The off-season in Quanzhou has returned, and I really don't recommend going in July and August because...

💖 Quanzhou in July is full of bright sunshine and gentle sea breezes, making it a treasure city perfect for travel. This guide will take you on an in-depth tour of Quanzhou, covering food, drinks, and entertainment! 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Airplane: Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport is not far from the city center, with airport shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services available, very convenient. 🚄 High-speed Rail: Quanzhou Station is in the city center, convenient for travel; Quanzhou East Station is in Hui'an, and Quanzhou South Station is in Jinjiang—choose according to your itinerary. 🚌 City Transportation: Buses accept QR code payments, some go directly to attractions; taxis and ride-hailing are also convenient, usually 10-20 RMB within the city; ride shared bikes in the old town for a relaxed and pleasant experience. 🗺️ Recommended Itinerary 🌟 Day 1: Ancient City Cultural Immersion Tour Morning: West Street 👉 Kaiyuan Temple - Get up early to visit West Street when it's less crowded. Check in at the Bell Tower and Little West Market, both artistic and great for photos. - Kaiyuan Temple is free, open from 6:30 to 18:00. The East and West Pagodas, ancient banyan trees, and the Master Hongyi Memorial Hall are must-sees to feel the charm of this thousand-year-old temple. Lunch: Guozi Mianxianhu at Shuimen Alley, add vinegar pork and large intestines—delicious beyond words! Afternoon: Qingjing Mosque 👉 Guanyue Temple 👉 West Lake Park - Qingjing Mosque is open from 8:00 to 17:30, ticket 3 RMB. It is a historic Islamic temple site; if wearing a short skirt, you need to rent a skirt cover (10 RMB). - Guanyue Temple is very popular with incense offerings; the nearby cultural and creative store Lecheng Zhili is great for shopping. - In the evening, go to West Lake Park to watch the sunset—stunning views and a favorite spot for locals to stroll. 🌟 Day 2: Maritime Silk Road Cultural Deep Tour Morning: Xunpu Village - Take a taxi to Xunpu Village, 40 RMB to experience the "Zanhuawei" headwear and clothing, Qingtianjia is recommended. Near the Mazu Temple is the oyster shell house photo spot; the morning light is good, remember sunscreen. Lunch: Find any seafood restaurant to try local small seafood. Afternoon: Luoyang Bridge - Take bus 203 to Luoyang Bridge, one of the four great ancient bridges. After 5:30 pm at low tide, you can see oyster reefs. Dinner: Qiaonan Abo Beef Restaurant, must order salty rice and steak. 🌟 Day 3: Coastal Leisure Tour Morning: Chongwu Ancient City - Rent a car or drive yourself, opens at 7 am—sunrise views are stunning. Take photos at the city wall and Haimenting Pavilion, ticket 45 RMB. Afternoon: Windmill Island - Along the way are many cultural and creative coffee shops; the Wenhai Viewing Platform is recommended to enjoy coffee while admiring the sea view. Before returning: Don’t forget to go to Bingzhengtang for Four Fruit Soup, refreshing and cooling. 🎈 Must-Visit Attractions 1. West Street: Quanzhou’s most lively old street, full of Minnan-style ancient houses and specialty shops, with plenty of delicious food. 2. Kaiyuan Temple: The largest Buddhist temple in Fujian, the East and West Pagodas are Quanzhou landmarks, with towering ancient banyan trees, peaceful and solemn. 3. Qingjing Mosque: The oldest existing Islamic mosque in China, stone architecture with exotic charm. 4. Xunpu Village: Experience the "Zanhuawei" headwear and unique fishing village culture; the oyster shell houses are also very distinctive. 5. Luoyang Bridge: Also called Wan’an Bridge, a Song Dynasty ancient bridge and a miracle of sea stone bridges, especially beautiful at sunset. 6. Chongwu Ancient City: Ming Dynasty anti-pirate stone city walls, see Hui women working and experience the unique clothing culture of Hui'an women. 🍱 Local Food Specialties - Mianxianhu (Vermicelli Soup): A must-have breakfast, with a delicious broth, paired with fried dough sticks, vinegar pork, large intestines, smooth and tasty. - Meat Zongzi (Rice Dumplings): Rich ingredients, soft and savory, dipped in sweet and spicy sauce, very satisfying. - Ginger Duck: Slow-cooked in a clay pot, flavorful duck meat, ginger slices are edible too, fragrant and appetizing. - Four Fruit Soup: A summer cooling treat with various fruits, taro balls, grass jelly, and shaved ice, refreshing and tasty. - Tusu Dong (Sea Worm Jelly): A specialty snack with a chewy texture, served with soy sauce, vinegar, and mustard for a unique flavor (skip if you mind the sandworm ingredient). 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations - Around West Street/Kaiyuan Temple: Convenient for travel and to experience the ancient city atmosphere. Quanzhou Qixu Bell Tower Hotel is next to the Bell Tower with views of the twin pagodas; Chunqiu S Homestay (West Street Kaiyuan Temple branch) is close to attractions and offers laundry service. - Jinjiang/Shishi: Jinjiang Xiamen Airlines Hotel is near the airport, suitable for early flight travelers; Shishi Green Island International Hotel is close to Yongning Ancient Town and Luojia Temple, convenient for the beach. 📌 Tips - July and August are hot; it’s recommended to travel between 7-10 am and after 3 pm, and take sun protection and heatstroke prevention measures. - Dress appropriately for all temples; Qingjing Mosque requires clothing covering the knees, and photography of Buddha statues is prohibited at Guanyue Temple. - The popular bamboo tube milk tea on West Street is overpriced; better to choose local old-brand desserts. - On holidays, Qingyuan Mountain and areas around Kaiyuan Temple get congested; it’s better to take a taxi nearby and walk. - Quanzhou locals are very friendly; don’t hesitate to ask for directions if you get lost!