Quanzhou

Timeline

1. 1087–1127Quanzhou Prefecture · Quanzhou CityThe Northern Song established a Maritime Trade Supervisorate in Quanzhou to manage foreign ship arrivals, customs levies, and purchases. Quanzhou gradually surpassed Guangzhou as the busiest port on the southeast coast; Arab merchants called it Zaitun, and the city developed foreign quarters with coexisting diverse religions.
2. 1127–1230Quanzhou Port · Quanzhou CityAfter the southern move, Guangzhou's status relatively declined and Quanzhou rose to become the world's largest port. Hundreds of great ships anchored there, exporting Dehua and Cizao kiln porcelain, silk, and copper coins, and importing pepper, cloves, ivory, and pearls. Remains such as the Qingjing Mosque and Tianhou Temple witness the blending of diverse cultures.
3. 1231–1240Quanzhou Port · Quanzhou CityAfter the Mongols destroyed the Jin, Song and Mongols faced off and trade routes north of the Huai were blocked, making Quanzhou's sea route the lifeline of Southern Song foreign trade. Maritime Trade Office annual revenue accounted for a major share of Southern Song finances, and foreign ships continued to arrive. The court used maritime trade income to fund anti-Mongol military pay, and Quanzhou's shipbuilding and port facilities continued to expand.