Quanzhou trip with kids is over, and my consumption outlook has been shattered.
Recommended Attractions
- Kaiyuan Temple: The largest Buddhist temple in Fujian, with East and West Pagodas, is a symbol of Quanzhou. The temple's scripture-storage pavilion houses many precious cultural relics.
- Qingyuan Mountain: Quanzhou's first and only 5A-rated scenic spot, featuring a Laozi statue and the Hongyi Master's stupa.
- Chongwu Ancient City: The most complete existing T-shaped stone city in China, where you can see ancient city walls, stone carvings, and coastal reefs.
- Qingjing Mosque: One of the earliest existing Islamic buildings in China, with Arabian architectural style.
- Luoyang Bridge: Also known as Wan'an Bridge, it is one of the four most famous ancient bridges, 834 meters long, with many stone pagodas and stone generals.
- Xunpu Village: Experience the Xunpu women's hair-decorating customs, unique folk culture, and traditional Minnan architecture.
- West Street: The earliest developed street in Quanzhou, preserving a large number of historical buildings, with many snacks and specialty shops.
- Wulin Traditional Village, Jinjiang: With a 600-year history, it blends Nanyang-style architecture with traditional Minnan houses, allowing you to experience the old Nanyang dream.
Recommended Food
- Ginger Duck: A local specialty, the duck is fragrant and rich in ginger flavor. Sudan Ginger Duck and Jinpo Old Ginger Duck are both good choices.
- Misua Paste: Smooth and delicate, it can be served with shrimp, crab, large intestines, and other ingredients. Luo Ji Misua Paste is quite popular.
- Meat Zongzi: Made with glutinous rice, braised meat, shrimp, and other ingredients. Hou A Po's Braised Meat Zongzi and Lan's Bell Tower Meat Zongzi are worth trying.
- Four Fruit Soup: Made with mung beans, red beans, mesona chinensis, and other ingredients, mixed with honey water or sugar water. It is sweet and refreshing.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Near West Street: Convenient transportation, many surrounding attractions, and a strong sense of the ancient city atmosphere. There are many hotels around CNY 200 during non-holidays.
- Near Wanda Plaza: Many accommodation options, relatively affordable prices, and complete surrounding facilities.
Transportation Guide
- External Transportation: You can fly to Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport; take the high-speed train to Quanzhou Station or Quanzhou East Station, with more trains available at Quanzhou Station.
- City Transportation: There are buses, shared electric bikes, and scenic spot shuttle buses. Driving is not recommended in the old city due to narrow roads.
Itinerary
- 3-Day Tour: Day 1, visit Kaiyuan Temple, West Street, Small West Street, the Bell Tower, and Zhongshan Street; Day 2, visit Guandi Temple, Tianhou Temple, and Xunpu Village for the hair-decorating experience; Day 3, visit Wulin Traditional Village in Jinjiang and Luojia Temple.
- 5-Day Tour: Day 1, visit Qingyuan Mountain; Day 2, visit Qingjing Mosque, Chengtian Temple, and South Shaolin Temple; Day 3, visit Chongwu Ancient City; Day 4, visit Luoyang Bridge and the Maritime Museum; Day 5, stroll around West Street and experience a puppet show.