Half City of Smoke and Fire, Half City of Immortals | Quanzhou: A Must-Visit Treasure of Minnan Culture

I walked 30,000 steps in Quanzhou these past few days and discovered how incredibly charming this lively little city is! Though compact, it's packed with treasures—world heritage sites and Minnan delicacies are all within easy reach. 【2-Day 1-Night Walking Itinerary】 Day 1: 🔸Kaiyuan Temple (No. 176, West Street) A landmark temple of Quanzhou, the East and West Pagodas offer stunning photo ops. Adjacent is West Street Snack Alley—don’t miss the oyster vermicelli soup and runbing (spring rolls). 🔸Quanzhou Museum (No. 568, Beiqing East Road) Free entry; just 30 minutes to uncover Quanzhou’s past and present. 🔸Luoyang Bridge (Luoyang Town, Luojiang District) One of China’s Four Ancient Bridges, best visited at dusk for a romantic sunset. 🔸Taihe Plaza (Fenghai Road, Donghai Street) Perfect for nighttime photos with its Ferris wheel and city lights. Day 2: 🔸Qingyuan Mountain (No. 306, Zhufeng Road) Hike early for sunrise—the Lao Jun Rock statue is a must-see. 🔸Xunpu Village (Donghai Street, Fengze District) The viral hairpin flower experience: ¥40 includes outfit and floral styling. Go in the morning to avoid crowds. 🔸Zhenwu Temple (Zhenwu Garden, Fenghai Road) A hidden gem—a unique Taoist temple by the sea. 【Food Guide】 ✅Shuimen Guozai Oyster Vermicelli (No. 19, Shuimen Alley) – A time-honored spot for ultra-fresh flavors. ✅Dongxing Beef Restaurant (No. 13, Zhuangfu Alley) – Famous for its beef soup. ✅Auntie Zhuang’s Taro Cake (Nan Jun Alley) – Opens daily at 3 PM. ✅Ai’a Rock Jelly (Haogouqian) – Their four-ingredient dessert is the ultimate summer refresher. 【Accommodation Tips】 Stay near West Street or Zhongshan Road for easy access to attractions. Our B&B had a rooftop view of the pagodas for just ¥100+ per person—total steal! Pro tips: Pack anti-slip shoes for rainy days (the stone paths in Licheng District get slippery). With the recent heatwave, sunscreen and a hat are essentials!