Quanzhou Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Quanzhou is located to the northeast of Xiamen, across the sea from Taiwan. It is one of of the three great cities of Fujian and is known as "the coast of Lu and Zou." Quanzhou is a city famous for its history and culture. The accumulated history and culture have a rich legacy, and its famous historical sites and ruins are broadly scattered hither and thither throughout the city. Its treasures of history receive worldwide attention, and here one can rapidly understand the meaning of the saying "Look down to see Xi’an and up to see Quanzhou." Quanzhou was also the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Since ancient times, a multitude of religions have coexisted here, and Eastern and Western cultures have converged and flourished. The many religious antiquities form a unique cultural landscape with great historical and artistic value.

1. Discover the Ancient City Charms of Quanzhou

Stroll through ancient city blocks such as West Street, visit Kaiyuan Temple and Qingjing Temple, or take a walk on the millennium-old Luoyang Bridge, to experience architectural styles and the historical charms of Quanzhou.

2. Experience the Art of Puppetry

Witness Quanzhou's renowned puppetry tradition at the Puppet Theater, featuring intricate puppets, vibrant costumes, and enchanting storytelling. 

3. Delve into the World of Nanyin Music

Attend a Nanyin performance at the Quanzhou Nanyin Theatre to experience this ancient musical tradition with its haunting melodies and elegant costumes. 

4. Experience the Intangible Cultural Heritage of 'Zanhua'

The floral accessory, also known as zanhua or zanhuawei, has been a part of the traditional practices and cultural expression of Xunpu women in Quanzhou for more than 2,000 years. In places such as Xunpu Village and West Street, choose a "zanhua" shop and experience the beauty of craftsmanship.

5. Soak Up Chinese New Year's Vibes of Quanzhou

If you visit Quanzhou in the first lunar month, don't miss the grand traditional festival activities here. Touching rice "turtle" for good luck, joining the annual procession of the Minnan God, and experiencing Quanzhou's Lantern Festival with dazzling lantern displays and captivating lion and dragon dances.

6. Savor the Flavors of Quanzhou Cuisine

Sample local specialties like oyster omelets, noodle paste, peanut soup, ginger duck, and fresh seafood dishes, known for their unique blend of flavors. 

7. Drink Tea Like A Local

Minnan people love to drink tea, especially Tieguanyin. You can find a teahouse or sit in the courtyard of an ancient house, listen to Nanyin music, taste Tieguanyin and talk with the locals, experiencing the leisurely days of Quanzhou.

8. Visit the Traditional Ancient Houses

Go to Quanzhou's traditional villages such as Wudian and Wulin, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, to see the fusion of Chinese and Western Minnan red brick ancient buildings, and experience this famous hometown of overseas Chinese in China. 

9. Capture the Beauty of Quanzhou

Climbing onto the rooftop on West Street to admire the landmark Kaiyuan Temple Twin Towers, taking a picture of the poster wall with the words "Quanzhou" written on it, capturing the charms of Quanzhou.

Quanzhou, a city rich in historical and cultural heritage, offers a diverse range of attractions including the serene Mount Qingyuan with its ancient relics and UNESCO recognition, the historically significant Kaiyuan Temple with its ancient Buddhist architecture, the historically and naturally beautiful Chongwu Ancient City, culturally charged West Street featuring a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, and the entertaining Quanzhou Oulebao Ocean Kingdom Paradise with its thrilling amusement rides and performances.

Mount Qingyuan in Quanzhou offers a unique blend of peace, ancient scenic landscapes, and multicultural historical sites. Key attractions include the largest Song Dynasty stone statue of Laozi, Tibetan Buddhist statues, and Islamic Holy Tombs, reflecting a convergence of different religions and cultural influences. Enriched with cultural heritage from various dynasties and recognized by UNESCO for its historical maritime significance, the mountain provides an enriching experience for those interested in history and nature.

Kaiyuan Temple, established in the Tang Dynasty, stands as a monumental example of Buddhist architecture and cultural exchange in Quanzhou. Visitors can explore the Mahavira Hall, which retains Tang Dynasty architectural elements, and marvel at the twin stone towers, Zhenguo and Renshou, adorned with intricate carvings and historical significance. The temple's rich history as a center of medieval maritime trade and cultural amalgamation from India highlights its global historical importance.

Chongwu Ancient City, celebrated for its iconic Ming Dynasty granite walls, provides a rich historical and cultural experience. Notable features include the ability to walk atop parts of the 2.5km ancient walls and explore the renowned Stone Arts Expo Park, showcasing local stone-carving craftsmanship. The coastline also ranks as one of China's most scenic, making Chongwu a striking blend of natural beauty and historical depth.

West Street in Quanzhou offers a deep historical experience with buildings and cultural relics from as far back as the Tang and Song dynasties, reflecting its past as a significant port city. Visitors can explore traditional architecture that blends Chinese and Western styles, shop for local specialties like handicrafts and silk, and visit the Quanzhou Museum of Overseas Chinese History to learn about the global influence of Chinese emigrants. This street encapsulates a fusion of cultural heritage and local life, making it a must-visit site in Quanzhou.

Quanzhou Oulebao Ocean Kingdom Paradise showcases a diverse array of attractions with its unique branches like Whale Bay and Tropical Rainforest. Visitors can enjoy high-quality performances including the international circus and themed shows like Walrus Dance and Mermaid Legend. The park also offers exhilarating amusement rides such as the Big Sprint and Sky Flight, catering to both thrill-seekers and families.

Quanzhou's culinary scene is celebrated for its variety and distinctive tastes. Highlights include the layered texture of Run Bing (Popiah), the refreshing sweetness of Siguotang (four fruits soup), the succulent and scallion-infused fried oysters, and the crisp, tangy vinegar pork. Each dish exemplifies the unique local flavor of Quanzhou, offering a memorable gastronomic experience for visitors.

Popiah is essentially a dish made from thin wheat flour skins filled with an assortment of ingredients including classic staples like shredded carrots, meat, bean sprouts, dried tofu, shrimp, shredded eggs, oyster omelette, and crispy seaweed. The combination of these fresh, verdant ingredients and savory meat creates a delightful experience with a complex, multi-textured bite, leaving one feeling thoroughly content.

Four fruits soup is a distinctive dessert originating from Quanzhou. It mainly consists of a sweet syrup base and features various ingredients, including vibrant green mung beans, pearl-like coix seeds, radiant red beans, creamy taro balls, juicy red watermelon, and clear rock blossoms, among others. In the height of summer, Quanzhou locals not only indulge in four fruits soup but also in shihuagao—a jelly dessert that becomes irresistibly cool and sweet with the addition of ice. This treat refreshes the mind and body, promoting a sense of contentment and well-being.

Fried oyster is a celebrated snack in Quanzhou, cherished by food enthusiasts. The process begins by selecting coarse sweet potato flour and green onions, which are thoroughly mixed in a basin. Eggs and salt are then incorporated to form a paste. Cleaned oyster meat is gently folded into this mixture with chopsticks. The mixture is fried until both sides turn a crispy golden brown. The result is tender oyster meat with a delicate scent of onions, making it a delightful treat.

To prepare vinegar pork, first select high-quality pork and thoroughly wash it. Remove excess water before slicing the meat into thin, long strips. Next, marinate the pork slices with a mixture of common seasonings for two hours. After the marination period, press out any remaining moisture and coat the pork evenly with sweet potato flour. Deep-fry the coated pork strips in oil until they turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture. The finished vinegar pork has a subtle tang from the vinegar and features a crunchy exterior with a tender interior, making it incredibly tempting.

1. Airplane

Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport

Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport is the main airport in Quanzhou, located about 12 kilometers from the city center. It offers numerous domestic flights connecting major cities, as well as some international flights.

How to get from the airport to the city center

Bus: Currently, there are 12 bus routes passing through the airport or the intersection of Heping Middle Road and the airport. You can choose the appropriate bus based on your itinerary. For example, to get to West Street, you can take bus K602.

Taxi/Ride-hailing service: The taxi/ride-hailing pick-up point is located on the lane next to the station square. Domestic arrival passengers can take the escalator from the first basement level of the domestic arrival area to the taxi pick-up point. International arrival passengers need to walk through Gate 3 to reach the pick-up point.

2. Train

There are three high-speed railway stations in Quanzhou, namely Quanzhou Station, Quanzhou South Station, and Quanzhou East Station.

Quanzhou Station

Located in Quanzhou's Fengze District. About 15 minutes drive to Qingyuan Mountain. Convenient for Quanzhou Ancient City and city center (bus access available).

Quanzhou East Station

Located in Quanzhou's Dongyuan Town. You can take K501 and other buses to reach the city center. Surrounded by natural beaches such as Yushawan, Moon Bay, and Guishan Bay, as well as famous attractions such as Xiaozuo Windmill Island and Chongwu Ancient Town, it is very suitable for tourists traveling to the seaside.

Quanzhou South Station

Quanzhou South Station is located in Jinjiang's Yonghe Town. This station is relatively far from the city. However, it connects the Jinjiang High-Speed Rail New Area and Shishi City, making it convenient for tourists traveling to Jinjiang and Shishi. Nearby attractions include the Wulin Traditional Village, Wudian Traditional Culture Tourism Zone, Anping Bridge, and Hongta Bay. 

Quanzhou offers a rich variety of urban transportation options, including buses, taxis, and shared mobility tools.

It's important to note that driving in the ancient city area is often congested, so it is recommended to take the "Little white car" (small white electric shuttle) to explore the ancient city. This is a convenient and fun travel option. Alternatively, you can also choose citywalk to wander through the ancient city, or ride shared bicycles or electric bikes for sightseeing. 

Bus

Quanzhou has a well-developed urban bus network, with several customized bus routes launched, such as those from the Cultural Palace Station to scenic spots like Wulin Traditional Village, Wudian Traditional Culture Tourism Zone, and Chongwu Ancient Town, making it convenient for tourists to reach popular attractions.

Passengers can scan the "Quancheng Tong QR Code" on their mobile phones to pay for bus rides.

Taxi/Ride-hailing Service 

There are a large number of taxis in Quanzhou's urban area, and ride-hailing services are also widely available.

Shared Mobility Tools

Quanzhou offers a variety of shared electric scooters and bicycles, such as "Xiaocheng Chuxing" (Little Orange) and Qingju Bike.

Special Transportation

Little White Car (small white electric shuttle): A unique sightseeing shuttle in Quanzhou's ancient city area, it stops upon request.

Passengers can also book in advance via the WeChat mini-program "Xiaobai Yuezu." The fare is 2 yuan per ride, with payment options including cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.

Subway/Light Rail

Currently, Quanzhou does not have a subway system, but multiple lines are in the planning or construction stages.

Other Transportation Options

Long-distance Bus: Quanzhou has several bus terminals, such as the Quanzhou Bus Center Station and the New Bus Station, offering long-distance bus services to surrounding areas.
Airport Transportation: Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport is about 20 kilometers from the city center. Passengers can take buses like K602 or K603, or opt for a taxi.

Quanzhou features a rich tapestry of historical and cultural locations with accommodation options spread across various distinctive areas. Major areas for travelers seeking accommodations include West Street, Wanda Plaza/Fengze Square, and Xunpu Village, each offering unique environments and experiences.

West Street is a vibrant cultural hub in the historic center of Quanzhou, celebrated for its preservation of traditional architecture which dates back more than 1300 years to the Tang Dynasty. It's an area teeming with pedestrian alleys filled with shops and street food, offering a true taste of local life. Renowned landmarks on West Street include the Kaiyuan Temple and various ancient houses, making it a top choice for those interested in history and architecture. The street's strategic location on high ground prevents flooding, preserving its integrity over centuries. Travelers can enjoy the rich history while meandering through this lively commercial street.

Wanda Plaza and Fengze Square present a dynamic commercial area at the heart of Quanzhou. These locales are perfect for travelers who prioritize convenience and retail therapy. Central to Quanzhou’s modern shopping and entertainment offerings, the area hosts multiple shopping centers and entertainment facilities. Hotels here commonly offer striking city views and easy access to top city attractions like the Quanzhou Maritime Museum and Qingjing Mosque, enhancing both comfort and cultural engagement for visitors. The proximity to both historical sites and modern amenities encapsulates the essence of Quanzhou’s diverse attractions.

Positioned about 10 kilometers southeast of Quanzhou’s city center, Xunpu Village is an authentic fishing village rich in maritime history and culture. Known for its oyster shell houses and the unique Xunpu women’s costumes, the village serves as a living museum of the Maritime Silk Road's heritage. Attractions include the Mazu Temple and vivid cultural festivals like the annual Mazu procession. The village's location along old trade routes and its deeply rooted fishing traditions provide visitors a deep dive into the local culture and historical significance of the area. Travelers are encouraged to explore the village's traditional architecture and embrace the local customs and cultural displays.

Quanzhou belongs to the subtropical maritime monsoon climate, warm and humid, with four distinct seasons and features. The spring and autumn seasons have the most pleasant climate, rich natural landscapes, and cultural activities, making them the best time for travel.

Spring (March - May)

The spring climate is mild, with humid air and temperatures ranging from 15-25 ℃, making it suitable for outdoor activities. At this time, the cherry blossoms at the Kaiyuan Temple are in full bloom and Qingyuan Mountain is full of greenery, making it a good time to enjoy flowers and trekking. In addition, Quanzhou has a rich variety of folk activities in spring, and tourists can experience the Beixi Peach Blossom Culture and Tourism Festival.

Summer (June - August)

Summer is hot and humid, with temperatures between 28-35 ℃, suitable for beach play, but attention should be paid to sun protection and typhoons. You can go to Chongwu Ancient Town or Quanzhou's Gold Coast to enjoy the sea breeze and beach. In addition, surrounding mountainous areas such as Anxi are also good places to escape the heat.

Autumn (September - November)

Autumn is cool and comfortable, with temperatures between 20-30 ℃. The mild climate makes outdoor activities and sightseeing particularly comfortable, and tourists can leisurely visit West Street, Tumen Street, and Kaiyuan Temple. At the same time, the red foliage scenery of Qingyuan Mountain in October and November is particularly spectacular, making it very suitable for hiking and sightseeing.

Winter (December -  February of the following year)

Winter is relatively mild with little rainfall, occasionally accompanied by cold air intrusion, with temperatures ranging from 10-20 ℃. During the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, the traditional intangible cultural activities in Quanzhou are rich and colorful, and tourists can feel the Chinese New Year vibes.

Tips: Avoid the peak periods of Golden Week of China and summer vacation, and choose to travel in spring and autumn for a better experience.

* When visiting Quanzhou, prioritize sightseeing during the optimal months from October to May to avoid the intense heat or excessive cold, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.

* Due to the religious and cultural diversity, especially at sites like Kaiyuan Temple and Qingjing Mosque, dress modestly and remove shoes before entering to show respect and adherence to local customs.

* Manage communication barriers by having a translation app or learning basic Mandarin phrases, as English is not widely spoken outside major hotels or tourist spots in Quanzhou.

* Keep an eye on personal belongings and be vigilant, particularly in crowded places like Tumen Street or during major tourist seasons as these spots can get very crowded.

* When crossing Luoyang Bridge or exploring outdoor attractions, check weather forecasts ahead as Quanzhou experiences frequent rain showers that could affect outdoor activities.

* For a smoother transportation experience within Quanzhou, consider renting a bike or hiring a private car, especially if planning to visit multiple attractions scattered across the city.

Quanzhou, a city with a rich historical tapestry, is linguistically diverse. The local dialect is Minnan, distinct from Mandarin, the official language of China. Despite this, Mandarin is widely spoken, especially by the educated populace. For travelers, language apps and interpretation services can bridge communication gaps. The presence of multiple languages is a testament to Quanzhou's past as an international trade hub, which has fostered a multilingual community. When language barriers arise, non-verbal communication like gestures can be invaluable.

Alipay: A ubiquitous payment app in China, essential for public transportation and taxis.

WeChat: A versatile app for communication, social sharing, and payments, indispensable for any traveler in China.

Didi Chuxing: Commonly used for ride-hailing across China, offering services directly or through Alipay integration.

Baidu Maps: Offers detailed, real-time navigation and location services, surpassing Google Maps in accuracy and reliability within China.

MetroMan: Useful for navigating the subway systems in major Chinese cities, helping plan routes and calculate costs efficiently.

Mobile data packages for travelers in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and China Unicom. China Mobile offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G. China Unicom provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications, and both do not require long-term contracts. 

Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card. Global WiFi devices like Skyroam can be a convenient alternative, offering the ability to connect multiple devices and requiring no additional setup upon arrival in China.

In Quanzhou, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay are widely accepted for transactions.

Alipay and WeChat Pay are highly convenient, enabling payments with a simple QR code scan at various establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. UnionPay also facilitates transactions across numerous merchants and supports the use of overseas bank cards. Foreigners can link their international credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, to WeChat Pay and Alipay.

It's important to verify that your foreign bank cards are accepted in China, as some might require pre-approval from the issuer. Ensure smooth transactions by keeping your mobile phone enabled for international roaming to receive verification SMS for mobile payment services.

Spring is warm and humid, with a large temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to wear a breathable thin jacket and pair it with a long-sleeved T-shirt or shirt to adjust clothing according to temperature changes.

Summer can be hot and humid, so you can choose breathable and quick-drying short sleeves, shorts, or skirts, and bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn.

Autumn is cool and comfortable, with a large temperature difference between day and night; winter is overcast and cold, so you can wear warm sweaters and coats to protect you from the wind and keep you warm.

Rain gear: May and June are rainy seasons in Quanzhou. It is recommended to bring a lightweight umbrella or raincoat.

Sunscreen products: In summer, the sunlight is strong and the ultraviolet rays are strong. It is recommended to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Mosquito repellent: When traveling to mountainous areas or wetlands, it is recommended to bring mosquito-repellent water or mosquito-repellent wristbands.

Comfortable shoes: The streets of Quanzhou's ancient city are mostly paved with stone slabs, so it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.