By Wang Qiang

　　From December 6 to 8, 2024, the skies above Quanzhou Bay were transformed into a vivid tapestry of creativity, as renowned Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang debuted his latest masterpiece, Red Sails. Using drones and daylight fireworks, Cai’s dazzling visual spectacle paid tribute to Minnan culture, blending artistry, emotion, and history in an unforgettable display. This new work followed his celebrated Sky Ladder, a previous project in his hometown of Quanzhou, and continued his exploration of deep cultural connections through dramatic, site-specific art.

　　On the same evening, Mr. Zhang Zhongxian, Executive President of the Jinjiang International Communication Association (JJICA), hosted a grand banquet and fireworks display at Yuequan Xingshe to welcome international research partners. Amidst the breathtaking fireworks, Zhang shared his future vision after the successful acquisition of Minhua Power in June 2024. He also reflected on childhood memories of watching fireworks with his father, a moment that resonated with the themes of familial bonds explored in Cai Guoqiang’s Sky Ladder. This spirit of resilience, deeply embedded in the people of Quanzhou, is passed down through generations. Like a seed that matures into a strong tree, Quanzhou’s unwavering determination now takes shape in its spectacular firework displays, embodying the city’s enduring legacy and cultural continuity.

　　The story of unity and perseverance is a central theme in the UNESCO Maritime Silk Road series, especially in the volume Quanzhou: The World Port at the Eastern Edge of the Maritime Silk Routes. Despite two days of meticulous rehearsals, challenging weather conditions tested the event’s resilience on December 8. In the Red Sails chapter, 26 boats launched a dazzling array of fireworks at sea. Moments later, a fleet of drones formed a dramatic "sailing ship" of fireworks, slicing through the wind and waves. This powerful image symbolized Quanzhou’s long-standing connection to the sea. The sight of red sails unfurling across the sky, powered by thousands of drones, brought to mind the Wangchuan Ceremony, a shared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage between Quanzhou, Xiamen, and Malaysia.

　　The second chapter, Flower Pins (簪花), used fireworks and shifting colors to depict the seasonal beauty of flowers, celebrating the strength and grace of Minnan women. Though adverse weather conditions—strong winds causing several drones to fall into the sea—prevented the full realization of the display, the artistic message remained potent. Standing by the stormy shores of Quanzhou Bay, Cai Guoqiang smiled and remarked, “Life is vast; win or lose, we embrace it with grace.” In that moment, Cai honored not only his mother but also the hardworking women of Minnan’s coastal communities, whose resilience mirrors that of the landscape itself.

　　The third act, Going Global, encapsulated the spirit of the Minnan people—whose ancestors ventured across the seas to seek new opportunities. In the Age of Sail, the men of Quanzhou Bay battled the harsh sea with courage, while the women, as strong as mothers, undertook the vital work of building homes and repairing boats. Their labor was infused with the aspirations for a better future, symbolized by the Flower Pins—a reflection of Minnan women’s enduring hope for a brighter tomorrow.

　　Cai Guoqiang’s fireworks show, which intertwined the themes of Red Sails and the changing seasons of Flower Pins, culminated in a breathtaking display of lanterns filling the night sky. Lanterns, a timeless symbol of light, hope, and reunion, illuminated the darkness, offering a sense of warmth and connection. In this context, the values and practices of Minnan culture serve as a model for human interaction with the sea, much like the red sails in the sky—guiding us toward a future of promise and shared understanding.

　　The connection between Quanzhou’s culture and the sea is profound, not only as the starting point of the famed Maritime Silk Road but also in the everyday lives and rituals of Quanzhou’s people, such as the Wangchuan Ceremony. These intangible cultural heritages are vital expressions of Quanzhou’s deep bond with the sea. The maritime spirit of Quanzhou is characterized by core values such as loyalty, courage, benevolence, and the principle of "harmony is precious." Over time, these values have been shared and enriched by cultures across Southeast Asia, especially through migration. The business communities of Quanzhou and Minnan, particularly among overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia, have earned recognition for their collaborative approach to commerce. Their commitment to integrity, loyalty, and mutual support has resonated deeply with local societies. These cultural traits are not confined to Quanzhou but are shared across the Minnan region and Fujian province, reflecting an integral part of Chinese culture—one rich in both regional identity and universal significance.