Quanzhou is located on the southeast coast of Fujian Province, facing Taiwan across the sea. It has a subtropical marine monsoon climate, warm and humid with distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is about 20°C, making it suitable for travel all year round.
Quanzhou has a long history and is the only officially recognized starting point of the Maritime Silk Road by the United Nations. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, it was known as the 'largest port in the East.' It boasts rich historical sites such as Kaiyuan Temple and Qingjing Mosque, witnessing the integration of diverse cultures.
Quanzhou is one of the birthplaces of Minnan culture, preserving many traditional arts like Nanyin music and Gaojia opera. Its cuisine is famous for seafood and unique snacks, such as misua paste, sea worm jelly, and roasted pork zongzi, with delicious and distinctive flavors.
Modern Quanzhou is an economic powerhouse of Fujian Province, with a vibrant private economy and thriving industries like textiles, footwear, and building materials. It also emphasizes cultural heritage protection, where the ancient cityscape coexists harmoniously with modern urban development, attracting numerous tourists.
The best time to visit 泉州 is Suitable all year round, best in spring and autumn.
Spring (March-May) has comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers, ideal for outdoor activities and flower viewing.
Autumn (September-November) is cool with little rain, the golden season for exploring the ancient city and tasting seafood.
Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy but suitable for beach and water activities; winter (December-February) is mild and dry, perfect for cultural exploration.
In the Northern Song Dynasty, the Maritime Trade Office was established in Quanzhou to manage overseas trade, making Quanzhou an important port.
During the Song and Yuan dynasties, Quanzhou Port became one of the world's largest ports, rivaling Alexandria in Egypt.
"Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Recommended places to visit
The largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province, built in the Tang Dynasty, famous for its east and west pagodas, a symbol of Quanzhou.
A national 5A scenic area, known as 'the first mountain of Penglai in Fujian'. The statue of Laozi is a precious Taoist stone carving from the Song Dynasty.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Comprising 22 heritage sites, including Kaiyuan Temple, Qingjing Mosque, and Deji Gate site, showcasing Quanzhou's prosperity as a world maritime trade center during the Song-Yuan period.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
One of the oldest existing musical genres in China, known as a 'living fossil of Chinese music history', inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
A traditional drama form in Quanzhou, where puppets are manipulated by strings, demonstrating exquisite skills, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List in 2012.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Located in Jinjiang, about 15 km from the city center, with multiple domestic and international flights. Airport shuttle buses and taxis are available to the city.
Airport shuttle about 15 yuan
Located in Beifeng Street, a key station on the Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed railway, connecting to Fuzhou, Xiamen, etc. Buses and taxis are available to the city.
High-speed rail fare depends on distance
Bus routes cover major attractions and business districts, fare 1-2 yuan, with bus cards or mobile payment accepted.
1-2 yuan
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A Quanzhou specialty breakfast, made from thin noodles and sweet potato starch into a paste, served with seafood, fried dough sticks, etc., delicious and smooth.
A jelly made from sandworms (tubing), with a chewy texture, served with soy sauce and vinegar, refreshing.
The largest Confucian temple complex in Southeast China, built in the Northern Song Dynasty, a place for worshipping Confucius.
One of the oldest existing Islamic mosques in China, built in the Northern Song Dynasty, an important witness of the Maritime Silk Road.
The most complete existing stone-built ancient city from the Ming Dynasty in China, located in Hui'an County, combining coastal scenery and military defense.
A traditional Minnan zongzi, filled with glutinous rice, pork belly, mushrooms, salted egg yolk, etc., steamed to a fragrant and rich flavor.
Made with fresh oysters and sweet potato starch batter, fried with eggs and vegetables, crispy outside and tender inside, best with sweet chili sauce.
A traditional Quanzhou soup, beef shredded and marinated, mixed with sweet potato starch, cooked into a thick soup, smooth and delicious.