Hey history buffs! Ever wondered how early ties between the Chinese mainland and the Ryukyu Kingdom took shape? Meet Rouyuan Station, Fuzhou’s 1472 gateway for Ryukyu envoys. 🛶
Under the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Fuzhou in Fujian Province was officially designated the first stop for envoys, students, and merchants from the Ryukyu Kingdom. Built in 1472, Rouyuan Station—whose name literally means "treating those from afar with grace"—served as a home away from home before these envoys headed north to Beijing for formal tribute ceremonies.
Fast forward to 2025, and this 553-year-old gem has been lovingly preserved as a museum and protected cultural heritage site. It’s a living snapshot of centuries-old maritime exchange—a reminder of how Asia’s seas connected diverse cultures long before the digital age. 🌏
Whether you’re planning your next museum hop in Asia or just love diving into global history, Rouyuan Station is a must-see for its Ming-era charm and tales of cross-sea diplomacy. 📸✨
Next time you’re in Fuzhou or adding to your travel bucket list, drop by Rouyuan Station and snap a pic where island vibes meet ancient mainland hospitality! 🌊
Reference(s):
Rouyuan Station in Fuzhou: A historic witness to China–Ryukyu ties
cgtn.com
