Unlock the Millennium Elegance and Everyday Charm of the Ancient City in Four Days and Three Nights

Under the sea breeze of southern Fujian, Quanzhou, this thousand-year-old ancient city, has always maintained its unique charm. It is the "City of Light" described by Marco Polo, the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, and a treasure city that perfectly blends historical culture with everyday life. This carefully planned four-day, three-night in-depth guide will take you along the veins of West Street, Kaiyuan Temple, Quanzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, Luojia Temple, Wulin Village, and the Puppet Theater, immersing you in the unique charm of Quanzhou. [Heart] Itinerary Day 1: Stroll along West Street and Encounter the Ancient City's Everyday Life - Morning: After arriving in Quanzhou, take a taxi to a guesthouse near West Street to check in, drop off your luggage, and rest briefly. West Street is the earliest developed street in Quanzhou, preserving many buildings with their original historical appearance, featuring arcades and an antique atmosphere full of everyday life. - Noon: Hunt for delicious food on West Street, taste Yafo rice dumplings, and savor the fresh flavors of abalone and scallops; have a bowl of Bingzhengtang Four Fruit Soup, with stone flower jelly paired with watermelon and adazi, sweet and refreshing, dispelling travel fatigue. - Afternoon: Continue exploring West Street, check in at the newly opened "Xiaoxicheng" cultural and creative park in 2025, browse creative shops, and enjoy art exhibitions. Buy handmade rice cakes, fried vinegar pork, and other snacks to eat on the go, experiencing authentic southern Fujian flavors. - Evening: Have dinner on West Street, recommended at Lizhou Ji Quanzhou Cuisine, to taste local specialty dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk to enjoy the night view of West Street. Tips: West Street roads are narrow and prone to traffic jams if driving; it is recommended to use public transportation or walk. When booking guesthouses, be sure to carefully check reviews to avoid unpleasant surprises. [Heart] Day 2: Millennium Ancient Temple and Intangible Cultural Heritage Charm - Morning: Get up early to visit Kaiyuan Temple, a landmark of Quanzhou and the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province, with a history of over 1,300 years. Upon entering, the first sights are the Song Dynasty twin towers—the Zhen Guo Tower and Ren Shou Tower—which have stood tall through millennia of wind and rain. Visit the newly opened "Digital Kaiyuan" AR exhibition hall in 2025, using modern technology to experience the temple’s historical changes and architectural details, as if traveling through time to converse with the ancients. In front of the Mahavira Hall, 24 vividly colored sculptures of flying celestial musicians with wings combine mechanics and aesthetics, inspiring awe. For photos in front of the red wall "Ziyun Screen," it is recommended to wear plain-colored clothes for better shots. - Noon: Dine at a restaurant near Kaiyuan Temple and try Quanzhou’s specialty ginger duck, tender meat with a strong ginger aroma. - Afternoon: Walk to the Quanzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, which covers over 9,000 square meters with more than 6,500 square meters of exhibition space across the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors. The 2nd floor displays exquisite traditional artworks such as stone carvings, wood carvings, and puppet head carvings; the 3rd floor’s "Folk Customs and Southern Fujian Affection" exhibition showcases the charm of southern Fujian folk culture through exhibits like Hui’an women’s costumes and Lantern Festival customs; "The Charm of Quanzhou Dialect, Echoes of Jin and Tang Dynasties" features intangible heritage projects such as Nanyin music and puppet shows, demonstrating the millennium-long inheritance of the southern Fujian dialect; the 4th floor highlights traditional Quanzhou crafts like watertight compartment Fuchuan shipbuilding and Dehua porcelain firing, showcasing the wisdom and craftsmanship of Quanzhou artisans. On weekends, you can also watch live performances by intangible cultural heritage inheritors. - Evening: Return to West Street and enjoy dinner at Xiangzi Ahua Satay Hotpot, tasting Quanzhou’s specialty snacks dipped in special satay sauce for a unique flavor. [Heart] Day 3: Maritime Buddhist Kingdom and Old Nanyang Dreams - Morning: Take a car to Luojia Temple in Shishi, a temple facing the sea and backed by mountains, known as the "Maritime Buddhist Kingdom." Its unique geographical location makes it seem to float on the sea. The waves crashing on the shore add vitality and tranquility to the temple; the flying eaves, dougong brackets, and carved beams and painted rafters shine brilliantly under the sun. Whether for devout worship, enjoying the scenery, or relaxing, this is an excellent place. It is recommended to visit on a sunny day for stunning photos of blue sky, clear sea, and ancient temple. - Noon: Enjoy fresh seafood at a seafood restaurant near Luojia Temple, with freshly caught marine products served in their original flavors. - Afternoon: Head to Wulin Village in Xintang Street, Jinjiang, a well-preserved southern Fujian ancient village where red brick old houses and Western-style buildings complement each other, blending traditional southern Fujian architectural style with Nanyang (Southeast Asian) influences. Stroll through the village alleys as if traveling back in time, feeling the strong southern Fujian charm. The old houses feature exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings, showcasing superb traditional craftsmanship. The village often hosts string puppet shows, Nanyin music performances, and other folk activities, allowing you to experience southern Fujian culture up close. When tired, you can enter specialty shops to order a cup of local tea or stay in boutique guesthouses to enjoy a leisurely rural life. - Evening: Have dinner in Wulin Village, tasting southern Fujian farmhouse dishes, then take a walk in the ancient village to enjoy the peaceful night. [Heart] Day 4: Puppet Encounters and Culinary Finale - Morning: Return to the city and visit the West Street Puppet Theater to watch a spectacular puppet show. Quanzhou puppet theater is a national intangible cultural heritage; on stage, marionettes and hand puppets come alive in the hands of artists, performing swordplay, laughter, anger, and sorrow with delicate movements and rich expressions, amazing the audience. Before the show, you can learn about the plot through official channels to better immerse yourself. - Noon: Taste Hou A Po’s roasted rice dumplings, Lan’s Bell Tower rice dumplings, and other delicacies on West Street. You can also try Sidang ginger duck and Jinpo old brand ginger duck, tender and flavorful with a strong ginger aroma; or order a table of exquisite traditional southern Fujian dishes at Linjia Southern Fujian Cuisine to experience authentic local flavors. - Afternoon: Pack your luggage and head home with wonderful memories. If time permits, stroll around West Street again to buy some special souvenirs. Accommodation Recommendations - Luxury: - Quanzhou Qixu Bell Tower Hotel: Located at the landmark Bell Tower department store site, with a window view of the East and West Twin Towers, excellent location, and complete facilities. - Quanzhou Taihe Intercontinental Hotel: Overlooking the Jinjiang scenery and adjacent to the popular Ferris wheel, offering top-notch room views and hotel services, ideal for quality-seeking travelers. - Budget: There are many unique guesthouses near West Street, convenient for travel and close to local life. However, be sure to carefully screen and read reviews when booking to choose guesthouses with good reputations and comfortable environments. Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - Airplane: Direct flights to Jinjiang Airport are available; a taxi from the airport to the city center takes about 20 minutes, very convenient. - High-speed Rail: Arrive at Quanzhou Station by high-speed train; after exiting, you can take a bus for an economical option or a taxi directly to the city center or hotel for convenience. - Internal Transportation: Quanzhou has a well-developed bus network reaching all attractions; for more freedom, renting a car and driving is also a good choice. In areas with concentrated attractions, walking tours are great for exercise and allow you to stop anytime to enjoy the scenery and experience Quanzhou’s slow-paced lifestyle. The beauty of Quanzhou is hidden in the morning bells and evening drums of Kaiyuan Temple, in the everyday life atmosphere of West Street, in the craftsmanship heritage of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, between the sea and sky at Luojia Temple, in the ancient alleys of Wulin Village, and in the wonderful performances at the Puppet Theater. Slow down and feel with your heart—this thousand-year-old ancient city will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. Pack your bags and set off now to start your wonderful Quanzhou journey!