Quanzhou, Fujian｜An Enchanting Ancient City
I love Quanzhou for another reason: it was one of the first cities in China where Eastern and Western cultures met and intertwined.
It feels like an ideal world — where people of different skin colours, beliefs, and ways of life could live side by side, in understanding and mutual respect.
Quanzhou — historically known as Zayton or Zaiton — was China’s most important port for foreign trade between the 11th and 14th centuries. Both Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta visited and praised it as one of the world’s most prosperous and splendid cities. *wiki
Quanzhou is also the birthplace of the artist Cai Guo-Qiang, known for
🎬 Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang.
And I love this Taiwanese album — rich in the spirit of southern Fujian:
🎵 The Night March of the Chrysanthemums, by Labor Exchange Band (交工樂隊)
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To be honest, my first impression of Quanzhou wasn’t great.
Beautiful historical buildings, but filled with identical chain shops clearly aimed at tourists. A familiar story in many popular travel destinations nowadays, unfortunately.
Thankfully, that disappointment vanished the next morning when I visited Kaiyuan Temple. It was breathtaking!!
I've always loved ancient temples, but Kaiyuan Temple still managed to surprise me in new ways.
To keep the sense of discovery alive, I won't give away too much here. I will say, though, that it beautifully shows how different cultures lived together peacefully in Quanzhou, respecting and blending with one another.
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✨ My favourites from this trip
Kaiyuan Temple 开元寺 – there’s so much worth lingering over.
Chengtian Temple 承天禅寺 – no commercial side, just pure spiritual devotion. I arrived at dusk, just as an evening service was starting—perfect timing.
Confucian Temple 文庙 – quiet and peaceful. I'd recommend visiting near closing time, around 4-5pm, when it's especially calm.
Tour with Ms. Li Lin 李琳, at the Quanzhou Maritime Museum – Her love for Quanzhou's cultural history is truly catching. I noticed people from other tour groups coming over to listen as well. Ms Li mentioned that some foreign visitors bring interpreters to her talks—which honestly seems well worth it. With today's AI translation apps, it's easier than ever to arrange.
Xiangli Vintage 巷鲤旧物 – Hidden in an old alley, it has a lovely atmosphere.
💡 If you plan to follow the classic route — Kaiyuan Temple → Qingjing Mosque → Guanyue Temple — I’d suggest leaving your heavy pro camera behind. Photography isn’t allowed inside most halls . So it's probably best to travel light and just enjoy the experience.
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Other
Xijie, Jinyu Street, Shuimen Street 西街、金鱼街、水门街 – Xijie in particular has become overly commercial: loud music, people touting for business — not my kind of place. In hindsight, I spent too long there. Half a day, or simply an evening stroll after dinner, would’ve been enough.
Wudianshi 五店市 – Some beautifully restored old-style buildings, though overall still a little commercial. Worth a gentle wander if you have the time.
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If you do plan a trip to Quanzhou, I’d recommend avoiding Chinese public holidays. The best weather usually begins around November.
🏠 Where to stay
The old town of Quanzhou is compact — staying either within or just outside it works perfectly.
I stayed at LAN Inn (泉州三品·岚厝 西街古城店), in a panoramic double room on the second floor. It’s right by Jinyu Street — a wonderful location. The interior is new and spotless, and the view of the old street outside is beautiful.
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🚗 Getting around
I’d recommend using DiDi or similar ride-hailing apps.
Looking back, I wish I’d rented a bicycle. That would have been ideal.
There are also Quanzhou’s little white shuttle bus — but they only run within the old town area, not always on demand. Sometimes you might wait half an hour only to find they’re full.
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Quanzhou reminds me a little of Kyoto.
Overtourism does erode the soul of an ancient city — even Kyoto’s Kamo River's beauty is now marred by litter.
But if you’re drawn to temples, churches, architecture — and are willing to look beyond the “must-see spots” — both cities reveal a quiet, hidden beauty that you’ll fall deeply in love with.
Wish you have a great time exploring Quanzhou.
Cheers
