Croatia showcased at Maritime Silk Road Cultural Tourism Festival in China
- by croatiaweek
- in Travel
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
By Branka Bezić Filipović
As Chinese academic Zhang Yan eloquently put it, “The wind comes from the sea, and blessings from all directions.” The name Fuzhou itself signifies blessings: Fu encompasses home, nourishment, and land – a true mark of prosperity and fortune.
Fuzhou, the capital and largest city of Fujian province, is situated on China’s southeastern coast.
It is the eighth most economically developed city in China and ranks fourth in GDP. This bustling metropolis, home to over eight million residents, lies at the estuary of the Min River, the province’s largest river.
Across the Taiwan Strait lies the island nation of Taiwan. The dominant local language is the Eastern Fujian dialect.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
From 1990 to 1996, Fuzhou’s mayor was Xi Jinping, now President of China.
With over 2,000 years of history, Fuzhou is designated a National Historic and Cultural City. Historically, it served as a gateway to the ancient Maritime Silk Road, a vital conduit for trade and cultural exchange between China and the world.
Fuzhou was one of the first coastal cities opened to foreign influences. Today, it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, characterised by historical landmarks, ancient residences, centuries-old temples, and narrow, charming streets.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
One of its standout attractions is the historic district known as the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (Sanfang Qixiang). This cultural treasure features meticulously preserved buildings from the Ming (14th–17th centuries) and Qing (17th–20th centuries) dynasties. It was home to some of China’s most prominent thinkers, writers, politicians, and industrialists. Today, the area is not only a historical marvel but also a hub of nightlife and gastronomy.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
The ancient Maritime Silk Road port is another highlight, underscoring Fuzhou’s historical importance. This port played a critical role in the trade and cultural exchanges that shaped the region’s famed tea culture.
Known as the “City of Buddhism,” Fuzhou boasts the highest concentration of Buddhist temples in China, with six prominent temples reinforcing its spiritual and cultural significance.
Finally, Fuzhou is a culinary haven. As one of the birthplaces of Min cuisine, its unique sticky, sweet, sour, and savoury flavours are a delight for visitors.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
Signature dishes include seafood soup, fish balls, oyster omelettes, and spring rolls. The local fish market showcases an array of seafood specialties, such as razor clams and frogs, evoking memories of culinary traditions now fading in Dalmatia.
Marco Polo on Fuzhou: A 13th-Century Trading Hub
The renowned Venetian explorer Marco Polo visited Fuzhou during his travels in the 13th century. In his work The Travels of Marco Polo, he described it as a thriving trade and administrative centre, enriched by local silk and tea commerce. Coastal activities, including pearl fishing, also characterised the city.
Polo praised Fuzhou’s infrastructure, noting its formidable defensive walls and intricate canal system, which facilitated the transport of goods. He also highlighted the city’s Buddhist temples, a testament to the spiritual life of its residents. While some aspects of his accounts may be exaggerated, his writings portray China as a prosperous and advanced civilisation compared to Europe at the time.
He also mentioned massive ships, manned by up to 1,000 sailors, linked to the legendary expeditions of Admiral Zheng He (1371–1433), one of China’s greatest naval leaders.
Fuzhou Hosts Delegations from Nine Partner Cities: Split Promotes Its Heritage and the Cravat
Last week, Fuzhou hosted the International Maritime Silk Road Cultural Tourism Festival, welcoming delegations from nine partner cities, including Split, which participated as a “friend of a friend.” Delegates also came from the United States, Poland, New Zealand, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal, the Maldives, and Brazil.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
Each delegation showcased their culture creatively and diplomatically, fostering stronger international ties.
The festival began with a grand reception and banquet hosted by Fuzhou leaders, including Mayor Wu Xiande and Communist Party Secretary Guo Ningning. The main event took place in the city’s state-of-the-art International Conference Centre, featuring presentations on Fuzhou’s cultural development, including underwater archaeology and a 400-year-old opera tradition.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
The event culminated in the signing of friendship charters with several cities.
Split’s delegation included Nikola Aleksić, Senior Advisor for International Cooperation, and Branka Bezić Filipović, an international relations expert at Aspira University College. Bezić Filipović, leveraging her network, facilitated Croatia and Split’s participation in this prestigious festival.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
Aleksić spoke at a cultural tourism panel, delivering a compelling presentation on Split that attracted significant media attention. The festival was covered by 18 television networks. Additionally, Aleksić curated a photographic exhibition that represented all participating countries.
Bezić Filipović promoted her book Croats United by the Cravat, highlighting a global diaspora project initiated by Croatian émigré Nada Pritisanac Matulich in Los Angeles.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
The project celebrates the cravat as a symbol of Croatian identity and global connections. Supported by organisations such as the American-Croatian Congress, CroDiaspora, and the Association of Croatian-American Professionals, the initiative has gained international acclaim.
(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)
The hosts showcased Fuzhou’s best, organising a rich programme for all attendees. This cultural and intellectual exchange strengthened friendships between cities and nations, reaffirming the importance of such events in fostering global cooperation and understanding.
