Huian

Huian (惠安), also romanized as Hui’an, is a county‑level city under the jurisdiction of Quanzhou in Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. It is situated on the southeastern coast of the province, bordering the Taiwan Strait to the east and the counties of Jinjiang, Nan’an and Quangang to the west and north. The city covers an area of roughly 1,200 km² and, as of the latest census, has a population of about 1.1 million inhabitants, the majority of whom are Han Chinese with a small proportion of ethnic minorities.

Historically, Huian was part of the maritime trade networks that flourished during the Song and Ming dynasties. Its coastal location made it a staging point for the export of tea, ceramics and other goods. In the early 20th century the area saw administrative reorganization and was designated a county in 1913; it was upgraded to a county‑level city in 1995.

The local economy remains closely tied to its maritime heritage. Fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing are major industries, complemented by manufacturing sectors such as shoe production, machinery components and building materials. Huian has also developed tourism, capitalising on its historical temples, traditional folk performances and the scenic coastal beaches that attract visitors from elsewhere in Fujian.

Culturally, Huian is known for distinctive folk customs, including the “Nanxi” opera style and traditional paper‑cutting art. The city maintains several educational institutions, a network of primary and secondary schools, and a branch of Fujian Normal University, contributing to its regional role as a hub for both commerce and culture.