One of the most famous historical and cultural cities in China, Quanzhou is an important seaport in the Fujian Province. An entryway to diverse cultures since ancient times, it’s home to an assortment of religious buildings, including mosques, mausoleums, temples and churches.
Things to do in Quanzhou
Quanzhou has been called a “museum of world religions” due to its collection of religious structures. Admire the landscaped grounds and religious artwork in the Buddhist Kaiyuan Temple or marvel at the 1,000-year-old Arabic architecture at Qingjing Mosque. Visit Heavenly Empress Palace to see the vividly carved patterns in the windows and reliefs showcasing Taoism culture.
With exhibits focusing on Chinese overseas exploration, the Quanzhou Maritime Museum offers a unique glimpse of the country’s history. You can see artefacts from a ship from the Song dynasty that was discovered in the seaport, in addition to religious stone sculptures.
Get out of the city and hike up Qingyuan Mountain. The well-marked paths are dotted with temples, pavilions and snack vendors, while the scenic landscape opens up to stunning views of the city below.
Nestled in emerald bamboos and green pines, the Water Rock Temple is a scenic spot to explore. Built high on the Penglai Mountain, this three-storey tower features cultural relics, such as the precious Ming dynasty stone tablets that show a map of the mountain.
Getting around Quanzhou
The easiest way to get around Quanzhou is by taxi. You can fly into Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, 30 minutes from the city centre, which offers flights to cities in inland China, Hong Kong and Manila. Quanzhou Railway Station operates trains to Fuzhou, Xiamen and Shanghai.