A Village Carved by the Sea Breeze: Xunpu, a Fishing Village That Writes Poetry with Oyster Shells

Xunpu Village is located in Donghai Subdistrict, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, situated at the estuary where the Jin River and Luoyang River converge, facing the Quanzhou Bay Bridge across the water. This fishing village, covering less than 3 square kilometers, is renowned for its Minnan fishing culture, oyster-shell houses, and the "Xunpu Women" folk tradition. It is a living microcosm of Quanzhou's "Maritime Silk Road Culture" and a heritage site of national intangible cultural heritage. The history of Xunpu Village dates back to the Song and Yuan dynasties. As a key hub of Quanzhou Port, it once served as a haven for Arab and Southeast Asian merchant ships. The villagers have relied on fishing for generations, and their culture is particularly distinguished by the Xunpu Women, one of the "Three Great Fishing Women of Fujian." Their iconic attire—floral headdresses ("Zanhua Wei") and traditional "Daju Shan" garments—has endured for a thousand years, earning them the nickname "walking gardens." The other two fishing women are the Hui'an Women (from Hui'an County, Quanzhou) and the Meizhou Women (from Meizhou Island, Putian), each with distinct styles: Hui'an Women are known for their "feudal head, democratic belly" short tops and wide pants, Meizhou Women for their "sailboat head" buns and Mazu worship, while Xunpu Women stand out with their floral headdresses and oyster-shell house culture. Xunpu Village embodies the wisdom of "symbiosis between sea and village," turning history into everyday life. It is not only a vibrant showcase of Fujian's three great fishing women cultures but also a millennium-old fishing village where one need not seek out "attractions"—simply observe the interplay of tides and time. **Scenery & Culture** 1. **Oyster-Shell Houses**: Around Shunji Temple, nearly a hundred oyster-shell houses are preserved, their walls layered with alternating oyster shells and red bricks, shimmering like fish scales under sunlight—a true "art carved by the sea breeze." 2. **Shunji Temple & Mazu Worship**: Built in the Ming Dynasty, Shunji Temple enshrines the sea goddess Mazu. Its intricate cut-porcelain carvings and colorful paintings reflect the fusion of Minnan folk beliefs and maritime culture. 3. **Fishing Village Scenery**: Narrow alleys wind past doorways adorned with "Haili" talismans, eaves stacked with oyster shells, and courtyards scattered with fishing nets and floats—preserving traces of the village's original fishing and farming life. 4. **Fishing Port & Dock**: Colorful fishing boats moor at the eastern port, where the modern silhouette of Quanzhou Bay Bridge contrasts with the ancient village, creating a dialogue across time. **Recommended Activities** 1. **Architectural Exploration**: Stroll along the route "Shunji Temple—Oyster-Shell House Alleys—Fishing Port," observing the intricate details of oyster-shell walls and capturing their textures in the light. 2. **Folk Culture Experience**: Book a Xunpu Women costume session (several studios in the village offer this), styling your hair with floral pins and donning traditional "Daju Shan" robes and wide-leg pants to immerse in the unique charm of fishing women culture. 3. **Slow Village Life**: Watch fishermen sort their catch at dawn, listen to elders share "Maritime Silk Road" tales under ancient banyan trees in the afternoon, and photograph the silhouettes of returning boats at dusk. **Transportation** 1. **Bus**: From Quanzhou city center, take Bus 3 or K301 to "Xunpu Village Station," or Bus 39 or 44 to "Xunpu Market Station," then walk 5 minutes into the village. 2. **Driving**: Navigate to "Xunpu Folk Culture Village." Parking is available at the entrance (about 50 spaces; arrive early on weekends). **Tips** 1. **Respect Local Customs**: Ask for permission before photographing Xunpu Women or private courtyards; keep quiet during rituals at Shunji Temple. 2. **Protect Architecture**: Oyster-shell walls are fragile—do not touch or climb them. Be mindful of narrow alleys and give way to residents' vehicles. 3. **Sun & Bug Protection**: The village offers little shade; bring hats and mosquito repellent. Avoid midday sun in summer. 4. **Eco-Consciousness**: Oyster shells and fishing gear are vital to villagers' livelihoods—do not collect them. Dispose of trash at the village's sorting station.