Top 50 Best Things to Do in Quanzhou

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_yt***80

Qingyuan Mountain: A Thousand-Year Poetic Journey Embraced by Mountains and Sea The most delightful encounter of my trip to Quanzhou was undoubtedly Qingyuan Mountain, a hidden gem where nature and culture blend seamlessly. As a national 5A scenic area and a dual World Heritage site, it avoids the hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots, yet at an altitude of 498 meters, it holds a profound and ethereal beauty that transcends millennia. Stepping through the mountain gate, a winding cobblestone path ascends, flanked by lush forests and babbling brooks—the idyllic scene of "a clear spring flowing over rocks" immediately comes into view. Halfway up, the Song Dynasty Laozi Rock Carving suddenly appears before you. Sculpted from a single block of granite, Laozi's benevolent face, flowing ears, and long beard remain serene despite a thousand years of weathering, truly deserving of the title "Laozi, the First Under Heaven." Touching the stone carvings, it's as if you can converse with the ancient craftsmen and feel the profound depth of Taoist culture. Climbing the mountain path, cliff carvings are everywhere, showcasing the calligraphy of scholars and poets throughout history, some vigorous, some elegant. These over 600 carvings are a veritable "museum of calligraphy on stone." Reaching the summit of Nantai Rock, one can enjoy panoramic views of Quanzhou's ancient city and the distant seascape. Mornings are shrouded in clouds, and evenings are bathed in golden sunsets—every frame a soothing picture. Tianhu Lake, like a pearl embedded in the verdant hills, sits nestled beside an ancient temple, its bells ringing melodiously. The stupa containing the relics of Master Hongyi is hidden in the greenery, adding a touch of timeless Zen. The most precious aspect is the pleasantness of the climb. The slope is gentle and moderate, with pavilions scattered along the way. When tired, one can rest and listen to the sounds of streams and birdsong. At the foot of the mountain, the local delicacies of rice noodle soup and meat dumplings are the perfect finishing touch—a steaming bowl of delicious food after the climb.

小米饭南瓜粥

The most cost-effective and fun free attraction, with a volunteer guide from a local retired teacher, made me like Quanzhou even more. Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple Twin Pagodas (the following content was generated by Xiaoyi): - East Pagoda (Zhenguo Pagoda) - Initial Construction: During the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty (860-874 AD), it was originally a five-story wooden pagoda. - Reconstruction: After several periods of prosperity and decline, it was damaged and rebuilt as a brick pagoda. - Completion: In the second year of the Jiaxi era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1238 AD), it was rebuilt as a stone pagoda. After twelve years of construction, it was officially completed in the tenth year of the Chunyou era (1250 AD). - West Pagoda (Renshou Pagoda) - Initial Construction: Built in the second year of the Zhenming era of the Later Liang Dynasty (916 AD), it was originally a seven-story wooden pagoda named "Wuliangshou Pagoda". - Reconstruction: Destroyed twice by fire, once in 1155 (the 25th year of the Shaoxing reign of the Southern Song Dynasty) and again during the Chunxi reign (1174-1189 AD). It was later rebuilt as a brick pagoda. - Completion: Rebuilt as a stone pagoda in 1228 (the first year of the Shaoding reign of the Southern Song Dynasty), and completed in 1237 (the first year of the Jiaxi reign), approximately thirteen years earlier than the completion of the East Pagoda. Although the East and West Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple were initially built in the Tang and Five Dynasties periods, the main structure of the stone pagodas we see today was completed during the Southern Song Dynasty.

M34***17

I thought it would be just average, but it gave me a huge surprise. The puppeteer's superb acting skills were truly impressive. It was a genuine reflection of Quanzhou's unique culture. I'll definitely recommend it to them when I get back.

Emily小乖

Fantastic performance! The kids were adorable! The performance was fantastic! The iron head kick was amazing! Even the foreigners were stunned! At 50 yuan per person, it's very affordable! Definitely worth going!

Anonymous user

A great place for families, with three shows. The puppeteers performed with great care, and the children were engrossed. At the end, the puppeteers gave a teaching session, and the audience could try to control the puppets. The rooftop view at night is beautiful, and you can check it out.

M40***76

Ten fingers strumming strings, capturing a thousand years of joys and sorrows; a single hand holding the universe, turning the world upside down. Quanzhou puppets are both an ethereal journey through the clouds and a delicate tapestry of history in the palm of your hand. As the curtain rises and the spirit gathers, as the strings fall and the rhythm remains, the essence of Southern Fujian is fully revealed on this small stage.

LukeChen1116

Wudian Market is full of ancient houses and buildings. It's not crowded, and there are many shops. The location is quite reasonable. I was surprised to see a lot of surprises, especially the Starbucks in Liu Qing's house, which is very stylish and has a very comfortable patio.

Anonymous user

I think it's quite fun. Facing the ocean, the roller coaster ride is fantastic. It's perfect for older children. There's also a science exhibition hall with lots of specimens. It's very convenient for bringing kids; you don't have to walk around; you can rent electric buggies. Hahaha.

奔三爷的一休

It has a large flow of people, a rich history, and cultural heritage, and offers a variety of famous Fujian snacks, such as four-fruit soup, noodle soup, etc. The traditional hairpin flower makes people today seem to have returned to the past, without knowing what day it is.

M18***81

This is a building situated on the coastline, inspired by an ancient temple. The temple gate, with its grand, shop-style archway, is particularly striking, especially under the sunlight where golden rays shimmer—it's absolutely beautiful. The temple is surrounded by a silvery sandy beach at low tide, making it a perfect spot for photos from any angle.