East China

Quanzhou Travel Guide

The starting city of the Maritime Silk Road

Quanzhou | The Starting City of the Maritime Silk Road: During the Song and Yuan dynasties, Quanzhou was a world-class port. Marco Polo said it was "one of the largest commercial ports in the world." What makes Quanzhou impressive today is that its historical sites are not enclosed tourist attractions, but temples that are still in use and streets where people still live. This site organizes the best seasons to visit, suggested duration of stay, intercity transportation, and local tips.

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Destination Details

Key facts

Best seasonThe most comfortable period is from October to April; summers are hot and have many typhoons.

Suggested stay2 days

Affiliated AreaEast China · Fujian

Key highlightsKaiyuan Temple · West Street and Zhongshan Road · Quanzhou Overseas Transportation History Museum · Xunpu Village

Local cuisineMisua paste, bamboo shoot jelly, ginger duck, rice dumplings, spring roll, four-fruit soup.

During the Song and Yuan dynasties, Quanzhou was a world-class port. Marco Polo said it was "one of the largest commercial ports in the world." What makes Quanzhou impressive today is that its historical sites are not enclosed tourist attractions, but temples still in use and streets where people still live.

Key Highlights

Kaiyuan Temple

Founded in the Tang Dynasty, the East and West pagodas are landmarks of Quanzhou, and the pillars in the main hall have Hindu patterns.

West Street and Zhongshan Road

Old street with arcades; walk from the Bell Tower all the way to Kaiyuan Temple, the sides are filled with daily life.

Quanzhou Maritime History Museum

Clearly explains the ships, goods, and religious stone carvings of the Song and Yuan Maritime Silk Road.

Xunpu Village

The "Flower Hairpin Enclosure" of Xunpu women and the oyster shell houses make this village the most popular spot in recent years.

Recommended Stay and Route

Recommended stay: 2 days.
One day for the old city (Kaiyuan Temple + West Street), one day for the Maritime Museum + Xunpu Village.
Connecting with other cities on the same theme makes the route more efficient. You can refer to the "Extended Routes" below.

Best Season

Most comfortable from October to April; summer is hot with frequent typhoons.

How to Get There and Intercity Transport

Quanzhou Station and Quanzhou East Station both have high-speed trains; from Xiamen to Quanzhou takes about 25 minutes; most attractions in the old city are within walking distance.

Local Food

Mianxian soup, earthworm jelly, ginger duck, rice dumplings, spring rolls, four-fruit soup.

Local Tips

Free incense is available at temple entrances; for Xunpu flower hairpin experience, it is recommended to visit in the morning, as it gets crowded in the afternoon.