Lingshan Islamic Cemetery

Lingshan Islamic Cemetery on the outskirts of Quanzhou is one of the oldest Muslim burial sites in China, containing the graves of Arab traders and missionaries who settled in the city during its centuries as a major international port. The oldest inscribed gravestones date to the Song dynasty and are carved in Arabic and Persian. The hill setting, surrounded by old trees, has a calm and genuine sacred atmosphere quite different from the more tourist-oriented heritage sites in the city centre.

The cemetery is still in use by Quanzhou's Muslim community. The two ancient graves at the top of the hill are the focal point of pilgrimage visits, and offerings of incense and flowers are typically present. The site is about 3 kilometres from the city centre, accessible by taxi. It is less visited by Chinese domestic tourists than the major temples, making it one of the most peaceful spots in the city.

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The two most important graves in Lingshan Cemetery are said to be those of two companions of the Prophet Muhammad who came to China during the Tang dynasty as missionaries. Whether or not the attribution is historically accurate — Muslim tradition holds that the Prophet sent companions to every major civilisation — the graves have been visited by pilgrims for over a thousand years and were documented by Ibn Battuta when he passed through Quanzhou in the 14th century. They remain objects of veneration for Muslims from across southeast Asia and the Arab world.