Quanzhou: A 3-Day Trip That Broke My Budget

With gentle sunshine and a mild breeze, Quanzhou in March is filled with the breath of spring, making it the perfect time for a getaway. This guide will help you unlock the beauty of Quanzhou in spring! 🌆Attraction Recommendations: 1. Kaiyuan Temple: Although the peak cherry blossom season (mid-to-late February) might be over by March, the tranquility and simplicity of this ancient temple are still worth experiencing. From the East and West Pagodas to the Mahavira Hall, every corner is steeped in history. Here, you can listen to the Buddhist chants and feel the peace of time standing still. 2. Chengtian Temple: Even though the wintersweet blossoms may have faded by March, the serenity within this yellow-walled ancient temple remains. Stroll through the grounds, embrace the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle, and explore the nearby Guandi Temple and the vibrant Nanjun Road. 3. Qingjing Mosque: With a long blooming season from January to June, the orange-red trumpet creeper flowers can still be seen cascading down the stone walls in March. This creates a unique, exotic aesthetic when paired with the Islamic-style arches. The afternoon sunlight filtering through the carved stone windows makes for stunning photos. 4. Qingyuan Mountain: While the best time to see the azalea sea is from late March to mid-April, a visit in early March offers the fresh greenery of the mountain and the new "Rainbow Road." This road passes by scenic spots like the Ci'en Rock Temple, which you can visit along the way. 5. Binhai Park: From February to March, you can admire the Shirley poppies and silver wattle. Capture the breathtaking view of the flower sea and Jinjiang Bridge at sunset—don't forget your wide-angle lens! 6. Donghu Park: Enjoy the peach blossoms from late February to mid-March. Admire the elegant single-petal white plum blossoms behind Qifeng Pavilion and the vibrant double-petal pink plum blossoms near Jin'an Bridge. The reflections on the lake create a picturesque scene. 🍜Food Recommendations: 1. Runbing (Spring Roll): The period around the Qingming Festival is the perfect time to enjoy runbing. High-quality spring roll wrappers encase a variety of ingredients like pork belly, carrots, and oysters, topped with coriander and crushed peanuts. This "all-inclusive" wrap is a burst of spring flavors in every bite. 2. Oyster Omelet: Made with oysters from Fengze Xunpu, sweet potato flour from Hui'an, and garlic chives, this omelet is pan-fried to crispy perfection and drizzled with local sweet and spicy sauce. The tender oysters release their delicious flavor with every bite. 3. Spring Crab: Spring crabs are known for their rich roe and succulent meat. They can be pan-fried or cooked into the traditional Minnan red crab rice. The rice absorbs the crab's sweet and savory essence, leaving a lasting impression. 4. Sweet Potato and Taro Dumplings (Mai Xian Guo): Traditionally wrapped in bamboo or chestnut leaves, these dumplings have a chewy black exterior made from wheat flour and brown sugar. The filling is a sweet or savory pea paste, creating a perfect blend of bean and wheat aromas. 👗Outfit Recommendations: With temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius in March, Quanzhou offers pleasant weather. A stylish thick coat paired with a long skirt or a vest and long sleeves will keep you warm while ensuring you look great in photos. 🚗Transportation Guide: • Due to high pedestrian traffic in the old town, public transportation is recommended. The readily available "Xiaobai" buses are a convenient option, as are shared bikes for freely exploring the ancient streets and alleys. • For more distant attractions like Qingyuan Mountain and Binhai Park, public buses or self-driving are recommended. Visit Quanzhou in March to experience history in its ancient streets and temples, embrace spring in the vibrant flower seas, and savor life through its delicious cuisine. Embark on an unforgettable spring journey!