[Quanzhou itinerary] Make the most of your 2-day trip to Quanzhou with this complete and convenient travel guide!

Savor a bowl of noodle soup on West Street, explore the iconic East and West Pagodas at Kaiyuan Temple, and find peace at the Laojun statue on Qingyuan Mountain—all in a single day steeped in tradition and Zen. Then dive into history and fun: watch martial monks spar at Shaolin Temple, get hands-on with ancient ships at the Maritime Museum, and explore the underwater tunnel at Ocean Park, where the Maritime Silk Road comes vividly to life.

West Street, located in Quanzhou, has symbolized the city’s prosperity since the Song Dynasty. As one of the best-preserved historic areas, it retains many original buildings with rich architectural charm. For over a thousand years, this vibrant street has connected a wealth of cultural relics, ancient homes, and folklore from the Tang and Song dynasties—like a string of historical pearls that tell the story of Quanzhou’s heritage.

Address: Intersection of Chengxi Road and West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, year-round

Da Kaiyuan Temple, located on West Street in Quanzhou’s Licheng District, boasts over 1,300 years of history. As a major historical and cultural site along China’s southeast coast, it stands as one of the largest Buddhist temples in Fujian Province. The temple’s central axis features highlights such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, worship pavilion and courtyard, Main Hall, Sangpong ruins, Ganlu ordination platform, and the Sutra Library, which holds valuable relics from the Tang Dynasty to the Republic of China. Don’t miss the iconic stone pagodas and corridors on both its eastern and western sides.

Address: No. 176 West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City

Business Hours: 06:30 AM – 05:30 PM (Last entry at 05:00 PM)

Qingyuan Mountain, a 5A-rated scenic area and iconic spot in Quanzhou, offers a relaxing nature escape rather than a challenging hike. With its peak just over 500 meters high, it’s perfect for a light walk or leisurely exercise. The highlight is Laojun Rock—a remarkably lifelike ancient sculpture of Laozi at the mountain’s base, steeped in history. Along the way, you’ll find tea stops where you can rest, brew a pot, and soak in the local Minnan culture. Enjoying tea with a view is part of the experience.

Address: Quanshan Road, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province

Business Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:30 PM (Last entry at 05:30 PM)

In martial arts films and novels, it's often said that "all Kung Fu comes from Shaolin." While there are Northern and Southern branches, Quanzhou Shaolin Temple—originally named “Zhenguo Dongchan Shaolin Temple”—is famed as the legendary Southern Shaolin. Its grand architecture leaves a strong impression: entering through the mountain gate, you'll first see the Hall of Heavenly Kings, followed by the Main Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, and Sutra Library along the central axis. The Arhat Halls sit to either side, and a martial arts hall near the entrance hosts impressive Kung Fu performances.

Address: No. 66, Dongyue Ancient Road Front Street, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province

Business Hours: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM

The Overseas Transportation History Museum, established in 1959, is the only museum in China dedicated to the history of overseas transportation. It centers on ancient maritime trade, the Maritime Silk Road, and the cultural and economic exchanges it fostered. Key exhibits include the Quanzhou Ancient Ship Hall, the Quanzhou and Ancient Overseas Transportation History Exhibition, Chinese Ship World, the Islamic Culture Hall, and the Quanzhou Maritime Folk Culture Hall.

Address: No. 425, Donghu Street, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province

Business Hours: 09:00 AM – 05:30 PM

Quanzhou Ocean Kingdom Park, located in the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Tourist Resort in Zhangban Town, is a major ocean-themed attraction in the Quanzhou Taiwan Investment Zone. Backed by green hills and facing the sea, it offers stunning natural scenery and convenient access—just 30 minutes from Quanzhou city center and close to major transportation hubs.

With an investment of 1.6 billion yuan, the park combines marine life exhibits, entertainment, and education. It features themed zones like Whale Bay, Penguin House, Tropical Rainforest, Underwater World, and Dolphinarium. Guests can enjoy spectacular performances including white whale and dolphin shows, mermaid dances, underwater ballet, and the Ocean Circus. The park also includes rides like spinning coasters and a flying theater, plus a kids-only indoor playland, Fairy Tale World.

For accommodations, visitors can stay at themed hotels like Zheng He's Treasure Ship Hotel and the Marine Science Study Hotel, making it ideal for family vacations, educational trips, or weekend getaways.

Address: No. 336, Jingxia Village, Zhangban Town, Hui'an County, Quanzhou City

Business Hours: 09:30 AM – 07:30 PM (Tomorrow)