Things To Do
in Quanzhou
Quanzhou, located on China’s southeastern coast in Fujian province, is often called the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. The city blends ancient cultural heritage with modern urban development, showcasing temples, mosques, and restored merchant houses. Rich in religious diversity, Quanzhou features significant Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian historical sites dating back over a thousand years.
Visitors can enjoy local seafood cuisine, peaceful lake parks, and a vibrant night market scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey by arriving at Quanzhou and settling into a centrally located hotel where you can enjoy a light local breakfast of oyster omelet and rice porridge. After checking in, take a short stroll to Kaiyuan Temple, admiring its twin pagodas and centuries-old stone carvings. Immerse yourself in the tranquil temple grounds and listen to the soft chants echoing through ancient halls.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch of braised beef noodles at a nearby teahouse before returning to Kaiyuan Temple to explore its hidden courtyards and lush garden. Visit the Guanyin Pavilion and marvel at the intricate wooden beams and painted murals. Finish your temple tour by joining a meditation session offered by the resident monks.
Walk along East Street, sampling Quanzhou’s famous peanut soup and savory fried dumplings at local food stalls. Wander through the night market, browsing handicrafts, lanterns, and traditional Chinese medicines. End the evening with a cup of jasmine tea at a quaint teahouse while listening to a local narrator share Silk Road legends.
Start with a hearty seafood breakfast at a waterfront café overlooking the harbor before heading to the Quanzhou Maritime Museum. Explore the exhibits on ancient shipbuilding techniques and maritime trade routes that connected China to Southeast Asia and beyond. Admire the life-size model of a Song Dynasty trading vessel and interactive maps showing the Silk Road’s maritime network.
Have lunch at a nearby restaurant specializing in Fujian rice noodles and fresh seafood. Spend the afternoon delving deeper into the museum’s collection of maritime relics, including navigational instruments and trade goods from foreign lands. Participate in a hands-on workshop on traditional knot-tying and rope-making used by sailors centuries ago.
Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Jin River, taking in views of historic quay walls and waterfront gardens. Sample evening tapas like marinated clams and grilled squid on deck. Return to shore for a riverside stroll under lantern light, soaking in the gentle breeze and evening chatter of locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Bowl of rice noodles | $2-4 |
| 🍺Local beer | $2-3 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (5 km) | $3-5 |
| 🚌City bus fare | $0.30-0.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich maritime and religious heritage
- Affordable food and accommodations
- High humidity in summer
- Limited English signage
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
Places to Visit in Quanzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture ancient stone carvings, red pillars, and the serene temple courtyard at sunrise.
Scenic overlook points with panoramic views of Quanzhou and dramatic rock formations.
Well-preserved sections framed by modern buildings, ideal for contrast shots at golden hour.
Food in Quanzhou
Quanzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Handmade fish balls served in a clear broth; try it at street stalls near East Lake Park.
Must-Try!
A savory pancake with fresh oysters and sweet potato starch; available at Chunshuitang Night Market.
Rich seafood and meat soup slow-cooked in a clay pot; order at upscale local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant evening market with oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, peanut soup, and grilled skewers.
Daytime stalls offering rice noodles, meat buns, fresh fruit juices, and fish tea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet older people first and offer seats on public transport.
Take off your shoes before entering private homes and some traditional restaurants.
Wait for the host to invite you to start eating and use serving chopsticks if provided.
Safety
Tipping in Quanzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Quanzhou; taxes and service charges are usually included in bills.
Mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used; carry some cash for street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it ideal for temple visits and hiking.
Hot and humid with occasional typhoons; best for early-morning activities and indoor museums.
Cooler, pleasant weather; perfect for outdoor exploration and night markets.
Mild but damp, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C; layering is recommended.
Quanzhou at Night
Hiking in Quanzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Diverse trails, ancient stone carvings, and scenic overlooks within a protected forest area.
Gentle paths around the lake ideal for families and casual walkers.
Airports
How to reach Quanzhou by plane.
15 km from downtown; direct flights to major Chinese cities and some Asian destinations, with shuttle buses to the city center.
Located about 100 km south; extensive domestic and international flights, accessible by high-speed train or bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Constitutes the majority, with long roots in Fujian agricultural and merchant culture.
A vibrant minority centered around Qingjing Mosque, preserving unique Islamic traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Held annually on the West Lake during the Duanwu Festival, a colorful local tradition.
Common recreational sport in parks and community courts, popular among all age groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Quanzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Temples offer pure vegetarian dishes; many local restaurants can prepare simple vegetable stir-fries on request.
The Hui Muslim community runs several halal eateries near Qingjing Mosque, serving beef noodle soup and lamb skewers.