Quanzhou Travel Guide

Quanzhou, also known as Licheng, Citong City, and Wenling, is a major economic hub in Fujian Province and one of its three central cities. It is also a well-known hometown of overseas Chinese and a place of origin for many Taiwanese. Located on China’s southeast coast, Quanzhou faces Taiwan across the sea. In ancient times, Quanzhou Port was renowned as the “Number One Port of the East,” comparable to Egypt’s Alexandria. Recognized as one of China’s 24 historic and cultural cities by the State Council, Quanzhou is often referred to as the “Seaside Zoulu” and “City of Light.”

The best time to visit Quanzhou is during the spring and autumn seasons. Spring offers frequent rains and is ideal for viewing the waterfalls at Dehua’s Shiniu Mountain. Autumn, with its clear weather, is perfect for outdoor activities and scenic adventures. Additionally, the city becomes especially lively during festivals celebrating Mazu or Guan Yu’s birthdays, attracting large crowds of pilgrims.

Most Popular Quanzhou Attractions

Kaiyuan Temple Quanzhou
Kaiyuan Temple, Quanzhou - The Largest Buddhist Temple in Fujian
Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺), located in Quanzhou, is a significant cultural relic in China’s southeastern coastal region and the largest Buddhist temple...
Mount Qingyuan Fuzhou
Mount Qingyuan, Quanzhou - Millennium Old Laozi Sculpture
Mount Qingyuan (清源山, Qingyuan Mountain), located on the outskirts of Quanzhou City in Fujian Province, China, borders the city on three sides. Its main...
Quanzhou West street
Quanzhou West Street - A Symbol of The City's Historical Prosperity
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...

Other Attractions in Quanzhou

Qingshuiyan Temple Quanzhou
Qingshuiyan Temple, Quanzhou - The Origin of Qingshui Patriarch Belief
Qingshuiyan Temple (Qingshui Cliff Temple, 清水岩寺), located in Anxi County, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, is a historic site with origins dating back to the...
Quanzhou Maritime Museum
Quanzhou Maritime Museum (Quanzhou Overseas Transportation History Museum)
Established in 1959, the Quanzhou Maritime Museum (泉州海事博物馆), also known as Quanzhou Overseas Transportation History Museum (泉州海外交通史博物馆), was originally...
Quanzhou Twin Pagodas
Quanzhou Twin Pagodas: The Icon of the City
The Quanzhou Twin Pagodas, known as the East Pagoda (Zhenguo Pagoda, 镇国塔) and the West Pagoda (Renshou Pagoda, 仁寿塔), stand as a testament to the architectural...
Quanzhou Ancient City
Quanzhou Ancient City - Showcase of Multiculturalism
Quanzhou Ancient City (泉州古城), historically known as Wenling, Citong, and Licheng, is located in Licheng District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. It is...
Quanzhou Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple, Quanzhou - The Birthplace of Southern Martial Arts
The Quanzhou Shaolin Temple (泉州少林寺), also known as the Southern Shaolin Temple (南少林) or Zhen Guo Dong Chan Temple (镇国东禅寺), is reputed to be the birthplace...
Southern Shaolin Temple Putian
Southern Shaolin Temple (Linquan Monastery), Putian
Southern Shaolin Temple (南少林寺), originally known as “Linquan Monastery (林泉院),” is located in Putian City, Fujian Province. Its history dates...
Quanzhou Museum
Quanzhou Museum - A Glimpse into the Historical City
The Quanzhou Museum (泉州博物馆), established in January 1985, initially located in the Da Cheng Hall of Quanzhou Confucius Temple in the city center, underwent...
Quanzhou Confucius Temple
Confucius Temple, Quanzhou - The Largest Existing One in Southeastern China
The Confucius Temple in Quanzhou, also known as Quanzhou Fu Wenmiao (泉州府文庙), covers an area of over 8,000 square meters. It was originally built during...
Quanzhou Bell Tower
Bell Tower, Quanzhou - A Prominent Landmark
The Quanzhou Bell Tower, located in the heart of Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, is a prominent landmark and a symbol of the city’s historical and architectural...
Tianhou Palace Quanzhou
Tianhou Palace, Quanzhou - The Oldest and Most Prestigious Mazu Temple
Tianhou Palace (天后宫), also known as Mazu Temple or Heavenly Queen Palace, was first established in 1196 during the second year of the Qingyuan era in the...
Chengtian Temple Quanzhou
Chengtian Temple - One of the Three Great Temples of Quanzhou
Quanzhou Chengtian Temple (承天寺), originally known as Nanchan Temple (南禅寺), was first established towards the end of the Southern Tang Dynasty and the beginning...
China Museum For Fujian Taiwan Kinship
China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship, Quanzhou
The China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship (中国闽台缘博物馆) is situated in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, covering an area of 154.2 acres with a main building area...
Qingjing Mosque In Quanzhou
Qingjing Mosque, Quanzhou - The Oldest Existing Mosque in China
Qingjing Mosque (清净寺), originally named Shengyou Mosque and also known as the Ashab Mosque, is located in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. It is the oldest existing...
Luoyang Bridge Wanan Bridge Quanzhou
Luoyang Bridge (Wan'an Bridge), Quanzhou
Luoyang Bridge (洛阳桥), also known as Wan’an Bridge (万安桥), is a historic landmark located in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China. Initially named Wan’an...
Chongwu Ancient Town
Chongwu Ancient Town - Baidaihe of the South
Chongwu Ancient Town (崇武古城, Chongwu Ancient City), located on the southeastern coast of Fujian Province, was built in 1387 during the Ming Dynasty’s...
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