Quanzhou West Street Travel Guide
Ancient Street of a Thousand Years · In Front of Kaiyuan Temple · Red Brick Arcade
Quanzhou West Street is the oldest street in Quanzhou. Since the Tang Dynasty, it has been the main street of the west part of the city, with one end leading directly to Kaiyuan Temple. On both sides of the street are red brick buildings and arcades, with a clock tower, ancient wells, and old shops nestled among them, giving a strong sense of local life.
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Destination Details
West Street is located in the western part of Quanzhou Ancient City and has been one of the most important streets in the city since the Tang Dynasty, with its location remaining basically unchanged for over a thousand years. One end faces the Shanmen (main gate) of Kaiyuan Temple, while the other connects to Zhongshan Road and the Bell Tower, with a total length of more than one kilometer.
Main Highlights
Red Brick Arcade Buildings and Ancient Alleys
The street is lined with a large number of traditional Minnan-style houses and modern arcade buildings: red brick walls, white stone foundations, and swallowtail ridges, which are the most typical visual language of Quanzhou. Turning into any of the side alleys from the main street—such as Jingtin Alley or Old Inn Station—reveals the quiet texture of the old city.
Bell Tower and Local Life
The Bell Tower at the intersection of West Street and Zhongshan Road was built in 1935 and is a landmark of modern Quanzhou. The street is packed with long-established shops: thin noodles paste, spring rolls, meat rice dumplings, and local bamboo shoots jelly are tastes that locals have grown up with, all at reasonable prices.
Kaiyuan Temple Shanmen
Walking to the west end of West Street brings you to Kaiyuan Temple, with Ziyun Screen and the Shanmen facing the street entrance. Visiting both together is the easiest way: first see the temple, then gradually walk back down West Street to the Bell Tower.
Suggested Routes
- Classic route: Kaiyuan Temple → West Street → Bell Tower → Zhongshan Road Arcade → Fu Wen Temple, approximately 2 hours.
- Combine with Luoyang Bridge, Xunpu Village, and Qingjing Temple for a full day in Quanzhou.
Practical Information
West Street is entirely inside the old city and is walkable. The street is narrow and has many electric scooters, so be careful when walking. The afternoon sun can be strong, but the arcades provide shade. For photography without crowds, it is recommended to arrive before 8 a.m.
