A view on West Street (Xiejie), Quanzhou. [Photo by Marcel Schneider]

It is this open-mindedness that has always led Quanzhou venture into new horizons. It roots deep in both the present and the past. In the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) and later periods, Quanzhou served as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, connecting China with the world. However, during my visit to the 14th Asia Arts Festival, I witnessed the world connecting with China. An exhibition titled "Just Share It – Explore Asian Arts and Culture Contest," encouraged international photographers and video makers to share their individual works. Bustling cities and powerful portraits illustrate the Chinese dream through the viewfindersof the artists' cameras. Another event called "The International Puppetry Festival" at Quanzhou Puppet Theatre showed puppet masters from all over the world breathing life into motionless paper, wood and fabric. That evening, everybody spoke the same language; it was the language of passion that brings people together. It truly appeared as if the visitors were suspended on threads and steered by the hands of art and beauty.