently, more than 200 pieces are on exhibit, each contributing to a rich mosaic of local folk art and complementing the museum’s permanent holdings. These objects, handed down through families over time, offer a silent but powerful testament to Quanzhou’s enduring artistic heritage.

How to Get to Quanzhou Museum
• By Bus: Take bus K1 to Pumingcun (Puming Village) Station.

Additional Travel Advice on Quanzhou Museum
• The museum is closed on Mondays except Chinese public holidays.
• Food and colored drinks are not allowed in the museum.