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Explore the rich history of transportation in the Overseas Transportation History Museum. Key exhibits include ancient maritime tools, ship models, and artifacts that illustrate the development of trade routes between China and other parts of the world. Don't miss the interactive exhibits on Fujian's role in global trade.
The Quanzhou Overseas Transportation History Museum is the only museum in China dedicated to the history of overseas transportation. It is a national first-class museum. Founded in 1959, the museum was originally located east of the renowned Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou. In February 1991, the new main building was completed on Donghu Street. In 2003, the "Quanzhou Islamic Culture Exhibition Hall" was built east of the main building. These are all part of the Quanzhou Overseas Transportation History Museum. The museum's theme focuses on ancient overseas transportation, the Maritime Silk Road, and the various economic and cultural exchanges it engendered.
The museum's main exhibits include the "Quanzhou Ancient Ship Hall," the "Quanzhou and Ancient Overseas Transportation History Exhibition Hall," the "World of Chinese Ships," the "Islamic Culture Exhibition Hall," and the "Quanzhou Maritime and Folk Culture Exhibition Hall." The two-story Ancient Ship Hall, the former building located within Kaiyuan Temple, primarily displays a Song Dynasty shipwreck and its accompanying finds, excavated from Houzhu Port in Quanzhou Bay in 1974. The most noteworthy feature is the model of a Song Dynasty seagoing vessel. Unearthed in 1974 at Houzhu Port in Quanzhou Bay, it was the earliest and largest Song Dynasty overseas trade vessel discovered in China at the time. Along with the ship, numerous valuable artifacts were also unearthed, making it a truly valuable find.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
A place to visit in all seasons
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
free
Summer time 8:30-17:30
Winter 8:30-17:00
Closed every Monday (except holidays)
The Overseas Transportation History Museum in Quanzhou showcases the city's historic role as a major port during the Tang and Song dynasties. It highlights the development of maritime trade, emphasizing Quanzhou's influence in connecting China with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
The museum is located in the city of Quanzhou, Fujian Province. You can reach it by taxi or public bus from Quanzhou's city center. It is also accessible by walking from nearby cultural attractions in the city.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds, especially during the off-season in spring or autumn when the weather is mild.
The entrance fee is typically around ¥30-¥50 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's entrance, and some tickets are also available for online purchase through local platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Booking a day or two ahead will ensure availability, especially for group visits.
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum thoroughly, especially if you want to take time to read the detailed descriptions and engage with interactive exhibits.
Key highlights include the maritime history exhibits, ancient ship models, and displays of Quanzhou’s role in the Silk Road. The interactive sections detailing the trade routes are particularly popular.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available. Some tours might also be available in English, especially for international visitors. Audio guides in multiple languages are also provided.
The best photography spots include the large maritime models and the interactive trade route displays, which make for striking visuals and help capture the essence of the museum’s theme.
Start with the introductory exhibits on the history of Quanzhou’s maritime trade, then proceed to the sections on the different eras of transportation history. End with the interactive exhibits for a hands-on experience.
The museum does not typically offer night visits or light shows. Special tours are available on request for groups or during special cultural events, though it's best to check ahead for availability.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The best times to visit are early on weekdays, particularly in the morning hours.
The museum has rest areas, public toilets, and a small café serving light refreshments. There is also a souvenir shop offering local crafts and museum-related merchandise.
The museum is generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators for easy access to all floors. It’s family-friendly, and children can enjoy the interactive exhibits.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Credit cards are also commonly accepted, but it’s always advisable to carry some cash as well, especially for smaller purchases.
There is a small café inside the museum. Nearby, you can find several local restaurants offering Fujian cuisine, including traditional dishes like seafood and noodle soups.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants, particularly those serving traditional Fujian dishes. Some places also offer halal food for Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels nearby, including mid-range options like the Quanzhou International Hotel and budget hotels in the city center. You can also find guesthouses within walking distance of the museum.
Nearby attractions include the Kaiyuan Temple, the Qingjing Mosque, and the Quanzhou Maritime Museum. These can easily be visited together in a single day trip.
The museum has a small souvenir shop offering maritime-themed gifts, including ship models, postcards, and traditional Fujian crafts. Local tea and handwoven textiles are also popular items.
From the museum, you can take a taxi to nearby attractions, or use public buses to explore the city further. The Quanzhou Railway Station is easily accessible by taxi for those continuing their journey by train.
