The stone carvings of Hindu temples in Quanzhou during the Yuan Dynasty are remnants of 13th century Hindu temples. Since the 20th century, nearly 300 square meters have been discovered in the ancient city area of Quanzhou, making it the only group of Hindu temple remains in China. They have significant historical significance for studying ancient Sino Indian exchanges. The research on these stone carvings has achieved fruitful results, including historical periods, artistic styles, production backgrounds, producers, and image themes. The intricate patterns of the five sided niche shaped stone carvings depict Hindu gods and mythological stories, and have been interpreted to include statues of Shiva the Dance King, Shiva Linga, and Vishnu's wife Lakshmi. The niche shaped stone carving image is unique and distinct from traditional Chinese patterns, and is considered to be a pure Indian style. But the latest research has found that in addition to themed statues, there are also rich decorative symbols involving animals, plants, religious symbols, and ethnic patterns, which belong to the Han, Mongolian, and Tibetan ethnic groups in India and China respectively. The details of the decoration reveal the ethnic characteristics of the work, as well as the connections and influences between different regions, religions, and cultures. The blending of different artistic elements on the niche shaped stone carvings reflects the coexistence patterns between different cultures in Quanzhou city from the 10th to the 14th century, which helps to understand the social and cultural ecology as well as the cultural psychology of the people at that time.

1、 Independent yet intertwined cultures

During the Yuan Dynasty, Quanzhou, as the largest overseas trading port city in China, attracted merchants, nobles, missionaries, and others from different regions and ethnicities, forming a society where diverse cultures coexisted. The diverse culture of Quanzhou not only includes foreign religions such as Islam, Nestorianism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Manichaeism, and Judaism, but also local cultures such as Confucianism, Zen, and Taoism. These cultures are both independent and blended in Quanzhou, producing unique works of art such as the "cross of the thorn tree" and the "diamond head" decoration on Hindu stone carvings. These works showcase the borrowing and recombination between different cultures, reflecting the degree of cultural integration. Meanwhile, although different religions engage in borrowing from each other, they can also maintain their independence, such as the coexistence of Tibetan Buddhist street towers and Hindu shrines. The coexistence of diverse cultures in Quanzhou reflects the openness and inclusiveness of the society at that time.

2、 People revere and respect foreign deities

The five sided niche shaped stone carvings in Quanzhou reflect the worship of Hindu deities, including images of Linga, Dance King, and Lakshmi. These stone carvings highly restore the original images of South India in form, but there are differences in temperament and charm, indicating that the carvers lack a deep understanding of Hindu gods. Nevertheless, Quanzhou people hold a reverence for all supernatural deities, which promotes the coexistence and respect of different cultures and religions in Quanzhou. The diverse cultural coexistence in ancient Quanzhou has had a profound impact on later generations, resulting in numerous and mixed deities within the city. Different religious deities are not excluded in the eyes of Quanzhou people and are regarded as beings capable of providing protection and protection.

3、 The mainstream of social culture is still Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism

Explored the status of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism as the mainstream social and cultural forms of multicultural coexistence in Quanzhou from the 10th to the 14th century. Although the house shaped niches carved by Hinduism are based on Indian style, they incorporate traditional Chinese patterns such as dragon patterns, cloud patterns, rolled grass patterns, and lotus patterns, demonstrating the influence of traditional culture. The Taoist temples, Buddhist monasteries, and Confucian holy sites in Quanzhou during the Yuan Dynasty reflect the dominant position of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism in social ideology. These religious sites are not only the spiritual pillars of Quanzhou people, but also influence the creation and artistic expression of artists. The Chinese elements such as dragon kisses, cloud patterns, and lotus petal patterns on Hindu niche stone carvings reflect the active infiltration of traditional Chinese culture and the adaptation of foreign art works to local artistic habits.

4、 A Supplementary Analysis of the Motivation for the Coexistence of Diverse Cultures in Quanzhou during the Song and Yuan Dynasties

The chapter on the analysis of the causes of multicultural coexistence in Quanzhou from the 10th to the 14th century explores the multiple influencing factors of multicultural coexistence in Quanzhou, including urban history, social value orientation, personnel structure, official attitude, and urban political status. The images on the niche shaped stone carvings reflect the creator's reverence for unknown deities and the openness in artistic design, reflecting the social consensus of harmonious coexistence between local culture and foreign religions. The openness of Quanzhou as an international port city, as well as the shared desire of the government and the public for overseas trade, are important reasons for the formation of this social and cultural mentality. The historical background of Quanzhou people, such as the maritime survival experience of Minyue people and the southward migration of Han people from the Central Plains, has jointly shaped the diversity and tolerance of Quanzhou culture. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, overseas Chinese from all over the world deeply intervened in the urban life of Quanzhou, promoting cultural integration. The acceptance of heterogeneous cultures and reverence for gods among Quanzhou people have enabled foreign religions to spread smoothly and be respected in Quanzhou. Religious art, such as the Yuan Dynasty Hindu niche stone carvings, showcases the coexistence of diverse cultures in Quanzhou and is a historical witness to the changes in Quanzhou's culture and personnel structure.