Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 328 October 2016 Global trade has long moved on from Quanzhou’s port. But, from the 1000-year‑old mosque to the blue‑eyed vendor selling lamb kebabs by West Lake, this heartland Chinese city is still thoroughly multicultural. It’s a city of temples, a city of tolerance, a place where my host at the Snow Lotus restaurant can painstakingly explain that she’s from the far-off desert province of Xinjiang but also Chinese. Yet Quanzhou is also thoroughly traditional. Out in the waterside district of Xunpu, old ladies in bright floral head-dresses still pick through oysters, a food so important that some houses are built using oyster shells. The city’s myriad teahouses and dealers sell the famous oolongs of Fujian province — the signature style is the fragrant, floral tieguanyin. Walking isn’t the best way to navigate most Chinese cities: they’re too large, too spread out, their ancient centres wiped out for ring roads. But, equipped with a Chinese- language picture map, I explore Quanzhou on foot. There are lovely parks and gardens here: I hike through Qingyuan Park past rocky waterfalls and shady groves to a mountain lake the colour of jade with sweeping views across the city. There are fascinating museums: the Maritime Museum provides a brilliant Oysters is still an improtant part of Quanzhou life The philosopher- god Lao Zi, in Qingyuan Park JOURNEY ALONG THE SILK ROAD..... On sale to 30 Nov 16, unless sold out prior. Valid for travel on selected departures Apr - May 17. Single supplement applies. Available in either direction and permitted once only .Surcharges apply for after-hours transfers. Valid for new bookings only. Visa fees included for Australian passport holders. Prices and availability correct as at 15 Sep 16. Visit wendywutours.com.au for full details. ATAS: A10517. K4842