Quanzhou Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, hotels, and cultural customs in Quanzhou with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Quanzhou

Located in South Fujian, Quanzhou is a beautiful coastal city in China that is known for its stunning natural landscapes, delicious food and rich cultural heritage. With a history dating back over 1,300 years, Quanzhou boasts a number of ancient temples, beautiful shrines and historic landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Quanzhou

Quanzhou is full of fascinating attractions that are sure to impress visitors of all ages. Here are some top must-visit places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kaiyuan Temple: One of the most famous ancient temples in China, the Kaiyuan Temple dates back to the early Tang Dynasty and offers several beautiful halls and intricate pagodas to explore.
  • Quanzhou Maritime Museum: This museum offers unique insights into the history of overseas trade in China, with exhibits covering diverse topics like navigation, shipbuilding, and global trade relations.
  • Quanzhou Ancient City Wall: A well-preserved fortress dating back to the Ming Dynasty, the Quanzhou Ancient City Wall offers visitors an exceptional view of the city and its surroundings.

Natural Attractions of Quanzhou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Qingyuan Mountain: A picturesque mountain range that offers plenty of hiking trails and scenic vistas, Qingyuan Mountain is appreciated by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
  • Tumen Street: This charming pedestrian street is surrounded by historic buildings and offers unique shops, boutiques, cafes, and stalls selling local specialty foods.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Quanzhou

Quanzhou is chock full of fabulous hiking and biking routes for those interested in exploring the city’s natural beauty. Some must-visit spots for outdoor enthusiasts include:

  • Qingyuan Mountain: The mountain is home to several scenic hiking trails that take visitors through lush forests, trickling streams and breathtaking vistas.
  • Laojun Mountain: Another popular hiking spot, Laojun Mountain offers lovely views of the city, marked by gently rolling hills, peaceful ponds and crystal clear streams.

Best Things to Do in Quanzhou: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of fantastic activities to do and tours to take in Quanzhou, including:

  • Tea ceremony: Learn about the ancient art of Chinese tea ceremonies and create your personalized tea blend at one of the many tea houses around the city.
  • Dumpling making class: Get hands-on experience making Chinese dumplings in a fun cooking class.

Week-Long Itinerary for Quanzhou

For those looking to spend some quality time in Quanzhou, we recommend the following week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit Kaiyuan Temple and Quanzhou Maritime Museum
2 Try a tea ceremony and enjoy a walk on Tumen Street
3 Explore the city’s ancient city walls
4 Go hiking in Qingyuan Mountain
5 Make dumplings in a cooking class
6 Take a cycling tour of the countryside
7 Relax at a local spa or hot spring

Food and Drink Scene of Quanzhou

Quanzhou has a rich culinary heritage that blends authentic local flavors with influences from all over China. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: A rich, flavorful seafood soup made with over ten kinds of ingredients, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is a must-try for foodies visiting Quanzhou.
  • Oyster Omelet: A beloved local dish, oyster omelet is a delectable mix of eggs, oysters, and fresh vegetables fried to perfection.

Local Beverages

  • Hua Tan: A local specialty, Hua Tan is a traditional fermented rice wine that is known for its smooth taste and pleasant aroma.
  • Nanputuo Tea: A high-quality green tea that is grown in the mountains surrounding Quanzhou, Nanputuo Tea is a subtle, refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with local desserts.

Where to Stay in Quanzhou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Quanzhou has several accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses. Some popular stays include:

  • Marco Polo Jinjiang: A luxury hotel that features well-appointed rooms, top-notch amenities, and exceptional service.
  • GreenTree Inn: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and an excellent location in the heart of the city.

What to Buy in Quanzhou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs to bring back from Quanzhou include:

  • Tea and tea sets: Quanzhou is famous for its high-quality tea, so be sure to bring some home and enjoy it long after your trip.
  • Tea oil: Made by steeping tea leaves in oil, tea oil is a unique culinary product that is often used to add intensity to dishes like stir-fries and soups.

Local Culture and Customs of Quanzhou

When visiting Quanzhou, be sure to keep the following local traditions and customs in mind:

  • Eating with chopsticks: Although it may take some practice, eating with chopsticks is the preferred method in Quanzhou.
  • Respect for elders: A strong emphasis is placed on respect for elders in Quanzhou, so be sure to show deference to older locals you might encounter.

Best Time to Visit Quanzhou

The best time to visit Quanzhou is during the autumn months of September to November when mild, pleasant temperatures prevail, and the city’s parks and gardens are aglow with reds and golds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Quanzhou

Here are some do’s and don’ts for tourists visiting Quanzhou:

Do:

  • Try local street food: Quanzhou is a food lover’s paradise, and you’ll miss out if you don’t indulge in some of the delicious local street food.
  • Respect local customs: Quanzhou has a rich cultural heritage, so be sure to respect local customs and traditions while visiting.

Don’t:

  • Ignore traffic signals: Quanzhou’s traffic can be confusing for visitors, so be sure to obey traffic signals and road signs at all times for your safety.
  • Waste food: Food is highly valued in Quanzhou, so try not to waste it.

Safety and Health

Safety in Quanzhou

Quanzhou is relatively safe for tourists, with low levels of crime, and violent crime being rare. However, visitors should take basic precautions like safeguarding personal belongings and avoiding traveling alone at night.

Health in Quanzhou

Tourists visiting Quanzhou should make sure they’ve been vaccinated for common illnesses and carry a travel medical kit with essential medications. Visitors should stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid street food stalls with poor hygiene.

Getting to Quanzhou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Quanzhou

  • Jinjiang Airport: Located just 10 kilometers from Quanzhou, Jinjiang Airport is the primary airport serving the city.

Bus Stations Near Quanzhou

  • Quanzhou West Bus Station: Provides long-distance coach services to multiple destinations across Fujian Province and other parts of the country.
  • Quanzhou North Bus Station: Offers a large number of bus services to several popular cities and towns nearby.

Other Options

  • Train: High-speed bullet trains connect Quanzhou to major cities such as Xiamen, Fuzhou, and Hangzhou.
  • Car hire: Local car rental agencies are available for travelers who wish to hire a car and explore Quanzhou and its surroundings on their own.

How to Get Around in Quanzhou

Quanzhou has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and trains to help visitors get around the city and surrounding areas. Tourists can also opt for bicycles or ebikes to explore the city on their own terms.

Where to Go Next from Quanzhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Quanzhou is located in the heart of Fujian Province in China and offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding areas. Some popular destinations and excursions include:

  • Xiamen: A coastal city famous for its scenic beaches, parks, and historic attractions, Xiamen is just under an hour’s drive from Quanzhou.
  • Wuyishan National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wuyishan National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty and boasts breathtaking mountains, deep valleys, and pristine waters.

Conclusion

Quanzhou offers visitors a unique combination of nature, culture, history, and cuisine, making it an excellent destination in China for travelers looking for an exciting and diverse experience. By following our comprehensive travel guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to Quanzhou, so start planning your adventure today!

Position in Fujian province Position in Fujian province The area along Sunwu Creek, south of downtown, has experienced an urban renewal. The ''bixi'' turtle carries an inscription commemorating flood control work on the creek The area along Sunwu Creek, south of downtown, has experienced an urban renewal. The ''bixi'' turtle carries an inscription commemorating flood control work on the creek Quanzhou Railway Station Platform Quanzhou Railway Station Platform On the grounds of Kaiyuan Temple On the grounds of Kaiyuan Temple The Guan-Yue Temple on Tumen Jie The Guan-Yue Temple on Tumen Jie An ancient stone turtle (''bixi'') in the Tianhou Temple An ancient stone turtle (''bixi'') in the Tianhou Temple Quanzhou Museum Quanzhou Museum Luoyang Bridge Luoyang Bridge Lao Tse Lao Tse Dehua teapot Dehua teapot Tieguanyin tea Tieguanyin tea Many major streets have well-utilized bicycle lanes Many major streets have well-utilized bicycle lanes