Quanzhou, formerly known as Zaitun, is an ancient port city in Southeast China's Fujian province.

Known as one of the starting points of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, the earliest records of friendly contacts between the city and countries in Southeast Asia date back to the Southern Dynasty (420-589) during the sixth century.

The city, with a strong economy in the province, is embracing a new wave of growth opportunities as a result of the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to build a trade and infrastructure network that will connect China with the rest of the world along the path of the ancient Silk Road.

Quanzhou is not only an economically powerful city, it is also renowned for its sound ecological environment. The following are a set of photos depicting the springtime view of the city.

An ancient tower in Quanzhou, Fujian province [Photo/Xinhua]

A heart-shaped island in the West Lake Park in Quanzhou, Fujian province [Photo/Xinhua]