On both sides of the main gate of Kaiyuan Temple, one of the most renowned temples in southern Fujian, hangs a famous couplet: "This place was once known as the Buddhist Kingdom, where sages walked the streets."

This phrase originated from Zhu Xi and was inscribed by Master Hong Yi, serving as both a high tribute to Quanzhou’s rich history and culture and a symbolic representation of the city’s deep spiritual heritage. 

Incense and devotion have long been intertwined with Quanzhou’s identity, making it a spiritual and cultural landmark. The term "Buddhist Kingdom of Southern Fujian" was not first coined by Zhu Xi; historical records show that as early as the Tang Dynasty, Quanzhou had already earned this title, highlighting its centuries-old Buddhist tradition.

 For a long time, Buddhism has flourished in Quanzhou. Compared to the Central Plains, Quanzhou's overall historical and cultural development lagged behind before the Tang Dynasty. However, in terms of Buddhist culture, the gap was the smallest, highlighting the region’s early and deep connection to Buddhism.

 Yanfu Temple(Image source: Internet)  

 In 288 CE, Quanzhou built its first Buddhist temple, Yanfu Temple. During the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, the Indian monk Gunavarman (拘那罗陀) traveled through Quanzhou, spreading Buddhist teachings for three years, planting the seeds of Buddhism in the region. By the Sui Dynasty, Buddhism flourished further, with temples like Longshan Temple, Yuantong Temple, Lingjiu Temple, and Tianzhu Nunnery emerging as central hubs of faith and folklore.  

 

 

Renshou Pagoda (Image source: Internet) 

During the Tang Dynasty, Quanzhou saw the construction of over 40 Buddhist temples, with the most renowned being Kaiyuan Temple, built in 686. It became the most representative Buddhist temple in Quanzhou. By the Five Dynasties period, Buddhism had become deeply ingrained in local culture, with historical records indicating that hundreds of temples existed in Quanzhou at the time. Within Kaiyuan Temple, the Zhenguo Pagoda and Renshou Pagoda, built during the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, stand as enduring testaments to the flourishing Buddhist heritage of the region.

 

Zhenguo Pagoda (Image source: Internet)  

 During the Tang and Five Dynasties, as Buddhist temples became abundant in Quanzhou, Master Wudeng of Yanfu Temple in Nan'an carved four large characters—"泉南佛国" (Buddhist Kingdom of Southern Quanzhou)—onto a massive rock on Jiuri Mountain, marking the origin of this title.

By the Song and Yuan Dynasties, with economic and political advancements, Quanzhou became a global trade hub. The bustling commerce, cultural exchanges, and flow of goods further enriched Buddhist culture in the region. According to Chen Qiren’s "Records of Inscriptions in Fujian", during the Yuan Dynasty, temples even received dedicated financial subsidies.

Thus, when Zhu Xi visited Quanzhou in the early Southern Song Dynasty, he witnessed Buddhism flourishing—a sight that was unquestionably reflective of the city's deep-rooted spiritual and cultural prosperity.

 

Jiuri Mountain Inscriptions (Image source: Internet)  

 

Through the Ming, Qing, and modern eras, Buddhism remained integral to Quanzhou. The renowned monk Hongyi (弘一法师) resided here for 14 years in the 20th century, drawn by the city’s unbroken spiritual vitality.  

 

Incense, as both a medium of worship and cultural continuity, has anchored Quanzhou’s daily life. Trade diversified incense materials, cultural fusion enriched its forms, and shared faith carried its traditions worldwide. This legacy crystallized into a unique Minnan folk culture, reflecting the elegance and spirituality of its people.  

It is a comprehensive and unique folk culture that the Minnan people have gradually developed over a long historical process, reflecting their refined lifestyle and spiritual essence. Rooted in Quanzhou’s spirit of inclusiveness and innovation, the art of incense carving emerged and gradually evolved into a new medium for incense rituals and Buddhist faith. Over time, it has developed into a distinctive craft and category, becoming an alternative pathway for promoting Quanzhou’s cultural identity.

Incense carving is a product of Quanzhou’s rich historical and cultural heritage, a vessel of faith that has been passed down through generations. EastAdore Incense Carving carries forward the legacy of millennia-old incense culture, drawing inspiration from Quanzhou’s diverse traditions and daily life. By seamlessly blending multiple cultural elements through innovation, it represents yet another exploration of how tradition evolves in a changing era.

Innovating incense culture, bringing Quanzhou’s heritage to the world, and adding a brilliant new chapter to the legacy of the Maritime Silk Road—Quanzhou stands at the heart of incense carving, shaping a new narrative for Eastern lifestyle aesthetics.