Fujian — trading province

The coastal areas of Fujian had been part of the Chinese empire since the Qin Dynasty (221—207bce). From its early beginnings as a frontier region it grew into a major commercial centre with important ports for the maritime silk route. Other commodities traded were precious stones, textiles, porcelain and food products, which were magnets to Arab merchants and other traders. Missionaries also came to the area.

When the Ming emperors forced restrictions in the 16th century that affected this maritime trade, Fujian people began to emigrate to Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia; Fujian cuisine still exists today in these countries. The capital city, Fouzhou, is now a flourishing, bustling boom town with incredible skyscrapers and endless construction projects. The historical port of Xiamen (Amoy) is said to have been the birthplace of soy sauce, an ingredient that now enjoys a global status.