Things To Do
in Quanzhou
Quanzhou is a historic port city in Fujian province that was a major terminus of the Maritime Silk Road and still shows layers of cultural exchange in its temples, mosques, and museums. The city blends Minnan (Hokkien) traditions with coastal scenery, seafood-focused cuisine, and well-preserved medieval streets. Visitors find atmospheric lanes around Kaiyuan Temple, the Qingjing Mosque, and the famous Luoyang Bridge alongside modern parks and a maritime museum.
Quanzhou is affordable, less touristy than China's megacities, and a rewarding destination for history, food, and coastal day trips.
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 |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🛎️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-80 |
| 🎟️Attraction or museum ticket | $1.50-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich maritime and multicultural history with UNESCO-level heritage and temples
- Excellent, affordable seafood and Hokkien/Minnan cuisine
- Lower tourist density than major Chinese cities — more authentic local life
- Convenient for coastal day trips and nearby natural areas
- Limited English outside tourist sites and hotels
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon risk during part of the year
- Public transport can be less convenient for some outlying attractions
- Fewer nightlife and international-dining options compared with large metros
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问洗手间在哪里？" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "这个多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "我不吃肉/我不吃猪肉" - I don't eat meat / I don't eat pork
- "可以刷卡吗？" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Quanzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive ancient temple complex with intricate wooden architecture, stone carvings, and atmospheric courtyards ideal for architectural shots.
One of the oldest mosques in China reflecting Arab-Persian influences mixed with Chinese architectural elements — great for cultural and detail photography.
Historic stone bridge over a tidal estuary with fishermen, archways, and sunset views — a classic Quanzhou landmark.
Modern museum with exhibits on the Maritime Silk Road, ship models, and artifacts — interior displays photograph well for documentary shots.
A scenic urban lake with pagodas, willow trees, and evening lights — good for relaxed landscape and street photography.
Narrow alleys, traditional shopfronts, and local life scenes provide intimate street-photography opportunities.
Food in Quanzhou
Quanzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Wheat noodles in a savory shacha (peanut/soy/garlic) based broth often topped with pork, seafood, vegetables — widely available in local noodle shops.
Must-Try!
Fresh oysters, clams, and small seafood fried or made into omelettes and pancakes at seafood stalls and night markets near the coast.
A comforting thickened beef soup or broth served with rice or noodles; regional variations are popular for breakfast or lunch.
Local snacks include stuffed rice dumplings and sweet pastries flavored with local ingredients — great at morning markets and bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening markets near historic districts and around West Lake offer shacha noodles, grilled seafood, skewers, steamed buns, and local desserts — ideal for sampling many small dishes.
Coastal fish markets sell live and fresh seafood; some nearby restaurants will cook purchases on-site for a hands-on dining experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting temples and the mosque, dress modestly, speak softly, and follow any rules about photography or areas that are off-limits.
Use polite forms (a nod or slight bow) and avoid confrontational behavior; saying '谢谢' (thank you) and '请' (please) goes a long way.
Remove shoes where instructed (some homes/temples) and accept refreshments with both hands when offered as a sign of respect.
If invited to a local home, small gifts like fruit or tea are appreciated; avoid overly expensive gifts and be aware that gifts may be politely declined at first.
Queueing is expected at counters but may be lax in crowded markets—stay patient and polite; keep noise levels moderate in historic and religious areas.
Safety
Tipping in Quanzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local settings; it’s increasingly accepted in tourist hotels and international restaurants, but not expected. For guided private tours or exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate for restaurants, markets, and taxis; carry some cash (RMB) for tiny stalls. International cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants but less so at small vendors—install/use a payment app or ask your bank about card acceptance.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming parks make spring pleasant for walking and sightseeing; expect occasional rain and high humidity on some days.
Hot, humid, and rainy with the main rainy season and occasional typhoons from July to September — carry sun protection, light clothing, and check weather for storm warnings.
Generally the best time to visit: cooler, clearer weather, lower humidity, and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and photography.
Mild and damp rather than severely cold — short, cool days with occasional chilly evenings; light jackets are usually sufficient.
Quanzhou at Night
Hiking in Quanzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The most accessible hiking area near Quanzhou with temple sites, cairns, rock formations, and trails offering city panoramas and cultural points of interest.
Seaside paths and estuary trails near Luoyang Bridge and adjacent fishing villages provide easy, scenic walks and birdwatching opportunities.
Short drives from Quanzhou lead to county-level scenic areas with forested trails, waterfalls, and quieter hiking routes—good for half-day to full-day excursions when you want nature away from the city.
Airports
How to reach Quanzhou by plane.
The closest airport with domestic flights and some regional connections; a short taxi or bus ride from central Quanzhou (Jinjiang area) makes it convenient for arrivals and departures.
About 1–1.5 hours by car or shuttle from Quanzhou, Xiamen offers more international and domestic flight options and is a practical alternative for international travelers.
Further north (around 2–3 hours by car), useful as an alternate international gateway if traveling around Fujian province by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population speaks Minnan (Hokkien) dialects and maintains strong local cultural traditions.
A historic Muslim community centered around Qingjing Mosque reflecting the city’s maritime trade history and Arab-Persian influences.
Like many Chinese cities, Quanzhou has a mix of younger workers and an older population in residential neighborhoods; migrants from nearby counties work in industry and factories.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional coastal sport with local teams competing during festivals; culturally significant in Fujian and the Hokkien-speaking world.
Very popular recreational sports played in parks and community centers across the city.
Commonly played at school and amateur levels, with local interest in regional leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Quanzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices exist but are limited compared to urban centers — order vegetable-based soups, tofu dishes, and vegetable stir-fries; specify '我不吃肉' (I don’t eat meat) and confirm broths aren’t meat-based.
Vegan dining can be challenging due to common use of seafood and meat broths; seek Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (素食) or stick to plain vegetable dishes and steamed rice.
Quanzhou has a historic Muslim community centered around Qingjing Mosque; halal eateries exist but are fewer—look for 牛羊肉清真 (halal) signs or ask locally.
Shellfish and soy are common — carry translation cards explaining your allergy in Chinese and double-check with staff, as seafood is prevalent.