[2025 Quanzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple (Updated May)

Quanzhou One-Day Food Guide 1. Morning 07:30 - 09:00: Start your Quanzhou food tour by heading to Quanzhou West Street. This is a famous food street in Quanzhou, where you can find all kinds of Quanzhou's special snacks, such as vegetable cakes, radish rice, and noodle paste. There are various traditional fried food stalls along the street, making it a great place to taste authentic Quanzhou food. 2. Morning 09:30 - 11:30: Visit Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple and experience the tranquility and beauty of the ancient temple in southern Fujian. The food on West Street outside the temple is still not to be missed, and you can taste some special snacks during this time. 3. Noon 12:00 - 13:30: Have lunch at Quanzhou West Street or a nearby restaurant. We recommend trying Quanzhou's ginger duck, beef noodles, and other special dishes to experience the unique charm of Quanzhou cuisine. 4. Afternoon 14:00 - 16:00: Head to Jinjiang Wudian City Snack Street. This is a famous snack street in Quanzhou, where the ancient southern Fujian houses and various traditional southern Fujian delicacies complement each other. We recommend trying local Quanzhou specialties such as pig blood sausage, vegetable cakes, and vinegar meat. 5. Evening 16:30 - 18:30: Stroll around Quanzhou Food Street, which is home to a variety of Quanzhou snacks and is one of the representative food streets in Quanzhou. You can taste delicacies from all over the world and experience the rich and colorful Quanzhou cuisine. 6. Night 19:00 - 21:00: Head to Huaqiao University Student Street Snack Street or Sunshine Night Market. These night market snack streets are full of various special snacks that are affordable and delicious. We recommend trying special delicacies such as pancakes, Honglai chicken feet, and Taiwanese glutinous rice balls to enjoy Quanzhou's nightlife. 7. Recommended Food Streets Quanzhou West Street: As a famous food street in Quanzhou, it is home to all kinds of Quanzhou's special snacks and is the best choice for tasting authentic Quanzhou food. Jinjiang Wudian City Snack Street: The ancient southern Fujian houses and various traditional southern Fujian delicacies complement each other, making it a great place to taste local Quanzhou specialties. Quanzhou Food Street: It is home to a variety of Quanzhou snacks and is one of the representative food streets in Quanzhou, suitable for the whole family to taste. Huaqiao University Student Street Snack Street and Sunshine Night Market: These night market snack streets are full of various special snacks that are affordable and delicious, making them a great choice for enjoying Quanzhou's nightlife.

Enjoy the warm winter sun! Check out this 6-day Quanzhou-Xiamen-Gulangyu Island travel guide to experience the Minnan culture and enjoy a heartwarming and relaxing trip! -- 🎉Travel Route: D1: Quanzhou Zhongshan Street Stroll along Quanzhou Zhongshan Street and feel the blend of ancient charm and modern atmosphere. D2: Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple - West Street - Qingjing Mosque - Luoyang Bridge - Xunpu Village - Xunpu Village Flower Hairpin Experience Travel through cultural sites, from the tranquility of Kaiyuan Temple to the prosperity of West Street, the mystery of Qingjing Mosque, the simplicity of Luoyang Bridge, and finally the fun of flower hairpin experience in Xunpu Village. A day full of fun. D3: Gulangyu Island - Sunlight Rock Visit Gulangyu Island to experience the blend of island scenery and history, then climb Sunlight Rock to enjoy the panoramic view of the island. D4: Xiaodeng Island - Xiamen University - Lingling Circus City - Zhongyu Shijie Ocean Kingdom From the natural scenery of Xiaodeng Island to the academic atmosphere of Xiamen University, the wonderful performance of Lingling Circus City, and finally the mysterious underwater world of Zhongyu Shijie Ocean Kingdom. D5: Yundang Lake Stroll around the lake to enjoy the tranquility and comfort of Yundang Lake and the gift of nature. D6: Huaxin Road - Baijia Village Stroll along the old streets of Huaxin Road, then visit the ancient dwellings of Baijia Village to feel the history and the charm of life. -- Tips: 🚗 Airport Transportation: Quanzhou to Xiamen Airport is convenient, you can book a pick-up service in advance. 🏷️ Specialty Prices: Compare prices when buying specialties, you may find surprises in the shops on Gulangyu Island! 🎉 Customs: Respect local customs, experience Minnan culture, and feel the unique charm. 📸 Photo Spots: The corners and beaches of Gulangyu Island are beautiful photo spots, don't miss them! 👟 Dress Code: Xiamen has many slopes, wear comfortable shoes for walking and shopping. -- Quanzhou-Xiamen-Gulangyu Island, a three-city trip, enjoy the charm of the cities, may every step you take be a story, and take away full of memories and emotions! 🌸

Check out this 6-day Quanzhou-Xiamen-Gulangyu Island travel guide! This is all you need to explore these three destinations! / 🚩 Recommended Route: Quanzhou-Xiamen-Gulangyu Island Tour 🌊 D1: Stroll along West Street Explore West Street and experience the charm and vibrancy of Quanzhou Ancient City. D2: Quanzhou Culture Tour Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou—Enjoy delicious food on West Street—Feel the tranquility of Qingjing Mosque—Admire the ancient bridge of Luoyang Bridge—Experience the fishing village style of Xunpu Village—Try the Xunpu Village flower hairpin and become a fishing village girl for a day. D3: Gulangyu Island Tour Visit Gulangyu Island and explore historical buildings—Climb Sunlight Rock and enjoy the beautiful island scenery. D4: Xiamen Experience Experience the island style of Dadeng Island—Look back on history at Hulishan Fortress—Get close to nature at Xiamen Lingling Animal Kingdom—Ride the Eye of the Tide Ferris Wheel and enjoy a bird's-eye view of Xiamen at night. D5: Yunshuiyao Ancient Town Tour Visit Yunshuiyao Scenic Area and experience the leisure and tranquility of the ancient town, and feel the poetry of the mountains and rivers. D6: Old Xiamen Tour Stroll along Huaxin Road and experience the charm of old Xiamen—Visit Baijia Village and experience the local life. / Must-visit Attractions: Gulangyu Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province - Opening Hours: All day - Duration: 1 day - A treasure of international architecture, with many small shops and a unique style. Yunshuiyao Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: X607, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou, Fujian Province - Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 - Duration: 1 day - The filming location of the movie "The Knot" and a popular place to experience the style of Nanjing Tulou. Hulishan Fortress ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: No. 2 Zengcuoan Road, Siming District, Xiamen - Opening Hours: All day - Duration: 1-2 hours - A combination of European and Ming and Qing architectural styles, with a great location and beautiful coastal views. / 🎒 Travel Preparation: 👕 Clothing: Lightweight cotton clothes, and a light jacket in November. Comfortable shoes for long walks. 🎫 Documents: ID card, student ID, etc. Don't forget to bring them, as they are required at many attractions. 🔋 Accessories: Charger, power bank, selfie stick, sun hat, and sunglasses. 💊 Other Items: Common medicines such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and sunscreen. Once you have all these, you can enjoy your trip to Quanzhou-Xiamen-Gulangyu Island! Remember to prepare according to the weather forecast, stay relaxed, and enjoy your trip! / More travel tips for Quanzhou-Xiamen-Gulangyu Island are waiting for you to discover. Don't forget to follow me 🌈

Here's a one-day travel guide to Quanzhou: Morning: - 9:00 - 10:30 Kaiyuan Temple: Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou is the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province and has a long history. You can admire the ancient buildings such as the East and West Towers and the Mahavira Hall, and experience the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhist culture. The temple's architecture is exquisite and worth savoring. - 10:30 - 11:00 West Street: From Kaiyuan Temple, you'll arrive at West Street, the best-preserved ancient street in Quanzhou. Stroll along West Street, admiring the ancient buildings and sampling various local snacks such as noodles with rice flour, fried cakes, and meat dumplings. You can try the spring rolls at Yafo Spring Roll Shop. The spring roll skin is as thin as paper, and the filling is rich, with carrot shreds, pork belly, peanut crumbs, seaweed, etc. The taste is layered. You can also go to Wu Ji Handmade Mochi to buy a mochi. The soft and glutinous mochi is wrapped in sweet fillings, and the taste is sweet and fragrant. Noon: - 11:00 - 12:30: Find a restaurant near West Street for lunch. If you like ginger duck, you can go to Xu Ji Ginger Duck. Their ginger duck is authentic and affordable. The ginger duck is made with red-faced ducks and old ginger, plus rice wine and various spices, and slowly stewed in a casserole. The duck meat is not greasy and has a soft texture. Afternoon: - 12:30 - 13:30 Clock Tower: Walk to the Quanzhou Clock Tower, located in the center of Quanzhou City and one of the city's landmarks. The clock tower has a unique architectural style, with Roman influences. It's a great place to take photos. - 13:30 - 14:30 Chengtian Temple: Chengtian Temple has a quiet environment and "the same red wall as the Forbidden City", making it very suitable for taking photos. The temple's buildings are solemn and majestic, and you can experience the tranquil atmosphere here. - 14:30 - 15:30 Qingjing Temple: Qingjing Temple is the oldest Islamic temple site in China, with a typical ancient Arab Islamic architectural style. Visiting Qingjing Temple allows you to learn about the history of Islam in Quanzhou. - 15:30 - 16:30 Guan Yue Temple: Guan Yue Temple is dedicated to Guan Yu and Yue Fei, and it is very popular. You can buy incense at the entrance and follow the temple's fortune-telling steps to experience Quanzhou's religious culture. Evening: - 16:30 - 18:00 Tianhou Palace: Tianhou Palace is the highest-level Mazu ancient building in China and abroad, with a unique architectural style. After visiting Tianhou Palace, you can try the four-fruit soup at the nearby Bingzheng Hall. This is a traditional Quanzhou dessert made with fresh fruits, agar-agar, silver ear, sugar water, and ice. It has a refreshing taste and is sweet but not greasy. Night: If you still have energy, you can take a walk in Quanzhou West Lake Park. West Lake Park has beautiful scenery, and the night lights are also very beautiful. It's a great place to relax. Or you can go shopping on Zhongshan Street in Quanzhou and experience Quanzhou's nightlife. Zhongshan Street has many shops and food stalls, where you can buy local souvenirs and taste local snacks.

Here's a one-day guide to Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou: Morning: - 8:00 - 9:00: Arrive at Kaiyuan Temple. It is recommended to take public transportation. Take bus No. 6/26/33/41/601/k602/Ancient City Tourist Line No. 2 to Kaiyuan Temple West Gate bus stop and walk about 150 meters to reach the temple. If you are driving, you can park your car in a designated parking lot nearby. At this time, there are relatively few tourists, so you can better appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the temple. - 9:00 - 10:30: Visit the central axis building complex. Starting from the Purple Cloud Screen, visit the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Pavilion of Worship, the East and West Corridors, the Mahavira Hall, the Hall of Sweet Dew and Precepts, and the Scripture Library in turn. The "Hum Ha Two Generals" sculptures in the Hall of Heavenly Kings are vivid. The plaque "Great Kaiyuan Temple of Ten Thousand Longevity" hanging on the door of the hall and the couplet written by Master Hongyi "This place is called the Land of Buddha, the streets are full of saints" are worth savoring. The Mahavira Hall is also known as the "Purple Cloud Hall" and the "Hundred Pillar Hall". It is 9 bays wide and 6 bays deep. The 100 pillars in the hall are of various styles, and some of them are carved with stories of the ancient Indian god Krishna and floral patterns. The Hall of Sweet Dew and Precepts was first built in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. The hall is solemn, and the bucket arch structure and flying figures on the top of the hall are exquisite. - 10:30 - 11:30: Appreciate the East and West Towers. The East Tower is the "Town-State Tower", 48.27 meters high, built in the Southern Song Dynasty. The outer wall of the tower is carved with 16 Buddha statues on each floor, a total of 80 statues. The waist of the tower is carved with 40 stone carvings. The West Tower is the "Renshou Tower", 45.06 meters high, built in the Southern Song Dynasty. Its technique and style are the same as the Town-State Tower. Different figures are carved on each floor, and 40 groups of floral and bird patterns are carved on the waist of the Xumi seat. You can appreciate the architectural beauty of the stone towers from multiple angles under the towers, or walk around the towers to feel their historical precipitation. Noon: - 11:30 - 13:00: Have lunch at a restaurant near Kaiyuan Temple. For example, Banpo Old House Restaurant. The environment here is full of historical atmosphere, and you can enjoy authentic Quanzhou cuisine while admiring the beautiful scenery of Kaiyuan Temple. The signature dishes include oyster omelet, meat dumplings, and noodles with rice flour. These are all classic Quanzhou delicacies. Afternoon: - 13:00 - 14:30: Visit the East Wing Building Complex, including the Dan Yue Temple, the Sakyamuni Yingji Hall, the Quanzhou Buddhist Museum, and the Master Hongyi Memorial Hall. Learn about the development of Quanzhou Buddhism and the relationship between Master Hongyi and Kaiyuan Temple, and appreciate the museum's collection of cultural relics and calligraphy works. - 14:30 - 16:00: Take a break in the courtyard or corridor of the temple and feel the peace and tranquility of the temple. You can sit on a bench, look at the sky, listen to the birds, or share your thoughts about the visit with your companions. If you are interested in Buddhist culture, you can also talk to the monks or volunteers in the temple to learn more about Buddhist knowledge and the story of Kaiyuan Temple. - 16:00 - 17:00: Free time. You can choose to walk around the temple again, appreciate the details you missed before, or take photos in the temple's garden or under the trees. You can also go to the exit of Kaiyuan Temple, where there are some small shops selling Buddhist souvenirs and Quanzhou handicrafts. You can choose some souvenirs as a memento of your trip. Evening: - After 17:00: End your day at Kaiyuan Temple and head to the nearby West Street to enjoy various snacks and experience Quanzhou's nightlife. There are many specialty shops, snack stalls, and restaurants on West Street, where you can taste Quanzhou specialties such as sandworm jelly and stone flower jelly. Alternatively, you can return to your hotel and rest, ending a fulfilling day.

Visiting Quanzhou for the first time feels like coming home. The city is filled with various temples, thriving incense offerings, and devout believers coming and going daily, giving a strong sense of familiarity ❤️ In the so-called 'Nation of Gods and Buddhas,' Quanzhou, you must visit the famous Kaiyuan Temple. Many might notice that there are several Kaiyuan Temples across mainland China. This is true, as many temples with the same name were built nationwide during the Tang Xuanzong era due to his reign title. Besides the towering five-story pagoda, the courtyard also features a nearly thousand-year-old banyan tree that has grown into a towering giant 🌳. Stepping into the temple, you can immediately feel the weight of history and a sense of peace and tranquility. Following the signs to explore the temple inside and out takes about an hour. If interested, you can also offer incense to the gods and Buddhas. Highly recommended 👍

I returned from Quanzhou in May, and I'm sharing my travel tips with you, 'A city half filled with the bustle of life and half with the serenity of the divine.' It's full of the charm of everyday life when you visit here. ✅Travel Tips South Christian Church - Bell Tower - West Street - Kaiyuan Temple - Xiangfeng Alley 🏠For accommodation, you can choose to stay near West Street, which is convenient for sightseeing 👉West Street is one of the must-visit spots in Quanzhou, where attractions are relatively concentrated and can be visited together. Here, churches and temples coexist, which is quite unique. First, take a look at the South Christian Church, then at the crossroads is the Bell Tower, which is also the entrance to West Street. West Street is a long street, and as you go further in, both sides are lined with delicious snacks. Kaiyuan Temple is inside, free to visit, you can go there first to check in, and feel the East and West Towers up close. Then, find a rooftop café in West Street for an afternoon tea, relax and enjoy the view. In Xiangfeng Alley, you can take a photo just like the celebrity Li Xian. ⭐️Attraction Recommendations Li Tian Terrace Café The evening view is very nice, with desserts and afternoon tea available, just order casually and you can relax on top, with various setups that are great for taking photos. West Street Tourist Center Rooftop There is a tourist center on West Street, with a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. Upstairs there is a terrace where you can take photos of the Buddhist pagoda, it's free, don't miss it. Berry Super Crazy The rooftop here allows you to capture the Twin Towers, and the place connecting the two shops allows you to capture the word 'Quanzhou'. Quanzhou Poster Wall A scenic spot for checking in. Enter from the main road of West Street, you will see 85°C on your right hand, then turn into the alley to find it. Kaiyuan Temple Kaiyuan Temple is quite large, you can tag along with a tour guide to listen to cultural explanations, and the red wall when you come out is a great background for photos.

There are many temples here, half of the city is filled with fireworks and the other half is filled with immortals. It is known as the office of the gods on earth, and has been rated as the most beautiful coastline in China by National Geographic. We have summarized a detailed 3-day and 2-night flight check-in guide for you. Come here for a warm winter during the holidays and pray for blessings in the New Year! ! ! journey: Bell Tower, Meichaofeng, Youli Coffee, Xiangfeng Lane, Jiezi Book House Borui Yuntiantai-Kaiyuan Temple-Zhongshan Road Walk-Qiaoxiang Commercial Street Wulin Ancient Village-Shishi Golden Coast-Luojia Temple Youli Coffee The best place to take photos of the twin towers on West Street, with fireworks on the terrace Shuimen Guozai Noodle Soup Zhongshan Middle Road Store Go into the alley on the left and go up the first staircase to the top floor. You can take a photo of the bell tower at the end of Zhongshan Street. Borui Yunxiao Rooftop I flew to Quanzhou specifically for this picture, overlooking the city's patchwork Mustard Seed Book House Mustard Seed Na Xumi, this bookstore condenses Quanzhou and has many interesting books Xiangfeng Lane The bustling alleys of the old city end with a thousand-year-old stone tower, a dialogue between the past and the present Crazy Rooftop You can also see the East and West Twin Towers and West Street, and there is also a rooftop that is very charming Kaiyuan Temple This thousand-year-old temple was built in the Tang Dynasty. It has two east and west towers and the same red walls as the Forbidden City. Xinhua Bookstore on Zhongshan Road This retro building on Zhongshan Road is very tasteful Overseas Chinese Shopping Street The spiral staircase is like the old days in Hong Kong in the movie Jinjiang Wulin Traditional Village The ancient village was built in the Ming Dynasty and is known as the "Overseas Chinese Architecture Museum". The orange bricks and tiles tell the Nanyang style. Luojia Temple A temple on the sea, overlooking the sea from the temple, just like a Buddhist kingdom facing the sea

🗺️🗺️【Travel route】 Day 1️⃣: Kaiyuan Temple - West Street - Xiaoxi - Check-in for Quanzhou - Shenlou - Panoramic view of Quanzhou - Chengtian Temple - Guandi Temple - Tianhou Palace Day 2️⃣: Luojia Temple - Xuanmiao Shuang Day 3️⃣: Xiapu Village — 📍📍【Attractions Guide】 1️⃣ West Street A trip to Quanzhou 🧳 must start from West Street. In addition to taking photos with the pagoda on the terrace 📷, don’t miss the small alleys nearby ✔️ · 2️⃣ Kaiyuan Temple The largest Buddhist temple in Fujian⛩️ is also open to the public free of charge. The red walls 🧱 here are really photogenic, and taking photos with flowers in your hair 📷 is really beautiful 👍! · 3️⃣ Guandi Temple There are many temples in Quanzhou. The fireworks at Guandi Temple are very lively. The temple is not big, but it is well preserved. There is also a lighting ceremony at night. · 4️⃣ Qingjing Mosque You can come here after visiting Guandi Temple. It belongs to Islam and you can experience the Arabic architecture🏗️ style · 5️⃣Luojia Temple A temple on the sea, about 1h by taxi from West Street, still a bit far. When I got there, I found it was really special. Li Xian also came to check in and take photos. · 6️⃣ Xiangzhi Pier The roadside along the coast is so beautiful! You must come here on a sunny day ☀️, the sea water 🌊 is very blue, and there are various small vendors on the roadside. In short, it is really comfortable to sit here and blow the sea breeze 🌊! — 📷📷【Photography location】 1️⃣ Mazu Temple: A Minnan-style temple, a must-visit✔️, many photo booths📷, need to queue 2️⃣Oyster Shell House: The unique house in the village built with oyster shells🏠, you must go and see it, it is also very beautiful to take pictures📷; 3️⃣Xiepu Rooftop: Mainly photograph the lines of the Guonan architecture 🏗️roof, one of the main check-in spots where you can take photos with backlight in the afternoon 📷✔️ — 🥘🥘【Must-eat food】 1️⃣ Luo Ji Noodle Soup 2️⃣Love Agarwood 3️⃣ Donglai Turnip Sour 4️⃣ Bafanglin Quanzhou Restaurant 5️⃣Wu Ji Handmade Mochi — 🏠🏠【Accommodation recommendation】 1️⃣ Accommodation🏠It is recommended to stay near West Street in Licheng District 2️⃣Near Quanzhou Station is also OK, Quanzhou South Station is too far away and not recommended🙅 — 📣📣【Numbering】 1️⃣ The attractions in the old city of Quanzhou are not far away and can be reached on foot. There is also a sightseeing bus for 2r💰 once. 2️⃣If you want to watch Quanzhou puppet show 🎭, remember to make an appointment about a week in advance 🕐!

Quanzhou, half city is fireworks, half city is fairy This long-awaited world heritage ancient city is finally here!! 🚩 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙠: D1: Quanzhou Poster Wall ➡︎ Bell Tower ➡︎ Quanzhou West Main Street ➡︎ Meichaofeng Terrace ➡︎ Quanfu Xiaoxicheng ➡︎ Yes Litiantai☕️➡︎ Yuli Scenery➡︎ Kaiyuan Temple ➡︎ Xiangfeng Lane D2: Take photos of hairpin flowers in Xunpu Village ︎ ︎ ➡︎ Visit ancient buildings in Wulin Ancient Village and take photos of Little Nyonya ❶Quanzhou Poster Wall Camera position 1 takes a bird's-eye view from the rooftop of the "Rui Bo Yun" hotel. In the past, the elevator in the residential building could reach the rooftop, but it is now closed and only the residents can go up. Camera 2 took a horizontal shot of the "Quanzhou" poster and residential buildings in the alley of Zhongshan Street next to the bell tower. ❷🍓Super crazy The rooftops of store 1 and store 2 are the same. The lens facing West Street is a better position for taking panoramic views of West Street, and it is also good to take photos of the clock tower at the door. btw the milk tea tastes good and the price/performance ratio is good, you can go up and down the stairs to take pictures freely~ ❸ Youli 🐟 Rooftop Cafe The ancient street is a popular spot for taking sunset photos, so there are really a lot of people in the evening, queuing up to check in... Their "threshold fee" of 20 yuan per person can be used as a drink coupon, which I understand but the experience is not good. ❹ Quanfu Xiaoxicheng Teacher Bai Yansong described Quanzhou in this sentence! It is said that this brick wall will be demolished soon. The wishing wall next to it is very suitable for taking photos of hairpin flowers. ❺Kaiyuan Temple The landmark building of West Street. Many people come here to take pictures of the twin towers. Walk in and see the local atmosphere of nostalgia in Quanzhou. ❻Yuli scenery Right next to Kaiyuan Temple, this shop has a complete range of surroundings and I bought my favorite refrigerator magnets there. This wooden building is also quite unique. You can check in at the wall next door that says "Half City Fireworks, Half City Fairies"~ ❼ Bell Tower Take a taxi and get off here. It is a landmark building with a white European clock tower and red brick houses. It looks beautiful both during the day and in the evening! ❽ Xiangfeng Lane The alley is right opposite the entrance of Kaiyuan Temple. There are many delicious foods along this road! Beef offal, glutinous rice cakes, four-fruit soup, noodle soup...Quanzhou cuisine is so satisfying! ❾Upstairs of the Visitor Center Take close-up photos of the tower, and take bird's-eye views of the street's doorheads, cultural walls, etc. You can also sit and drink coffee. 🍗Food: Vermicelli soup, four-fruit soup, beef offal, glutinous rice cake, ginger duck, seafood porridge hot pot, clam pancake 🕰️Play time: 2 days You can walk around West Street, take photos, wear flowers, watch the sunset, eat snacks, and it's easy to do in one day.

This is a long-awaited trip to Quanzhou.... The trip to Quanzhou must start from West Street A romantic citywalk full of life Let me understand the city's 'half city of life, half city of fairy' Organize a relaxed tour and photo check-in route 18 pictures to take you to check in at the super shooting location on West Street! Get ready for the little friends who are coming to West Street in Quanzhou to collect it! . 🚶🏻‍♂️Route recommendation South Christ Church—Bell Tower—West Street—Kaiyuan Temple—Xiangfeng Lane . 📷Photo location 1⃣️There is a carp terrace coffee (p1) I didn't expect the evening scenery to be beautiful, the shops on both sides of the street are warm, full of life 2⃣️Quanzhou poster wall (p2) Enter the main road of West Street on the right hand side there is an 85 degree C, turn into the alley to find! 3⃣️Quanzhou calendar wall (p4) Navigate to West Street Orange if, you can see it at the door! 4⃣️Bell Tower (p5) You can see it when you enter the main road of West Street 5⃣️Berry Super Crazy (p6-7) The rooftop can take two towers, the rooftop connected between the first and second stores can take the word 'Quanzhou' with red tiles as the background 6⃣️Xiangfeng Lane (p8, p15) A short alley, you can take a tower here! Mustard bookstore is also worth a visit! 7⃣️Kaiyuan Temple (p9-10) You can turn around first, and when you leave, you can really get a picture of the red wall at the exit! 8⃣️West Street Tourist Center Rooftop (p11) Here you can take a close-up photo of the person and the Buddha Tower 9⃣️Xiaoxi Cheng (p12, p14, p16, p17) A small alley next to the main road of West Street, you can take 'Quanzhou, this is a city you should go to at least once in your life - Bai Yansong' 1⃣️0⃣️South Christian Church (p13) On Zhongshan Street, you can take a photo with 'Love' at the church door. . If you are tired, you can also eat local snacks: sesame glutinous rice, noodle paste, scallop roast pork dumplings, taro cake.... If you have time, you can also wear flowers, come to Quanzhou to travel, one day on West Street is enough!

In previous years, the cherry blossoms at Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou would bloom in late January and early February, and I believe this year will be no exception. If you like cherry blossoms, you can consider Quanzhou as your next travel destination. The pink color will really amaze you, especially when paired with the newly painted red walls. It is very suitable for taking photos. 🍡Nearby specialties: Zeng's Laoji noodle soup, special pan-fried buns, Wushugong earthworm jelly, Auntie chicken rack, Yafu runbing, Wuji handmade glutinous rice cake, Kangzhuangman fried cake 🌈Nearby accommodation: Quanzhou West Street B&B, 100 meters away from Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple, a three-minute walk away, with a large terrace on the second floor and a comfortable environment where you can take photos of the skyscape of the East Tower of Kaiyuan Temple on the third floor

The ancient city of Quanzhou is not large, and it is home to historic sites such as Kaiyuan Temple, Confucius Temple, Guanyue Temple, and Qingjing Mosque. It is recommended to go to Guanyue Temple first, walk northwest along Tumen Street, and you can visit Qingjing Mosque and Confucius Temple not far away. Pass through the Confucius Temple, walk north along Zhongshan Road, to the crossroad of West Street, walk west from the intersection, and you can reach Kaiyuan Temple not far away. Qingyuan Mountain is also worth climbing, but it's a bit far, you can take a taxi to Laojun Rock. The above-mentioned ancient sites in the ancient city can be finished in half a day; Qingyuan Mountain is very large, with a full-length hiking trail, clear signs on the mountain, you can arrange it yourself according to time and physical strength. Impression: More than 700 years ago, Quanzhou was a world trade center, concentrating various major religious cultures at that time. 1. Guanyue Temple is very popular; 2. Qingjing Mosque is a very old mosque; 3. Some Nestorian sites can be seen, Nestorianism is a branch of Christianity; 4. Zhongshan Road is a commercial street, not wide, with arcades on both sides, convenient for pedestrians; 5. The stone carvings of the Heavenly Kings on the tower of Kaiyuan Temple are very exquisite; 6. The huge statue of Laozi at the entrance of Qingyuan Mountain, carved from natural stone mountain, the deep eyes see through time and space; 7. The view from the top of Qingyuan Mountain is good, there are many cliff carvings, and there is a pagoda of the high monk Hongyi on the mountain.

✅【Life】 "In this small town where I live, everyone firmly believes that there are gods three feet above their heads, and they also believe in spirits. People live closely with ghosts and gods..." This is how writer Cai Chongda describes the attitude of Quanzhou people towards gods in his book 'Skin'. 🚩【Folklore】 In the daily life of Quanzhou people, the folklore of "respecting heaven and earth and fearing ghosts and gods" is vividly preserved. Here, there is a temple every five steps and a temple every ten steps. It is a "city of all gods" that integrates various beliefs such as Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Manichaeism, and Hinduism. 📍【Check-in】 Kaiyuan Temple, located on West Street in Licheng District, Quanzhou, can be said to be one of the most representative places of Quanzhou's earthly and immortal atmosphere. Many people even list visiting Kaiyuan Temple as a must-do when traveling to Quanzhou. 📖【History】 It was first built in the second year of the Tang Dynasty, and has a history of more than 1300 years. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian and a national key cultural relics protection unit. As a major part of "Quanzhou: The World Maritime Trade Center of Song and Yuan China", it has been included in the "World Cultural Heritage List". ➡️【What you see】 The Kaiyuan Temple we see now, its main temples were mostly built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was originally called "Lotus Temple" because of the allusion of "Mulberry Opening White Lotus". Later, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty ordered the construction of temples throughout the country to show the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, and they were all named after the year, hence the name "Kaiyuan Temple". 📍【Scale】 The temple covers nearly 120 acres and consists of a series of buildings such as the main building group in the middle road and the east and west stone towers. Not only is it high in regulation, majestic, and cleverly constructed, but it is also more splendid and brightly lit when you look closely. Especially the Zhenguo Tower and Renshou Tower, which are arranged in a "品" shape with the Daxiong Hall, not only stand tall for thousands of years, but are also the highest pair of stone towers in our country. Their meticulous and precise stacking methods and the exquisite relief carvings on the tower body are all shocking and are undoubtedly national treasures. 🚩【Achievements】 In addition, there are wooden couplets personally written by Zhu Xi, the Ganlu Jietan, which is known as one of the three major Jietan in China along with Beijing Jietai Temple and Hangzhou Zhaoqing Temple, and the Sutra Pavilion with a rich collection of historical materials, etc., are all must-see check-in points at Kaiyuan Temple. Of course, in addition to the magnificent and exquisite architecture and the long and diverse culture of Kaiyuan Temple, its classical, elegant, quiet and deep environmental atmosphere is also a reason why many people prefer it. ✅Check-in tips ➡️Quanzhou· Kaiyuan Temple 📍No. 176 West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City 🎫Free open to the public ⏰Opening hours 06:00-11:00; 15:00-18:00 🚩Check-in points: East and West Towers—Daxiong Hall—Ganlu Jietan 🚌601, 014, 006, 002, get off at Kaiyuan Temple Station

Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian—a glorious journey through thousands of years Trace back the history and feel the ancient charm of Kaiyuan Temple Quanzhou, Fujian, this historic city has witnessed countless historical changes. Among them, Kaiyuan Temple, as the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Quanzhou, carries rich history and culture. Kaiyuan Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty. Although the current building was rebuilt during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, you can still feel the prosperity and splendor of thousands of years ago here. Main Hall: Minnan-style swallow-tail ridge spreading its wings and ready to fly When you walk into Kaiyuan Temple, the first thing you see is the Main Hall. This building with southern Fujian characteristics has a swallow-tail ridge like a pair of wings, ready to fly, giving people a solemn yet agile feeling. The brackets in the hall are all in the flying style, and are a combination of Chinese and Western designs with wings, which makes people marvel at the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancients. Citong City: a prosperous place where all nations interact At that time, Citong City was a prosperous place where all nations came and went. Here, Eastern and Western cultures meet and merge, forming a unique Erythrina culture. The rebuilt Kaiyuan Temple is the epitome of this culture. Here, you can have a glimpse of the prosperous scene back then and feel the glory of ancient Citon City. Southern Fujian Style: Experience authentic Quanzhou life In addition to the architectural style of Kaiyuan Temple, Quanzhou’s southern Fujian style is not to be missed. In Quanzhou, you can taste authentic southern Fujian cuisine, such as bamboo shoot jelly, oven meat rice dumplings, etc.; you can also visit nearby historical sites, such as Qingjing Temple, Luoyang Bridge, etc., to experience Quanzhou's profound history and culture. Travel guide: How to better visit Kaiyuan Temple Kaiyuan Temple is located in the urban area of ​​Quanzhou with convenient transportation. It can be reached by bus, subway or taxi. There are many scenic spots in the Kaiyuan Temple Scenic Area, and tourists are advised to learn about them in advance and plan their tour routes. Photography, smoking and other behaviors are prohibited in Kaiyuan Temple. Visitors are requested to abide by the regulations. The climate in Quanzhou is hot and rainy, so tourists should pay attention to sun protection and rain protection when traveling. Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian Province is a Buddhist temple with a history of thousands of years and a prosperous place that allows you to travel through time and space. Here, you can feel the splendor of ancient Quanzhou and experience the unique charm of southern Fujian customs. Kaiyuan Temple, which has been through for thousands of years, looks forward to your arrival to witness the glory of this ancient city.

The Fujianese city of Quanzhou is perfect for a day trip! 🌞🚆🙋 Here are its highlights, which are quite close to each others at walking distance: - Dakaiyuan Temple - West Street - Zhongshan Street - Quanzhou Confucian Temple - Qingjing Mosque - Guanyue Temple - Tianhou Temple - Quanzhou Maritime Museum Have fun in Quanzhuo and enjoy it's rich history and cultural heritage! #fujian #quanzhou #urbanexplorer #culturalheritage

Vibrant city to enjoy for at least 2 days for culture, architecture and food. Few worth it half-day trips around doable by didi. Active by day and night ! Visit the temple of the Queen of heaven in the morning then hang out around and through its southern streets during market time. Go back after sunset for a busy and messy atmosphere. Go to Kaiyuan temple in the afternoon and hang out on Xi jie, have tea and watch the sunset from one of the rooftop. Favorite one Baishui Haoxi, a nice-edgy renovated Republic of China building (around 1930). Get lost in the small streets and you will see small family temples built at every other corner. Other great temples, Confucian temple, Chengtian temple, Tonghuai temple, to see both by day and pass by by night. Stay at the Dongmian inn nearby the Chengtian temple, great host and ideal location. A half-day trip to Xunpucun is easy by didi, this village has old houses with walls built out of oysters shell, unique. Good destination for seafood and fish. A must try is also the ginger duck, a stewed duck long-cooked in iron pot with tones of ginger. #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #tripblazers #foodie #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #china #fujian #quanzhou

Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple a must-see temple in Quanzhou Quanzhou Religious Holy Land, with numerous temple churches, large and small. The Dakaiyuan Temple, located at the starting point of West Street, is a must-see for Quanzhou. The East Tower and the West Tower, which are the symbols of Quanzhou Old Street, are the town tower and Renshou Tower in the temple. I especially liked his door, and I took a photo of no one for half an hour at the door. Address: No.176 West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City Tickets: Free Opening hours: 8

There are almost no tickets for the attractions in the old city of Quanzhou, except for the Qingjing Temple, which is only 3 yuan. Qingjing Temple, formerly known as Shengyou Temple, also known as Ayubha Grand Mosque, is located in Tumen Street, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. It is the oldest existing Islamic temple built by Arab Muslims in China. It was built in the Northern Song Dynasty. Dazhong Xiangfu two years (AD 1009), the year is 400 years of history. The hall of worship associated with the gatehouse is also known as the Temple of Heaven. The Arab name is "Mesjid", the place where you worship God. It is a place of Muslim worship, covering an area of about 600 square meters, and the threshold is partially engraved with the Arabic Qur'an. Kaiyuan Temple is located in West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. It is an important cultural relic of the southeast coast of China and the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province. The temple was founded in the early Tang Dynasty in the second year of the arch (686 years), the first name of the Lotus Dojo, Kaiyuan twenty-six years (738 years) renamed Kaiyuan Temple. The existing main temples were built by the Ming and Qing dynasties. They are 260 meters long from north to south, 300 meters wide from east to west, and cover an area of 78,000 square meters. Kaiyuan Temple layout, the central axis from the south to the north are: Ziyunping, Shanmen (Tianwang Hall), Baiting, Daxiong Hall, Ganlu Ring, Tibetan Classical Pavilion. In the East Wing, there are Tan Yue Temple, Quanzhou Buddhist Museum (Hongyi Master Memorial Hall), Zhudi Temple. The West Wing has Anyangyuan, Gongde Hall and Shuilu Temple.

Quanzhou, Fujian, is an ancient city. Quanzhou is very famous in history. It once ranked the largest port in the East and is the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Especially after the Tang Dynasty, the Silk Road on the land began to decline, and the maritime Silk Road rose, and the status of Quanzhou became more and more important. Special historical status, this ancient city still retains many monuments. The most famous monument in the city is Kaiyuan Temple. There are many temples in Quanzhou, and Kaiyuan Temple ranks first in terms of scale and influence. Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple was built in the second year of the Tang Dynasty (686 years), and was renamed Kaiyuan Temple during the Yuan Dynasty. Kaiyuan Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province. The buildings currently reserved are mainly built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Quanzhou and is now free. The most famous of the temple is the two stone towers. The east is the "town tower", which was built in Tang Xiantong six years (865 years). Today, the stone tower was rebuilt between the second year of Jiaxi in the Southern Song Dynasty (1238) and the ten years of Yuyou (1250). The West is the "Ren Shou Tower", which was built in the second year of the Five Dynasties Liang Shuming (916). This stone pagoda was rebuilt in the first year of the Southern Song Dynasty (1228) and the first year of Jiaxi (1237). The two stone towers of Kaiyuan Temple have become the symbol of the ancient city of Quanzhou, often appearing in various promotional films. This is the highest pair of stone towers in China.

🥹. I thought my Quanzhou trip would be ruined by the rainy season. I didn't expect the B&B to surprise us in the end. It's the Inn Road B&B (West Street Branch). 🏠The B&B rooms are simple, comfortable, and stylish, with complete facilities, solid wood furniture, comfortable bedding, and smart guest controls. The hardware and software are very good, and it's less than 2 minutes from West Street. You can go back to rest immediately when you're tired ♨️ 👍In a quiet environment, there is a parking lot opposite the Second Hospital, which is convenient for friends who drive themselves to park. The housekeeper's patient and enthusiastic service, healthy snack buffet, and quick check-in all make for a great experience~ 📷I thought the rooftop was ordinary, but I didn't expect it to be super photogenic. It also saved me the cost of going to other rooftop spots. My friend and I spent less than an hour taking dozens of photos, and every one of them was great. It was so touching!! ⛩️Nearby attractions include Quanzhou West Street, Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple Bell Tower, East and West Towers, Quanzhou Confucian Temple... Near the Bell Tower, the white cars are available on call, which is really convenient!

The whole city has a very historical feel, and it's all cultural heritage. There are many good snacks on the street outside Kaiyuan Temple. I like this city very much.

#cherryblossom25 Visiting Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou during cherry blossom season was a serene and unforgettable experience. As I entered the temple grounds, the sight of delicate pink blossoms adorning the ancient pathways was mesmerizing. The contrast between the vibrant cherry blossoms and the historic stone pagodas created a picturesque scene that felt like stepping into a timeless painting. Walking along the blossom-lined paths, I felt a profound sense of peace and connection to the rich history of this sacred place. The gentle fragrance of the flowers and the tranquil ambiance of the temple offered a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. #KaiyuanTemple #QuanzhouBlossoms #SpringSerenity #HistoricBeauty #CherryBlossomSeason #CulturalHeritage #TranquilMoments

As a local who has eaten through West Street I've prepared this detailed guide overnight Ancient houses + sea breeze + Minnan flavors all in one place 📸 🏡 Accommodation Guide to Avoid Pitfalls ▫️ For West Street guesthouses, stay near 1915 Art Space where you can capture both towers in one frame from the rooftop ▫️ Light sleepers should avoid West Street main road! Guesthouses hidden in alleys like Jiuguan Yi are quieter ▫️ In the Wanda area, choose LOFT at Leading Show City, just a 5-minute walk to the TF rooftop for city night views ▫️ In Xunpu Village, stay in renovated stone houses so you can skip the line for hairpin decorating the next day 🌊 Transportation Tips ▫️ Don't take a taxi from Quanzhou Railway Station! Take the K1 bus for just 2 yuan directly to the Clock Tower ▫️ Rent an electric scooter (30 yuan per day) in the old town area, perfect for finding food through narrow alleys ▫️ Hidden route: There's a tourist shuttle from Wulin Ancient Village to Luojia Temple, where the "Buddha on the Sea" looks stunning in the 4pm light ▫️ Don't take unlicensed taxis to Chongwu Ancient Town! Buy a 15 yuan bus ticket at the passenger transport center for direct service 🍜 Local Food Guide ✔️ Jin Ji Satay Noodles (locals eat here from childhood to parenthood) ✔️ Dongxing Beef Shop (beef steak + salty rice with peanut sauce) ✔️ Auntie Zhuang's Taro Cake (opens at 3pm, be ready to queue) ✔️ Ai Ah Stone Jelly (add taro paste and QQ fruit for the authentic experience) ✔️ Shuimen Guozi Vermicelli Soup (must dip with fried dough sticks!!) 📸 Photography Guide ▪️ West Street Meichaofeng Rooftop (for sunset shots with both towers) ▪️ Wulin Chaodong Building (orange ancient houses with palm trees) ▪️ Luojia Temple (capture the "Buddha on the Sea" during high tide) ▪️ Xunpu Oyster Shell Houses (use oyster walls as foreground) ▪️ Chengtian Temple Red Walls (an uncrowded Forbidden City alternative with great lighting) ⚠️ Important Tips ❌ Don't buy Four Fruit Soup for more than 15 yuan on West Street! Bingzheng Hall on Zhongshan Road sells it for just 9 yuan ⭕️ Choose shops offering hairpin decorating service with costumes for 40 yuan, located near Xunpu Ship Management Station ⭕️ Check the tide table for Shishi Golden Coast Beach - you can only see the "blue tears" during low tide ⭕️ Taro cakes taste even better after refrigeration! They make great souvenirs to take home

Built in 686 CE, the main existing buildings of Kaiyuan Temple were reconstructed by Zheng Zhilong in the late Ming Dynasty. As the cultural highlight of Quanzhou travel, the temple's cultural relics and history are beyond description, with every brick and tile engraved with traces of time. Travel Routes: Route 1: Mountain Gate (Hall of Heavenly Kings) > Worship Pavilion > Mahavira Hall > Ganlu Ordination Platform > Scripture Library > East and West Pagodas > Master Hong Yi Memorial Hall. Route 2: Enter from West Street entrance, first visit the East and West Pagodas, then tour the Mahavira Hall, Ganlu Ordination Platform, Hall of Heavenly Kings, and finally the Master Hong Yi Memorial Hall. Main Attractions: Hall of Heavenly Kings: The main entrance of Kaiyuan Temple, featuring the plaque "Great Kaiyuan Longevity Chan Temple" and couplets written by Master Hong Yi. Mahavira Hall: The most important building in the temple, known as the "Hall of Hundred Pillars" with 24 flying apsaras. Ganlu Ordination Platform: One of China's three existing ordination platforms, surrounded by 24 wooden carved flying apsaras. East and West Pagodas: The temple's iconic structures, known as Zhenguo Pagoda and Renshou Pagoda, are the tallest pair of stone pagodas existing in China. Master Hong Yi Memorial Hall: Exhibits the life and works of Master Hong Yi. Important Notes: Respect religious beliefs, maintain silence, no loud noise. Be civilized when visiting, do not touch cultural relics or Buddha statues, no climbing on structures. Transportation Guide: Bus: Take bus routes 2, 40, 602, etc. to Kaiyuan Temple station. Driving: Navigate to "Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple," parking lot available inside or nearby.

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 Kaiyuan Temple on West Street in Quanzhou, a journey through time and ancient charm Want to experience the ancient charm of Quanzhou? You must not miss Quanzhou West Street and Kaiyuan Temple! These two places are adjacent to each other, with ancient streets and ancient temples. From ancient life to thousand-year-old temples, the whole way is full of rich historical charm. Next, I will share the guide with you. 🚗Transportation Guide Quanzhou West Street and Kaiyuan Temple are located in the city center with convenient transportation. If you take the bus, there are many lines to get there, such as Line 1, Line 2, Line 6, etc., and you can get off at the "Kaiyuan Temple" station. If you choose to ride a shared bicycle, it is also very convenient and there are many parking spots. For friends who drive, there is a paid parking lot nearby, but the traffic volume is heavy on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to leave early to avoid traffic jams and the trouble of finding parking spaces. 🌟 Tour highlights 1. Kaiyuan Temple: With towering ancient trees and majestic East and West Towers, the temple is a landmark of Quanzhou. The Main Hall is magnificent, the Buddha statues inside the hall are solemn and dignified, and there is also an exquisite caisson ceiling, which must be appreciated carefully. Taking a stroll here, you can feel the strong Buddhist atmosphere and the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancients, which is super photogenic. 2. Quanzhou West Street: Walk out of Kaiyuan Temple and you can visit West Street! This ancient street has preserved a large number of ancient houses from southern Fujian, and along the street are various specialty shops, some selling traditional Quanzhou snacks and some selling handicrafts. Eat as you walk, rice dumplings, noodle soup, and spring rolls, every bite has the authentic Quanzhou flavor. ⏰Opening hours Kaiyuan Temple is usually open from 8 am to 5 pm, so be careful not to miss the time. Quanzhou West Street is bustling all day long. You can experience the city life during the day, and it is a completely different scene at night when the lights are bright. ❗Notes When visiting Kaiyuan Temple, please keep quiet and respect the religious beliefs and customs within the temple. When walking in West Street, there are a lot of people, so please take care of your personal belongings. In addition, some snack shops are small but the taste is authentic, so don’t miss them.

#discoverchina Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou was one of the calmest and most beautiful places I visited. It’s a really old Buddhist temple, built over 1,300 years ago, but still full of life and peace. I loved walking around the temple grounds, seeing the tall stone pagodas with their detailed carvings. What surprised me was the mix of cultures—there’s even a part with Hindu designs, which shows how open and rich the city’s history is. I spent around one hour there just enjoying the quiet and learning a bit about the past. It felt peaceful and special.

#discoverchina Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺), located in Quanzhou, is a significant cultural relic in China’s southeastern coastal region and the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province. The temple was initially founded during the second year of the Chui Gong period of the Tang Dynasty (686 AD) and was originally named Lianhua Daoyuan (White Lotus Courtyard). It was renamed Kaiyuan Temple in the 26th year of the Kaiyuan era (738 AD). The existing main structures of the temple were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple spans 260 meters from north to south and 300 meters from east to west, covering an area of 78,000 square meters. Kaiyuan Temple is one of only three temples in China that retain a precepts altar, the others being Jietai Temple in Beijing and Zhaoqing Temple in Hangzhou. #quanzhou

#discoverchina #quanzhou #ancienttemple #historical It wasn’t in a book or temple mural where I found Sun Wukong—it was on the fourth floor of a thousand-year-old tower. The West Pagoda of Kaiyuan Temple, silent and solid, guards a secret that rewrites legends. Carved into the stone in 1237, a figure known as the “Monkey Pilgrim” crouches with a knife in hand and sutra scroll at his waist—an image predating Journey to the West by nearly 300 years. The resemblance to the Monkey King is uncanny. This ancient relief, backed by research from Japanese scholar Nakano Miyoko, may be the earliest artistic trace of Wukong’s spiritual ancestor. And it’s not alone. On the East Pagoda’s second tier, sculptures of the monk Xuanzang and his disciples hint at a long-lost visual record of the Silk Road’s mythic journey. It’s wild to think: in Quanzhou, legend and stone whisper the same story. The truth behind Sun Wukong may not be myth after all—but a hidden chapter etched into granite, waiting to be seen.