This open access book explores the past and present of Quanzhou (Zayton) and the rich diversity
and tolerance that kindled Quanzhou's innovativeness and helped it prosper both commercially
and culturally-values that are today being embraced by China's global trade partners. Quanzhou
(Zayton) Marco Polo's port of departure and Columbus' goal in China was not only the start of
the Maritime Silk Road and the Middle Age's greatest port but also centuries ahead of its time
in its tolerance and diversity. The fabled City of Light had 7 mosques for its 40 000 Muslims
some of whom served in government as well as 3 Franciscan cathedrals funded in part by the
emperor Jewish synagogues and centers for Nestorian Christians Hindus Taoists Manicheans
Jains etc. As Franciscan Bishop Andrew of Perugia wrote in 1322 Tis a fact that in this vast
empire there are people of every nation under heaven and every sect and all and sundry are
allowed to live freely according to their creed. In 2021 UNESCO designated Quanzhou Emporium
of the World as a world heritage site and the city is now the hub of the Belt and Road
Initiative the 21st Century Silk Road which was inspired by ancient Quanzhou.
