Graduation trip to Quanzhou! Complete guide to attractions and food, so worth exploring!
Graduation/holiday~Finally a break, rushing to Quanzhou before it gets too hot! This city, "half bustling with life, half fairyland," has amazing sights and food. Quickly save this guide👇
🌟 Quanzhou Attractions Recommendation
🔥 Must-visit spots
1️⃣ Kaiyuan Temple
This thousand-year-old ancient temple is full of charm! As a representative of Minnan Buddhist culture, the twin towers on the east and west sides are stunning, definitely a Quanzhou landmark! The red walls and flying eaves are perfect for photos📸, every shot is a hit. Best of all, it’s free! Here’s a secret: on the 26th day of the lunar month, “Diligent Buddha Day,” you can get free vegetarian meals~
2️⃣ West Street
This thousand-year-old street is great for strolling! One side is full of lively local life, the other rich in cultural heritage. Kaiyuan Temple, the Bell Tower, and the popular Xiao Xicheng mural are all here. Wander among ancient houses during the day to feel the history, climb the rooftop at dusk to shoot the twin towers under the sunset, then enjoy the street snacks at night—delicious~
3️⃣ Qingyuan Mountain
Known as Quanzhou’s “urban green lung,” you must see the iconic Laojun Rock! Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the old city. Tickets are 70 RMB; it’s best to go around 4 PM to avoid the heat and catch the stunning sunset🌇 (free after 5:30 PM).
4️⃣ Xunpu Village
For 40 RMB, you can experience the super popular flower hairpin wrap, including costumes! Put on a qipao or horse-face skirt and take atmospheric photos in this fishing village. The oyster shell houses are also unique, and the sunset at the pier is perfect for photos. A taxi from downtown costs about 30 RMB🚖.
5️⃣ Quanzhou Oulebao Ocean Kingdom Park
A must for family trips! Eight ocean-themed pavilions, plus beluga whales, dolphin shows, and an amazing Russian circus. Located in the Taiwanese business investment zone near the sea. Although adult tickets are 269 RMB, it’s totally worth it🎫.
🌈 Other Recommendations
• Luojia Temple: A dreamy seaside temple! When the tide rises, it looks like it’s floating. Perfect for epic photos. Navigate to “Shishi Golden Coast” to get there~
• Wudian Market Traditional District: Red brick ancient houses, Minnan architecture museum, free entry, very atmospheric to explore~
• Minnan-Taiwan Cultural Museum: Great for learning about Minnan and Taiwan culture, also free but requires advance booking, closed on Mondays~
• Minnan Opera Nest: Experience Quanzhou’s unique intangible cultural heritage with string puppets and Quanzhou Nanyin music. Small theater shows with interaction!
🍜 Quanzhou Food Guide
🥇 Must-eat list
1️⃣ Mianxian Hu (Vermicelli Soup)
Fragrant broth with fried dough sticks, vinegar pork, or large intestines—super satisfying! The local favorite Shuimen Guozai Mianxian Hu tastes very authentic~
2️⃣ Four Fruit Soup
The ultimate summer refreshment! Choose 4 toppings like taro balls, grass jelly, watermelon... icy cold and delicious~ Shihua jelly and Bingzhengtang near Tianhou Temple are very popular!
3️⃣ Ginger Duck
Duck stewed in a clay pot until tender and flavorful, incredibly aromatic! You can also get it vacuum-packed to go. Try A Shan Ginger Duck~
4️⃣ Vinegar Pork
Crispy outside, tender inside, slightly sour but not greasy at all. Great alone or with vermicelli soup! Qiaozaitou Vinegar Pork (Yingjin Street) is a blind must-try~
5️⃣ Roasted Meat Zongzi
Stuffed with plenty of fillings! Served with peanut sauce and sweet chili sauce, tastes amazing~ Hou A Po Roasted Meat Zongzi (East Street) is worth a visit!
🍡 Snacks & Desserts
• Wu Ji Handmade Mochi: Freshly wrapped mochi on West Street, coated with peanut and sesame powder, super chewy and tasty!
• Lin Ji Zheng Quanmao Mung Bean Cake: Near Tianhou Temple, crispy crust with sweet mung bean filling~
• Fu Guo: Available at street stalls, crispy outside and fresh inside, with oyster and meat fillings, one bite and you’re hooked!
💡 Practical Tips
1️⃣ Transportation: Walking or riding shared e-bikes in the old town is very convenient; take a taxi for farther attractions~
2️⃣ Accommodation: Recommended to stay near West Street, many unique guesthouses like “33 Guesthouse” and “Moment Guesthouse”~
3️⃣ Avoid pitfalls: Check the view before shooting on West Street rooftop; some drink shops block the scenery!
Quickly save this guide and come to Quanzhou to experience the charm of millennia-old history and authentic flavors! Graduation trip here, you won’t regret it~🏮