Scientific Development Research

As a representative of China's maritime commercial civilization, Fujian merchant culture—and specifically its transmission mechanisms—warrants in-depth study amid the context of globalization and shifting intergenerational perspectives. Focusing on Southern Fujian, this paper traces the historical trajectory of Fujian merchant culture and examines how geographic environments and an open mentalité shaped its formation. The research highlights three pivotal transmission mechanisms: kinship ties, institutional norms, and symbolic reconstruction. Kinship ties establish a foundation of trust through lineage networks; institutional norms ensure cultural continuity via structured entities such as guild halls (huiguan) and clan regulations; and symbolic reconstruction facilitates the intergenerational passage of spiritual values through the creative transformation of architectural and ritualistic carriers. The synergy of these mechanisms enables Fujian merchant culture to maintain its profound vitality across historical epochs, offering theoretical insights for the “creative transformation and innovative development”of fine traditional Chinese culture.

Fujian merchant culture; Transmission mechanism; Kinship ties; Institutional norms; Symbolic reconstruction