Things To Do
in Quanzhou
Quanzhou, located in Fujian Province on the southeast coast of China, is a vital port city that has played a significant historical role in maritime trade, especially during the Song and Yuan dynasties. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient religious sites such as the Qingjing Mosque, one of the oldest in China, and the Kaiyuan Temple with its impressive twin pagodas.
Today, Quanzhou is a bustling economic center, blending its historical significance with modern industry, and it is recognized by UNESCO for its role in the Maritime Silk Road, highlighting its historical and cultural importance on a global scale.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Qingjing Mosque, the oldest mosque in China. Discover its unique architectural style and serene atmosphere.
Head to the Quanzhou Maritime Museum to learn about the city's rich maritime history. You'll find fascinating exhibits that highlight Quanzhou's role in trade and culture.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you can try traditional Fujian cuisine. Strolling along the Anping Bridge afterwards offers beautiful views of the city.
Visit the Kaiyuan Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple with intricate carvings and peaceful gardens. Explore the surrounding area for a tranquil morning experience.
Explore the famous Tumen Street, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and boutique shops. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs and enjoy local snacks.
Find a cozy café in Tumen Street for a cup of tea or coffee. The ambiance is perfect for winding down after a day of exploration.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a history that dates back over a thousand years.
- Home to various UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Quanzhou Port and historical buildings.
- Vibrant local economy driven by trade, manufacturing, and tourism.
- Diverse culinary scene featuring unique local dishes.
- Strategic location as a transportation hub, making it accessible to other regions.
- Rapid urbanization leading to environmental concerns and potential overpopulation.
- Air pollution levels can be concerning due to industrial activities.
- Traffic congestion in urban areas, especially during peak hours.
- Limited availability of English-speaking services, which may be a challenge for tourists.
- Natural disasters such as typhoons can impact the region.
Best Activities in Quanzhou
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking and scenic views
Tours
Uncover the best of Quanzhou with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Quanzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Quanzhou city and the ocean, popular for photography and nature walks.
Historic temple complex with beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens, providing picturesque photo opportunities.
Scenic park with a lake, pavilions, and bridges, ideal for capturing natural landscapes and serene views.
Known for its rugged rock formations and sea views, a stunning location for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Quanzhou
Quanzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This savory soup is made with various high-quality ingredients, including shark fin, abalone, sea cucumber, and fish maw. It can be found at reputable restaurants and banquet halls in Quanzhou.
Must-Try!
A popular local street food made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a savory sauce. Visit the street food stalls along Zhongshan Road for an authentic taste.
A unique and traditional Quanzhou dish made from the jelly extracted from sandworms. It is often served cold with a refreshing sauce. Look for it at local seafood restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Quanzhou better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling night market offers a wide array of local street food, including oyster omelette, fried dumplings, grilled squid, and various traditional snacks. It's a must-visit for a diverse street food experience.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and a fantastic selection of local and regional dishes, including noodles, grilled meats, and seafood. This food street is perfect for sampling a variety of flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Quanzhou, it's important to show respect to elders through polite behavior, using proper titles, and deferring to their wisdom and experience.
When visiting Quanzhou, it's advisable to dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples, mosques, or other religious sites to show respect for local cultural norms.
In Quanzhou, it's customary to wait for the eldest or guest to start eating before beginning a meal and to show appreciation for the food and hospitality.
Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases and using traditional greetings like 'ni hao' can show respect for local customs and make interactions more enjoyable.
When visiting religious sites, it's important to observe the rules and customs, such as removing your shoes before entering a mosque or temple, and to be respectful of worshippers and religious practices.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Quanzhou with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Quanzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Quanzhou, China. It is not expected in restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
In Quanzhou, China, cash is the most widely used form of payment. However, major credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, and mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely used.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Quanzhou.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Quanzhou, with comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers. Pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Hot and humid weather, with occasional typhoons. Crowded tourist season, but great for beach visits and water activities.
Mild and pleasant weather, good for exploring the city and enjoying cultural festivals. Crowds begin to thin out in the later months.
Cool and sometimes rainy, but fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs. Good for exploring indoor attractions and enjoying local cuisine.
Quanzhou at Night
Hiking in Quanzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination known for its beautiful views, lush greenery, and diverse flora and fauna.
Offers various trails suitable for all levels of hikers, with stunning vistas and cultural landmarks along the way.
This area features scenic hiking routes along coastal cliffs with panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands.
A tranquil hike through forests and streams, ideal for those looking for nature and serenity.
Known for its challenging trails, this spot provides rewarding views and opportunities for wildlife sighting.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Quanzhou through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Quanzhou by plane.
Located approximately 70 km from Quanzhou, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is one of the major airports in the Fujian province, offering numerous international flights.
Situated around 120 km from Quanzhou, Fuzhou Changle International Airport serves as a key transport hub in the region, providing various international connections.
Located about 350 km from Quanzhou, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is a significant airport serving the Shenzhen area and provides various international flights.
Approximately 600 km from Quanzhou, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is one of the busiest airports in China and offers extensive international flight options.
About 600 km from Quanzhou, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport serves as a major international gateway for the Zhejiang province.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Quanzhou, comprising over 99% of the population. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their distinct customs, language, and traditions.
A subgroup of Han Chinese, Hakka people have a unique dialect and cultural practices and are predominantly found in certain regions of Quanzhou.
Another subgroup of Han, specifically speaking the Min Nan dialect, which is prevalent in Quanzhou and associated with the local culture and traditions.
A small percentage of the population includes various ethnic minorities, such as the Hui (Muslim) and others, contributing to the cultural diversity in Quanzhou.
The Soul of Quanzhou
Discover the essence of Quanzhou through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Quanzhou, with many local clubs and school teams participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Quanzhou, with numerous courts available in public parks and schools attracting players of all ages.
Table tennis is widely played in Quanzhou, known for its accessible play and competitive spirit at both amateur and professional levels.
Badminton has a strong following in Quanzhou, with many recreational players and organized tournaments throughout the year.
Quanzhou has a rich tradition of martial arts, with various schools teaching styles such as Wing Chun and Tai Chi, contributing to the cultural heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Quanzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Quanzhou cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants and street food vendors offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Look for Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (sù shí guǎn) and local tofu-based specialties.
Visitors with gluten restrictions may find it challenging as soy sauce and wheat-based products are prevalent in Chinese cuisine. Opt for freshly prepared, unseasoned meats, rice-based dishes, and communicate your dietary needs clearly at restaurants.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Quanzhou with these cultural adventures.
