In the chill of a southern winter, I had the privilege of joining Professor Yan Yu of Peking University, students from the Jing Shi Academy, and entrepreneurs from across the nation on an expedition to Quanzhou, a city steeped in centuries of history. Once a flourishing maritime hub that commanded global trade for four centuries, this southeastern coastal town still emanates a quiet yet profound allure, even as it navigates the upheavals of a rapidly transforming world. Under the expert guidance of Professor Yan—a cultural scholar whose erudition and fieldwork are unparalleled—we embarked on a journey to uncover the city’s rich historical essence.

　　Quanzhou, where the ancient and the modern converge, unfolds its charm vividly against the stark backdrop of winter. Thanks to the meticulous planning of local entrepreneurs Lin Shuying and Sun Jiayu, our itinerary spanned sites as varied as Bole Town, Brother Bao’s Treasure Hall Company, Purely Biotechnology, and the Septwolves Garment Museum. These visits were complemented by explorations of iconic cultural landmarks such as the Southern Shaolin Temple, Kaiyuan Temple, and the Quanzhou Maritime Museum. Together, these locations wove a narrative that not only showcased Quanzhou’s cultural wealth but also illuminated its seamless integration of history and innovation.

　　Yet, what lingers most in my memory is not the grandeur of ancient temples or the significance of treasured artefacts. It is the fleeting, unplanned moments that truly captivated the heart—ambling through narrow alleyways, sampling steaming street-side delicacies, and soaking in the unvarnished warmth of everyday life. These instances, imbued with unpretentious humanity, felt like serendipitous gifts, subtle reminders of life’s quiet marvels.

　　Professor Yan’s observation, “The light you perceive reflects the heart you carry,” resonated deeply throughout our time in Quanzhou. The city revealed itself not merely as a place but as a mirror, reflecting the beauty we hold within. As the adage goes, “The mind shapes what we see.” In Quanzhou, the residents’ unassuming kindness seemed to harmonise effortlessly with our own inner light, their sincerity radiating under the soft glow of the winter sun.

　　This journey was more than an exploration of culture; it was a renewal of the spirit. The timeless wisdom of Li Zhi’s musings on childlike innocence and Wang Yangming’s heart-centered philosophy called us back to our authentic selves, reminding us that conscious goodwill can illuminate even the most complex of landscapes. Quanzhou, with its enduring vitality, became a narrative of its own—a narrative that inspires, uplifts, and offers insights to be carried well beyond this winter’s light.

　　By Prof. John Q. Wang

　　Columnist, The Philippines Chinese Commercial News