Embark on a captivating two-day adventure in Quanzhou, a city rich in history and diverse cultural heritage. This itinerary will guide you through stunning natural landscapes and significant religious sites, starting with a refreshing hike at Qingyuan Mountain, where ancient Taoist sculptures await your discovery. Continue your exploration at the Quanzhou Museum and the renowned Kaiyuan Temple, before delving into the spiritual heart of the city on day two, featuring Cheng Tian Temple and the oldest mosque in China. Along the way, indulge in the local culinary delights that Quanzhou has to offer, making this journey an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Qingyuan Mountain – Quanzhou Museum – Kaiyuan Temple
First Stop: Qingyuan Mountain (清源山) (🕒 2-3 hours)
Start your day at Qingyuan Mountain, the only national 5A scenic area in the region. Enjoy a hike to the mountain, where the statue of Laojun seems to await your arrival. Relax with some tea and food atop the mountain, embracing the spirit of Daoism. Don’t forget to take a photo at Laojun Rock (老君岩), which features a vivid sculpture of Laozi with a history spanning a thousand years. This is the largest, most exquisitely carved, and oldest Taoist stone sculpture in China.
Second Stop: Quanzhou Museum (泉州博物馆) (🕒 2-3 hours)
If you’re interested in the local culture and history, take a bus from Qingyuan Mountain to Quanzhou Museum, located about a half-hour away, near Xihu Park (西湖公园). The museum showcases the ancient maritime civilization of Quanzhou and the history of the Maritime Silk Road. It serves as a hub for academic research, cultural exchange, and tourism, as well as a patriotic education base.
Third Stop: Kaiyuan Temple (大开元寺) (🕒 2-3 hours)
Continue your exploration by taking a bus to the old town area, reaching Kaiyuan Temple and its East and West Pagodas, along with the Master Hongyi Memorial Hall (弘一法师纪念馆). Notable highlights include the Guanyin Altar (甘露戒坛) at Kaiyuan Temple, one of the few temples in China that retains an altar for Buddhist ordination – an uncommon sight. Be sure to check out the unique mailbox near the West Pagoda to send a postcard with your blessings.
Dining Recommendations:
Don’t miss out on local delicacies such as meat dumplings (肉粽), noodles (线糊), four-fruit soup (四果汤), and spring rolls (润饼) while in Quanzhou. The best meat dumplings can be found at Dongjie Zhonglou Meat Dumpling Shop (东街钟楼肉粽店), while the noodles are a must-try at Xijie Laoji Noodle Shop (西街老记面线糊), known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The food along Xijie (西街), Dongjie (东街), and Zhongshan Road (中山路) offers a continuous culinary adventure, with popular spots like Laoji Noodle Shop (老记面线糊) and Huo A Po Meat Dumpling Shop (侯阿婆肉粽店). Near Nanjun Alley (南俊巷), you’ll also find various eateries serving grilled fish (烤鱼), steaks (牛排), sushi (寿司), and more to recharge after a day of exploration.
Day 2: Cheng Tian Temple – Fujian Confucius Temple – Qingjing Mosque – Guandi Temple
First Stop: Cheng Tian Temple (承天寺) (🕒 2-3 hours)
Begin your day with a cultural exploration of Quanzhou’s religious diversity at Cheng Tian Temple, one of the “Three Great Forests of Quanzhou” (泉州三大丛林). This temple is as impressive as Kaiyuan Temple, featuring banyan trees, stone lions, and plaques that tell stories. The temple’s prized possession is the bronze Amitabha Buddha from the Sui Dynasty. Cheng Tian Temple was once a place where Master Hongyi preached, and you’ll find inscriptions by him on the temple’s wall: “There is infinite freedom, entering the non-dual gate.” Be sure to visit the serene hill behind the temple for some quiet reading time.
Second Stop: Quanzhou Confucius Temple (府文庙) (🕒 2-3 hours)
A quick bus ride takes you to the Quanzhou Confucius Temple, known for its unique Min Nan red architecture.
Third Stop: Qingjing Mosque (清净寺) (🕒 2-3 hours)
After a short 5-minute walk from the Quanzhou Confucius Temple, you’ll reach Qingjing Mosque, the oldest existing mosque in the Arabic architectural style in China. This mosque is a historical witness to the friendly exchanges between China and Arab countries and is significant in the context of Quanzhou’s overseas trade history. A visit here is a reflection of Quanzhou’s diverse heritage.
Fourth Stop: Guandi Temple (关帝庙) (🕒 2-3 hours)
Just a three-minute walk from Qingjing Mosque, Guandi Temple welcomes you to pause and light incense like many other devotees, seeking blessings for safety and health.
Dining Recommendations:
Try the ginger duck (姜母鸭) at Fengze Street (丰泽街), and don’t miss out on the oyster omelet (海蛎煎), claypot rice (壶仔饭), and various local delicacies at the Shenhu Mingjiang Restaurant (深沪名粳馆) on Tumen Street (涂门街). Additionally, the beef snacks (牛肉小吃) at Haocheng Steak House (好成财牛排馆) are highly recommended. The Ling Show Tian Di (领show天地) area is a great spot for food, offering private dining (私房菜), themed restaurants (主题餐厅), and numerous snack shops (小吃店), making it an ideal place to eat and shop simultaneously.
