Things To Do
in Jinjiang
Jinjiang is a coastal city in Fujian Province, part of the Quanzhou metro area. It blends a dynamic manufacturing sector with accessible beaches and traditional Fujian architecture. The city serves as a gateway to Fujian's seafood cuisine and Min culture, with lively markets and waterfront walks.
It is well-connected to Xiamen and Quanzhou by road and rail, making day trips easy.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Jinjiang Ancient City, where you can stroll through cobblestone streets lined with traditional architecture. Visit the stunning Confucian Temple, immersing yourself in the history and culture of ancient Jinjiang. Grab a local breakfast of rice noodles from a nearby vendor to fuel your exploration.
After lunch at a local dumpling shop, head to the Jinjiang Museum to learn about the region's rich heritage through its impressive collection of artifacts. Take a leisurely walk in the surrounding park, where ancient trees and sculptures create a peaceful atmosphere. Wrap up your afternoon by visiting the vibrant local market, where you can engage with vendors and sample local delicacies.
As the sun sets, make your way to the scenic Jinjiang River for a relaxing boat cruise. Experience the illuminated cityscape reflecting on the water while enjoying traditional music. End your evening at a riverside restaurant, indulging in a feast of fresh seafood and local specialties.
Begin your day with a visit to the serene Dongshan Temple, where you can participate in a morning chanting session to connect with the spiritual essence of the place. Explore the intricacies of the temple architecture and take time to meditate in the tranquil gardens. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian breakfast at the temple’s dining hall, savoring the flavors of local ingredients.
Head to the nearby Kwan Tai Temple, dedicated to the Chinese god of war, where you can learn about local folklore and legends. Spend some time sketching the intricate carvings and vibrant murals that adorn the temple walls. For lunch, try a local favorite, the Jinjiang-style fried rice, at a nearby eatery.
In the evening, participate in a tea ceremony at a local teahouse, where you can taste various types of Chinese tea and learn about their cultural significance. Enjoy the calming ambiance as you sip tea and converse with locals. For dinner, indulge in a hot pot experience, where you can customize your meal with fresh ingredients.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive local restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🍱Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-120 |
| 🚌Public transport day pass | $3-6 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong coastal cuisine and fresh seafood
- Good base for exploring Fujian culture and nearby cities
- Relatively affordable compared with bigger coastal cities
- Not as developed for nightlife as Xiamen or Guangzhou
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer with typhoon risk
- Some areas may have limited English signage outside tourist zones
- "你好" - Hello
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "请问，洗手间在哪儿？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "可以用微信支付吗？" - Can I pay with WeChat Pay?
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "对不起，我听不懂" - Sorry, I don’t understand
- "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
Places to Visit in Jinjiang
Visit one of these nice places.
Long seawall and harbor with golden-hour light reflecting off the water.
Narrow alleys framed by traditional Fujian architecture, perfect for texture-rich street photography.
Quiet morning light along the river with reflections and boats in the distance.
Cultural sites with lanterns and intricate wooden details ideal for atmospheric shots.
Food in Jinjiang
Jinjiang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting rice porridge loaded with fresh coastal seafood and warming aromatics, best enjoyed with fried dough sticks.
Must-Try!
Noodles tossed with shrimp in a bright, savory sauce, often finished with scallions and garlic.
Egg omelette studded with plump oysters and a touch of starch for a chewy-crisp texture.
Wok-tossed noodles with Shacha sauce, garlic, and a mix of vegetables and seafood.
Sweet peanut soup often served warm, a comforting end to a meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market area where you can sample fresh seafood, fried snacks, and small bites.
Sidewalk stalls offering skewers, dumplings, and sweet treats; best after 5pm.
Popular area to try regional snacks and shop for crafts and trinkets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet and address elders with courtesy; show deference in conversations and demonstrations of respect in public spaces.
A friendly nod or brief bow is common; avoid loud public arguments and public displays of frustration.
Wait for handed items to be served and try to keep voices moderate at meals; avoid pointing with chopsticks and don’t rest chopsticks stuck upright in rice.
Always ask for permission when photographing people or religious sites; some places may restrict flash or photography inside temples.
Safety
Tipping in Jinjiang
Ensure a smooth experience
In mainland China tipping is not a universal expectation; many places do not add service charges. If you tip, do so discreetly and in local currency or via mobile payment where appropriate.
Cash, local debit/credit cards, and especially mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted; smaller shops may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with occasional showers; great for outdoor photography and city walks.
Hot and humid with a chance of typhoons in late summer; stay hydrated and seek shade during peak heat.
Pleasant, comfortable weather with lower humidity; ideal for outdoor activities and coastal photography.
Mild and damp with cooler mornings; great for food-focused itineraries and city strolls.
Jinjiang at Night
Hiking in Jinjiang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, scenic hikes with sea views and rural scenery close to the city.
Hilly terrain with forested trails and viewpoints suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Jinjiang by plane.
Main airport serving Jinjiang and the Quanzhou area; domestic and some international flights; accessible by road and rail connections.
Major international gateway for Xiamen; further away but well connected by rail and road for broader travel options.
Northern Fujian gateway; alternative option with regional connections to the province.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group with a mix of urban residents, factory workers, and retirees.
Cultural groups with distinct dialects and traditions present in the region.
A significant portion of the workforce in manufacturing and services, contributing to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools and community centers; popular spectator sport in larger cities.
Common in parks and clubs; easy for all ages to pick up.
A favorite pastime in community spaces and hotels.
Local leagues and school teams are common; casual games are easy to find in urban parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jinjiang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Fujian dishes feature seafood or meat; look for vegetable-based options, tofu, mushrooms, and greens. When ordering, clearly communicate no meat or seafood and ask for cooking methods that avoid animal derivatives.