Nestled gently by Quanzhou Bay, Xunpu Village is a hidden gem that harbours the legacy of ancient Arab merchants. Through centuries of intermarriage with local Han communities, a unique tapestry of cultures has been woven into its daily life, preserving faint echoes of Central Asian charm. The most striking relics are the oyster shell houses—layer upon layer of weathered shells, glowing with a soft, pearlescent lustre, a testament to the fishermen’s ingenuity in harmonising with nature and a living symbol of cross-cultural fusion. Xunpu women, hardworking and bold, wear their romance in their hair: clusters of fresh blossoms adorn their tresses, no makeup needed, embodying the local proverb, “Wear flowers in this life, and be beautiful in the next.” These vibrant blooms, in hues of fiery red, elegant white and bright yellow, are more than decorations—they are a heartfelt ode to life’s simple joys.