Quanzhou: A Cultural and Culinary Journey

Quanzhou is a famous historical and cultural city with rich monuments and local characteristics. This trip combines culture, folklore and food experiences. The best part is that the attractions are located close to each other, within walking distance, which is definitely suitable for a leisurely slow tour. Off-season to less crowded, refreshing streets, super many snack choices, after eating continue to walk will not be crowded, comfort is a big plus! Recommended Route: Chui Po Village → West Street → Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple → Tin Hau Temple → Guan Yue Temple Xipu Village (Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, open all day throughout the year) Reasons to visit: The village of Minnan preserves the original appearance of the Minnan fishing village, and has a unique garland hair ornament for the women of Chuipu. There are many seafood shops in the village. They are cheap and delicious, and can be used for both food and entertainment! You can walk around the village lanes and take pictures of fishermen's lives. Recommended photo spots: Sculpture of Women's Sculpture, Seaside Promenade, Authentic Seafood Stall. Travel tip: It is most comfortable to go in the morning or afternoon. Remember to reserve a stomach to try the specialty snacks of Yu Po Village such as oyster cake and Sha Cha noodles. West Street (intersection of Chengxi Road and West Street, Leicheng District, Quanzhou City, open all day all year round) Reasons to visit: One of the oldest commercial streets in Quanzhou, full of Nanyang style and Minnan architecture. The streets have plenty of snack stalls, souvenir shops, cultural and creative markets, and many authentic desserts - peanut soup and taro balls are worth trying! Recommended photo spots: West Street arched gatehouse, old-fashioned shops, characteristic cultural wall. Travel tips: Slowly walk to eat best, off-season less crowded relaxed; during peak hours to pay attention to some popular snacks queue. Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple (No. 176 West Street, Leicheng District, Quanzhou City, open from 06:30-17:30 all year round, closed after 17:00) Reasons to visit: The most representative ancient Buddhist temple in Quanzhou, the two five-story stone pagodas are magnificent, the garden is lush and very quiet. Recommended photo spots include the Grand Hall, the East and West Pagodas and the ancient trees in the temple. Visiting tips: The temple needs to be quiet and polite; dress plainly is more appropriate; the earlier you go, the fewer people, you can feel the atmosphere of the temple. Tianhou Temple (No. 1, Tianhou Road, Leicheng District, Quanzhou City, open from 07:00-18:00 year-round) Reasons to visit: A place that believes in Mazu along the southern coast is full of incense and beautifully built. There are many local snacks in the small street outside the temple. Recommended photo spots: Mazu statue, painted roof ridge, red door. Visiting tips: You can add incense and pray for blessings. There are locals around the temple recommend divination and snack stalls.