Quanzhou

Quanzhou: A city of World Heritage sites and the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road

Quanzhou, located on the southeastern coast of China, is an ancient city with a long history and splendid culture. It is not only a UNESCO World Heritage City but also the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. On this land, diverse cultures intertwine and blend, leaving behind countless precious historical sites and unique folk customs. With its inclusive and open spirit, Quanzhou, bearing the glory of a thousand-year-old commercial port, still exudes a unique charm, waiting to be discovered by every explorer.

The Depth of History: The Glory of a Millennial Commercial Port

A living fossil of the Maritime Silk Road

Quanzhou's history can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, reaching its peak during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, where it was hailed as the "Number One Port in the East," on par with Alexandria in Egypt. Travelers such as Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta visited the city and left vivid descriptions of its prosperity. As a core port on the Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou was not only a distribution center for trade but also a vital hub for cultural and religious exchange. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity (Nestorianism and Catholicism), Manichaeism, and other religions coexisted harmoniously here, leaving behind unique religious architecture and cultural relics, forming a unique landscape known as a "World Religious Museum."

In 2021, "Quanzhou: A World Centre of Maritime Trade in Song and Yuan China" was successfully inscribed on the World Heritage List. This is not only a recognition of Quanzhou's historical status, but also the best interpretation of its status as a living cultural heritage. The heritage site encompasses 22 representative historical sites, including administrative institutions, sites of diverse communities, production and transportation facilities, and places of worship and prayer, which together depict the prosperous maritime trade of Quanzhou during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

Must-see attractions and cultural experiences

Tour of the core area of World Heritage Site

Quanzhou boasts numerous World Heritage sites, each carrying a rich history.

• Kaiyuan Temple: As the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province, its twin pagodas (Zhenguo Pagoda and Renshou Pagoda) are iconic landmarks of Quanzhou, exquisitely carved and magnificent. The temple's main hall and Ganlu Ordination Platform are also of great artistic value.
• Qingjing Mosque: One of the oldest existing Islamic mosques in China, modeled after the Ahmed Mosque in Damascus, Syria, it bears witness to the history of cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries.
• Tianhou Palace: A temple dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess, it is a symbol of Quanzhou's maritime culture and an important pilgrimage site for Mazu believers from home and abroad.
• Luoyang Bridge: One of China's four ancient bridges, it is a model of cross-sea bridges. Its "raft foundation" construction technique is breathtaking and demonstrates the superb bridge construction technology of the Song Dynasty.
• Quanzhou Confucian Temple: A large-scale and well-preserved Confucian temple complex, it is an important carrier of Confucian culture in southern Fujian.
• Lao Jun Rock: The largest existing Taoist stone carving in China, with exquisite carvings and serene expressions, showcasing the charm of ancient stone carving art.
• Cao'an Manichaean Site: The only well-preserved Manichaean temple in China, witnessing the spread and evolution of this ancient religion in China.

Immerse yourself in the culture and customs of Southern Fujian

Besides its magnificent historical sites, Quanzhou also boasts a rich Minnan cultural atmosphere.

• West Street: One of the oldest and most bustling streets in Quanzhou, lined with red brick ancient houses, various traditional snack shops, handicraft shops and teahouses, it is a great place to experience the slow life of the ancient city.
• Jinyu Lane and Zhongshan Street: These ancient lanes are full of life and retain a large number of traditional residences and unique arcade buildings. Strolling through them is like traveling back to the old days.
• Nanyin, hailed as a "living fossil of Chinese music history," is a world-class intangible cultural heritage. Its elegant and beautiful melodies and unique performance style are captivating. In Quanzhou, you can enjoy Nanyin performances in many teahouses or guild halls.
• Puppet shows and Gaojia opera are two major traditional theatrical arts in Quanzhou. They are exquisite in technique and have captivating stories, making them important windows for understanding folk arts in southern Fujian.

Unique fishing village atmosphere

Visit Xunpu Fishing Village to explore the unique "oyster shell houses," built by local fishermen using discarded oyster shells from the sea. These houses are warm in winter and cool in summer, a perfect blend of ingenuity and nature. Don't miss the unique "flower-adorned headdresses" of the Xunpu women; adorned with fresh flowers and dressed in traditional clothing, they create a beautiful scene and are one of Quanzhou's most representative cultural landscapes.

Quanzhou Cuisine: A Taste of the Ancient City

Quanzhou's cuisine is equally unforgettable, blending Minnan specialties with seafood flavors.

• Rice noodle soup: a top choice for breakfast in Quanzhou, featuring smooth rice noodles paired with various seafood, meats, vegetables, and other ingredients for a delicious flavor.
• Tusu jelly: a gelatinous snack made from a unique type of sandworm, with a chewy texture and a unique flavor when served with sauce.
• Meat-filled rice dumplings: Quanzhou meat-filled rice dumplings are made with glutinous rice, pork, mushrooms, dried shrimp, etc., wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. They are fragrant, sticky and delicious.
• Oyster omelet: Fresh oysters are mixed with eggs and sweet potato starch and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fresh and fragrant aroma.
• Ginger Duck: A traditional and nourishing dish, made by slow-cooking duck meat with old ginger and sesame oil, with an irresistible aroma.
• Runbingcai: A refreshing and delicious snack made by wrapping various fillings such as vegetables, shredded meat, and seafood in a thin pancake.

In addition, there are many other delicious snacks such as Chongwu fish rolls, peanut soup, and seaweed jelly waiting for you to try.

In-depth travel suggestions

We recommend allocating 3-5 days in Quanzhou to fully experience the city's charm. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant. In Quanzhou, you can explore the ancient streets and alleys on foot or by bicycle, or take local buses or taxis to various attractions. Besides the usual tourist spots, be sure to interact with locals, sample street food, watch a Nanyin performance, or even try your hand at making traditional handicrafts to enrich your trip to Quanzhou.

Why choose Xootour to explore Quanzhou?

Xootour is dedicated to providing you with the most authentic and in-depth Quanzhou experience. We carefully select local experiences, whether it's exploring World Heritage sites, savoring local cuisine, or immersing yourself in Minnan culture, we can tailor a unique itinerary just for you. With Xootour, you will not only be a tourist, but also a listener and participant in the story of Quanzhou, deeply experiencing the unique charm and boundless allure of this ancient city.