Fujian has recently launched the “Marine Culture in Fujian” campaign, bringing together experts to share insights into the province’s rich maritime heritage. In a featured video, Shan Jixiang, Director of the Expert Committee of the Chinese Cultural Relics Society and Academic Committee Director at the Palace Museum, along with a group of international students, visited the traditional village of Wulin in Jinjiang, Quanzhou. Their journey highlighted the unique allure of the Maritime Silk Road and emphasized the deep historical importance of Fujian’s marine culture.
Shan Jixiang, the former director of the Palace Museum, had worked in urban planning in Beijing before dedicating himself to cultural heritage preservation. He applauded Fujian’s achievements to utilize and expand marine culture. In the interview, he highlighted the watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks, which improved sailing safety, boosted global shipping practice, and facilitated worldwide commercial and cultural interactions. Furthermore, he praised the overseas Fujian community for its contributions to promoting mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, as well as friendly people-to-people exchanges.
As a key birthplace and starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, Fujian is blessed with abundant cultural legacies. Shan Jixiang hoped further efforts would be made to incorporate legacies into people’s lives and tourism so as to maximize their value.
