This city has two faces

After living in Quanzhou for a month, I finally understood the dual romance of the vintage Licheng and the modern coastline. If you are tired of the monotonous commercial ancient streets, and if you like sitting by the sea watching the sunset, Quanzhou is definitely a city that can satisfy both of your desires. For accommodation, you can choose Licheng, which is truly a place where many old Quanzhou residents live. The area in front of the Tianhou Palace is very lively at night. The local life atmosphere here is authentic. The two small white bikes at the entrance can take you anywhere in Licheng. But I recommend renting an electric scooter. You can reach the sea in just a few dozen minutes of riding. Kaiyuan Temple Ticket price: Free Introduction: The core landmark of Quanzhou’s World Heritage site, home to China’s tallest existing twin stone pagodas, the “East and West Pagodas” stand here. Also, Kaiyuan Temple was the filming location for the scene where Black Wukong fights the Black Bear Spirit! Tianhou Palace Ticket price: Free Introduction: The highest-ranking Mazu temple at home and abroad, with exquisite wooden dragon pillar carvings. Traditional opera performances like Gaojia opera are often held on weekends. Guandi Temple Ticket price: Free Introduction: The largest and most popular Guandi Temple in Quanzhou, featuring wood carvings, stone carvings, and colorful paintings that are known as the “Three Wonders of Minnan Craftsmanship.” Fuwen Temple Ticket price: Free Introduction: The largest Confucian temple complex in southern China, a cultural symbol of the “Seaside Zoulu,” with magnificent halls and numerous stone inscriptions. Xunpu Folk Culture Village Ticket price: Free (Flower pinning experience costs 30-200 RMB per person) Introduction: The birthplace of the “Garden on the Head,” where oyster shell houses and flower pinning decorations complement each other. Notice that the houses there are made with oyster shells. Luojia Temple + Shishi Golden Coast Ticket price: Both free Introduction: The fusion of temple and sea, seemingly floating on the water. The white castles of the Golden Coast and the sunset create a healing scene. Shihu Port Ticket price: Free Introduction: Known as “Quanzhou’s Little Kamakura,” you can enjoy the blue sea and ancient pagodas while cycling along the coastal road. The Liusheng Pagoda viewing platform is an excellent spot for sunsets. Qingyuan Mountain Ticket price: 55 RMB per person (seems to be free after 5 PM) Introduction: Quanzhou’s “back mountain,” home to China’s largest Taoist stone carving of Laozi Rock. There are many tea houses on the mountain. In summer, locals often come here to cool off, drink tea, and enjoy the scenery.