Young foreign folks dress in traditional Chinese attire. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

On Dec 6-10, an ancient city study tour organized by the Fujian Media Group took place in Quanzhou, East China's Fujian province.

Over 20 young expats from Italy, Japan, Australia, Tanzania and other countries explored the metropolis.

They visited a compass cultural museum, tasted Chan tea at the Xuefeng Temple in Nan'an and tried on zanhuawei or floral headdress in Xunpu village. Through these activities, they are said to have really discovered the charms of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage city.

"For the Fujian ancestors with oceanic genes in their blood, the compass was a navigation tool for long-distance voyages, contributing to the prosperity of the Maritime Silk Road," said guide Su Shaolong.

An inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of compass-making, Su helped the foreign youths to gain insights into various key compasses across the span of history.

One of the visitors, Han Senshan from Australia, particularly admired Chinese tea culture. "Fujian is a land of tea, producing Anxi Tieguanyin tea and Wuyi rock tea. I love it here," he said.

"The Xuefeng Chan tea has a rich aroma, paired with the tranquil zen atmosphere of Xuefeng Temple," he added.

During their visit, the youngsters also engaged in martial arts exchanges at the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple and explored the Anta Group, reflecting on the Jinjiang Spirit of "Dedicate yourself and you will win".

They also immersed themselves in the traditional villages of Wulin to appreciate overseas Chinese culture and Minnan architecture. Through short videos that they made, they shared their Quanzhou experiences from a foreign perspective.

A pretty foreigner models traditional Xunpu women's attire. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]