Quanzhou is a large port town between Fuzhou and Xiamen in the southeast coastal province of Fujian. It’s not as touristy as other cities in the region, yet features interesting attractions and a different look to most Chinese centers.
Marco Polo visited Quanzhou on his Asian trawl, describing it as the world’s busiest port. It was home to a huge Arab, Indian, and Persian populace and has a distinct multicultural look. There are ugly parts as with any growing Chinese city, yet it’s far easier on the eye and also has great shopping options.
Quanzhou is loaded with religious buildings, with the 1,000-year-old Qingjing Mosque on Tumen Jie being the main landmark. Nearby are many Islamic-looking structures along with a huge Taoist temple. Shoppers should head for the UNESCO-registered Zhongshan Road, which has managed to retain much of its heritage.
Getting There & Away
Jinjiang Airport near Quanzhou is the most convenient, yet Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport - an hour to the south - receives more flights, including from overseas. Flight time from Hong Kong is under an hour or just over an hour from Shanghai. The bus journey from Xiamen is 1 hour, 30 minutes or 2 hours, 30 minutes from Fuzhou.
Things to Do
Quanzhou Attractions
- Zhongshan Road
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Easily having the best shopping in town, this area of quanzhou has a nice atmosphere and is registered by unesco.
- Qingjing Mosque
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Located on tumen jie, this ancient mosque is the main one in town and has recently been restored.
Side trips from Quanzhou
- Qingyuan Shan
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Mount qingyuan makes a nice side trip from quanzhou, featuring good walking, plenty of temples and pavilions, and several places to drink on the way up.
- Chongwu
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An old walled town on the shore just northeast of quanzhou, with lovely beaches.
Events
- Lantern Festival
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This popular nationwide festival is celebrated with particular zeal in quanzhou where thousands of colorful lanterns light up the buildings and sky.