Quanzhou West Street (泉州西街) is the oldest developed street and area in Quanzhou, dating back to the Song Dynasty. It symbolizes the city’s historical prosperity and is the best-preserved ancient street district in Quanzhou, featuring numerous buildings that retain their original historical appearance.
For over a thousand years, Quanzhou West Street has been like a string of dazzling pearls, connecting numerous splendid historical sites, ancient residences, and legendary tales from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Beyond landmarks like Kaiyuan Temple, the East and West Pagodas, and City Heart Pagoda, it features a wealth of unique large houses (古大厝) and charming wooden buildings. This living architectural museum encapsulates the rich historical and cultural heritage of Quanzhou, while narrating the city’s transformation and modernization over the centuries.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Quanzhou West Street
- Vlog about Quanzhou West Street
- Other Attractions in Quanzhou Ancient City
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Location and Transportation
Quanzhou West Street is located in Licheng District, Quanzhou City. To get there, you can take bus 2, 40, 41, 201, or K901 and get off at Mengya Alley stop (孟衙巷口).
Highlights of Quanzhou West Street
Historical Significance and Architecture
West Street boasts a diverse array of architectural styles, including ancient large houses (古大厝), modern arcade buildings, and residences of notable figures. Historical records indicate that there are around twenty to thirty known former residences or sites of historical figures in the West Street area, with connections to every dynasty since the Tang Dynasty. For instance, during the Southern Song Dynasty, the residence of Prime Minister Zeng Conglong was located in Zengjing Alley, while the first person from Quanzhou to pass the imperial examination, Ouyang Zhan, had his residence in Jiadi Alley. Another notable figure, Liu Zheng, a prime minister for three consecutive dynasties during the Northern Song Dynasty, gave his name to Sandai Alley.
The intellectual and cultural significance of West Street reached its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. For example, the residence of Li Tingji, a high-ranking official during the Wanli reign, was located in Gantang Alley, and the famous Neo-Confucian scholar Cai Qing’s former residence was in Xiaogan Alley. Additionally, the residences of Yang Tingxiang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites during the Wanli period, and Chen Minghua, Vice Censor of Guangdong, were situated in Wen Kui Alley.
Memorial Archways and Distinguished Residences
West Street also featured numerous memorial archways, erected to honor achievements, virtues, and filial piety in feudal society. Historical records from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period indicate that there were several archways along the main street, including Zaoshi Archway, Duoshi Archway, Huikui Archway, and others, each commemorating various accomplishments and virtues.
Noteworthy residential buildings include the Liao Residence at No. 35 Wuta Alley, a two-story structure with five openings, featuring unique circular wooden windows. Another significant residence is the Yan Residence at No. 58 Huitong Alley, characterized by brick carvings, a courtyard, and distinctive architectural elements such as flower-patterned windows.
