The Sacred Tombs of Quanzhou

A Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, the Sacred Tombs of Quanzhou sit on the southern foothill of Lingshan Mountain. According to legend, they mark the final resting place of the Third and Fourth Saints, disciples of Muhammad who traveled to China during the Wude reign of the Tang Dynasty. 

They also rank among the earliest physical evidence of Islam’s introduction into China. Nestled between mountains and the sea, the tomb complex encloses two stone graves within a crescent-shaped stone corridor.

Seven precious stone steles from successive dynasties are preserved inside, including an Arabic reconstruction stele dated the 2nd year of the Zhizhi reign of the Yuan Dynasty and Zheng He’s Incense Offering Stele carved in the 15th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty. It serves as core material proof of Quanzhou’s status as a global maritime trade hub and a melting pot of diverse cultures during the Song and Yuan dynasties.