Quanzhou, once the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road in Fujian Province, is a symphony of historical richness within a modern metropolis. The serene Jin River flows through it, reminding one of its prosperous trading history. More than its maritime legacy and diverse cuisine, Quanzhou houses cultural jewels like the Qingjing Mosque and the Kaiyuan Temple. Travelers soaking in the atmosphere of its ancient port or the melodies of its traditional puppet shows discover a city where age-old traditions thrive in the modern world, highlighting Quanzhou as a compelling crossroads in China’s extensive domain.
Quick facts
– Population: Approximately 8 million (as of the latest available data).
– Area: 11,245 km² (roughly equivalent to slightly smaller than the size of Lebanon).
– Language Spoken: Mandarin (with regional Minnan dialect).
Most important spots to visit & how long to stay
– Major historical sites and visits: Kaiyuan Temple, Qingjing Mosque, Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Dongxi Tower, Luoyang Bridge.
– Recommended duration for exploration: A minimum of 1.5 days is essential to cover the basics.
Where to stay
For luxury travelers, InterContinental and Hilton Riverside are the only two options.
Unique and exclusive experiences
– XXXXXX.
Culinary Delights
– Oyster Omelette (Hao Jian): A popular street food item, it’s a savory omelette with fresh, plump oysters, topped with a savory sauce.
– Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables (Meicai Kou Rou): Steamed pork belly with preserved mustard greens, a dish celebrated for its rich layers of flavor.
– Tonghu Grass Jelly (Tonghu Cao Dong): A refreshing jelly dessert made from the Platostoma palustre plant, often served with sweet syrup.
– Fried Oyster Cakes (Hao You Bing): Savory cakes filled with fresh oysters and fried till golden and crispy.
– Fish Ball Soup (Yu Wan Tang): Bouncy fish balls in a clear, savory broth, often enjoyed as a light meal or appetizer.
Local Tips & Recommendations
– Best modes of transport within the city: XXXX.
– Weather: Quanzhou has a humid subtropical climate, marked by warm summers with temperatures from 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F) and relatively mild winters with temperatures between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). The city’s historical maritime significance and well-preserved relics make it a popular spot throughout the year, celebrated for its cultural landscapes.
A few curiosities most people don’t know about the city
– Quanzhou was once known as “Zayton” and was an important port for the maritime Silk Road.
– The city boasts the oldest mosque in China, the Qingjing Mosque, established in the Song Dynasty.
– Quanzhou has been recognized by UNESCO for its “System of Music of Fujian Province” due to its unique musical heritage.
– It is home to the Kaiyuan Temple, which has the largest stone carvings of the Shakyamuni Buddha in China.
– In its prime, Quanzhou was known as the world’s largest port in the 13th century.
Final thoughts & conclusion
Located on the Fujian coast, Quanzhou stands as a silent witness to the maritime glory of ancient China. Once a bustling port on the Maritime Silk Road, the city today resonates with echoes of Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian influences, seen in its mosques, temples, and churches. As visitors traverse its historic streets, they are transported to tales of traders and travelers of yore. Quanzhou is not just a destination but an immersion into China’s cosmopolitan legacy.
