Zhangzhou is located in the southeast of Fujian Province, facing the Taiwan Strait to the east and looking across the sea to Xiamen. It has a subtropical monsoon humid climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The annual average temperature is 21°C, with abundant rainfall and evergreen scenery.
Zhangzhou has a long history, established as early as the Tang Dynasty, and is one of the important birthplaces of Minnan culture. Historically, it was a key node on the Maritime Silk Road, boasting rich cultural heritage such as Zhangzhou kilns and Zhangzhou woodblock New Year paintings.
The culture of Zhangzhou is distinctive, with Minnan dialect as the local language and folk arts including Xiang opera and puppet shows. The cuisine features seafood and Minnan snacks, such as Zhangzhou braised noodles, oyster omelette, and four-fruit soup, known for their light and fresh flavors.
Modern Zhangzhou is an important industrial base and port city in Fujian, home to Zhangzhou Port and the Gulei petrochemical base. It is also actively developing tourism, with highlights including tulou, coastal scenery, and hot springs, driving sustained economic growth.
The best time to visit 漳州 is The best travel time is spring and autumn (March to May, September to November).
Spring (March to May) has pleasant temperatures and flowers in bloom, especially narcissus, making it a great time for flower viewing.
Autumn (September to November) has cool weather, suitable for outdoor activities and visiting tulou and coastal attractions.
Summer (June to August) is hot but you can enjoy beaches and hot springs; winter (December to February) is warm, ideal for escaping cold.
In 686 AD, Chen Yuanguang petitioned to establish Zhangzhou Prefecture, and after approval, he became the first prefect, marking the beginning of Zhangzhou's history.
During the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty, Yuegang Port in Zhangzhou became a center for private overseas trade and one of the important starting points of the Maritime Silk Road.
The Nanjing Tulou cluster in Zhangzhou was inscribed as part of Fujian Tulou on the World Heritage List.
Recommended places to visit
Representative of Fujian Tulou, including Tianluokeng Tulou cluster and Yunshuiyao ancient town, a World Heritage site known for unique circular earthen buildings.
China's only coastal volcanic geopark, featuring volcanic craters, basalt columnar joints, and islands like Linjinyu and Nanding Island.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Nanjing Tulou cluster is a key part of Fujian Tulou, including Tianluokeng and Hekeng clusters, famous for their unique round and square earthen buildings.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Zhangzhou woodblock New Year painting is a treasure of Chinese folk art, known for full composition and bright colors, with themes from folk tales and operas.
Xiang opera is one of the five major local operas in Fujian, popular in Zhangzhou, with beautiful melodies and strong Minnan local flavor.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Zhangzhou has no civil airport; fly to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, then transfer by high-speed rail or bus to Zhangzhou, about 1 hour.
Xiamen to Zhangzhou high-speed rail about 30 yuan
Zhangzhou Station is a key hub on the Xiamen-Shenzhen and Longyan-Xiamen railways, with direct trains to Xiamen, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, etc.
Xiamen to Zhangzhou about 30 yuan, Fuzhou to Zhangzhou about 100 yuan
Public buses in Zhangzhou cover major attractions and urban areas, fare 1-2 yuan, some routes go directly to Tulou scenic areas.
1-2 yuan
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Specialty noodle dish with alkaline noodles in pork bone broth and braised ingredients, including squid, mushrooms, and lean meat, rich and savory.
Classic Minnan snack made with fresh oysters, sweet potato starch, and eggs, crispy outside and tender inside, served with sweet chili sauce.
Famous scenic area in southern Fujian, known for strange rocks, deep caves, and ancient temples, called 'the first cave heaven in southern Fujian'.
The second largest island in Fujian, with attractions like Fengdong Stone, Maluan Bay, and Jinluan Bay, known for coastal scenery and seafood.
Well-preserved ancient blocks from Ming and Qing dynasties, with Confucian Temple, Martial Temple, and stone archways, a great place to experience traditional Minnan style.
Summer dessert to beat the heat, made with mung beans, coix seed, lotus seeds, and tremella, served with syrup and ice, refreshing.
Sweet glutinous rice dessert coated with peanut powder or sesame, filled with red bean paste, soft and sweet.
Zhangzhou's specialty narcissus, known for carving art, can be enjoyed as ornament or used in tea, with a delicate fragrance.