Quanzhou leverages cultural heritage for economic development

Quanzhou, a historic maritime emporium from the Song and Yuan dynasties, is utilizing the preservation and revitalization of its intangible cultural heritage (ICH) to drive high-quality urban development. Through pragmatic preservation of historical relics and the creation of a “living ancient city,” the region has integrated cultural heritage into daily life and modern industry.

Specific sectors have seen significant economic growth driven by local traditions. In Anxi County, the Tieguanyin tea industry, including tea manors and cultural tours, reached an output value of 46.05 billion yuan last year. In Yongchun County, the incense-making industry reached 13.5 billion yuan through R&D and wellness-based products. Additionally, Dehua County’s ceramic industrial clusters, centered on white porcelain, achieved an output value of 76 billion yuan.