Step into Quanzhou’s streets and you’ll find a living museum of cultural fusion! 🎨 The city’s iconic Nanyang architecture—think pastel-colored buildings with ornate carvings and arched windows—isn’t just pretty to look at. It tells a story of generations of overseas Chinese who sailed to Southeast Asia, made their fortunes, and brought back style inspo from places like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
💡 Imagine this: 19th-century returnees blending European-style columns and balconies with traditional Fujianese courtyard layouts. They used imported materials like stained glass and ironwork, creating a vibe that’s both nostalgic and cosmopolitan. This mashup became a symbol of Quanzhou’s identity as a cultural crossroads.
Today, these buildings aren’t just Instagram backdrops 📸—they’re UNESCO-recognized heritage sites showing how migration shapes art. Local guides joke that walking through the old quarter feels like 'time-traveling with a Southeast Asian twist.' From vibrant tile patterns to hybrid temple designs, every detail bridges continents. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com