FOREWORD

The maritime Silk Road constitutes a major highway on the seas that played a historically significant role in enabling and promoting commercial and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. It first began to form during the Qin and Han dynasties，saw rapid development during Tang and Song，and underwent transformation during Ming and Qing. The maritime Silk Road is made up of two routes，one going through the East China Sea and the other the South China Sea，and is the oldest of all maritime shipping routes. It has been instrumental in developing commerce，keeping peace，spreading wealth，and promoting cultural exchange and the progress of civilizations. In it we find a powerful symbol of cooperation between the East and the West，and a cultural heritage that belongs not to any one country but to humanity as a whole.

As one of the Chinese cities from which the maritime Silk Road starts，Quanzhou enjoyed more than four centuries of robust foreign trade between 12th and 14th century，spanning Tang，Song and Yuan dynasties. Its reputation as “the Largest Port in the East” is nothing if not well-earned. One of the long-lasting legacies for the city from such rich experience is the strong spirit of mutual respect and inclusiveness that forms an integral part of its identify today as a glittering modern metropolis. Material evidence for the city’s glorious past as a key point on the maritime Silk Road is ubiquitous in Quanzhou，among which is a plethora of both Chinese and foreign coinage once used in trade on the maritime Silk Road. They speak volumes of the important historical fact that for centuries the maritime Silk Road was an international venue for not only global commerce but also monetary development. Coinage，as a form of currency，is more than a means for trade and exchange，it is also the embodiment of culture and technology，bearing witness to the interactions among different regions. As such，they are an invaluable source of information，understanding and knowledge about history.

We hope this book offers readers an opportunity to take a closer look at this history，and in doing so，be reminded of and take renewed pride in China’s remarkable contributions to international peace and shared prosperity.