Zhangzhou 2025 Guide: Must-see attractions, local cuisine, and practical tips! | Trip.com

Explore the Historic Tulou of Zhangzhou

Journey through Zhangzhou's Hakka earthen houses, like Chengqi Lou and Tianluokeng Cluster, to glimpse the history and communal living of the Hakka people.

Discover the Scenic Beauty of Mount Nanshan

Escape into nature at Mount Nanshan, known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and temples. Hike to the peak for panoramic views and visit the ancient Nanshan Temple.

Explore the Ancient City of Zhangzhou

Wander through Zhangzhou's ancient city to admire traditional architecture, visit ancient temples, and experience the city's rich history.

Sample the Flavors of Zhangzhou Cuisine

Indulge in Zhangzhou cuisine with local specialties like Zhangzhou noodles, oyster omelets, and fresh seafood dishes, savoring the unique blend of flavors.

Dongshan Island Beach Vacation

Head to Dongshan Island and enjoy the sun, sand, and waves. Swim and bask in the sun at Maluan Bay Beach, watch the sunset at Nanmen Bay, or take part in marine sports such as windsurfing.

Visit the volcanic island

It is a coastal volcano geopark full of natural wonders consisting of black volcanic lava formations on the beach and two volcanic islands in the middle of the sea. You can also visit man-made structures such as Pink Monument Valley and Rainbow Mountain, which make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale.

Zhangzhou is a city that blends historical significance and natural beauty, offering attractions like the cultural and historical riches of Dongshan Island and Zhangzhou Ancient City, the fortified Hakka architecture of Fujian Tulou, the natural wonders of Volcanic Island Resort, and the therapeutic Banyueshan Hot Springs, making it a diverse destination for travelers.

Dongshan Island offers a mix of historical and natural attractions, including the ancient relics on the Jiuxian Mountain and Tongling Town's historical sites like the stone-built Tonghshan Castle from 1387. The Island's natural beauty is highlighted in its coastal landscapes and the non-commercialized Fengdongshi Scenic Area, well-regarded for its picturesque views that attract filmmakers and those seeking serene natural environments.

Fujian Tulou (Nanjing county) Scenic Area, a part of Fujian Tulou, which is a UNESCO  World Heritage site, showcases unique Hakka earthen structures with thick, fortified walls, designed for both residential and defensive purposes. These architectural marvels, which can house up to 800 people, illustrate a significant aspect of Hakka culture from the 12th to 20th centuries. The area offers a deep dive into traditional communal living within a scenic rural backdrop in southwestern Fujian, making it a profoundly enriching cultural and historical experience.

The Volcanic Island Tourist and Leisure Resort in Zhangzhou is distinguished by its coastal volcanic geology and lush natural ecosystems. Visitors can explore its clean beaches and appreciate the clear waters alongside observing a variety of bird species like seagulls and egrets in their natural habitat.

Zhangzhou Ancient City offers a rich peek into the Hakka culture and its storied past as a part of the Maritime Silk Road. Key attractions include protected historical sites and an array of intangible cultural heritage performances like glove puppet shows, reflecting its cultural vibrancy. Once a significant trading hub, its historical architecture and customs attract those interested in its economic history and strategic importance. The ancient city is open all day without an entrance fee, offering unrestricted time for exploration.

Banyueshan Hot Springs in Zhangzhou offers a tranquil escape with therapeutic hot springs known for their health benefits. Guests can enjoy soaking in mineral-rich pools, unwinding with relaxing massages, and experiencing a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The setting is enhanced by lush surroundings and mountain views, with options for privacy in luxurious villas or rooms.

Zhangzhou's cuisine features beloved traditional dishes such as braised noodles, hand-pulled noodles,  five-spice meat rolls, and Siguo Soup. These dishes are celebrated for their unique flavors, abundant ingredients, and refined preparation techniques, offering a great opportunity to delve into the local culture.

Zhangzhou Braised Noodles are a celebrated local specialty in Zhangzhou, cherished for their distinctive broth and generous toppings. The flavorful broth is crafted by simmering pork bones along with a variety of seafood like squid and scallops, giving it a vibrant color and a deep taste. These noodles are a staple in daily meals and also play a significant role in festive occasions and when hosting guests.

A regional delicacy with a distinct taste, these noodles are renowned for their unique flavor. Crafted by hand, they are served with a mix of pork and seafood, creating a rich and savory dish. For an added local twist, the noodles can be enjoyed with a selection of dipping sauces.

 Five-Spice Meat Rolls are a traditional snack in Zhangzhou and are very popular locally. They are made with pork, shiitake mushrooms, and other fillings. The outer skin is fried until it is crispy and fragrant, while the filling inside remains tender and juicy. The meticulous cooking technique of Five-Spice Rolls results in a unique flavor, making them a rare and delectable local delicacy.

Siguo Soup is a beloved traditional sweet delicacy in Zhangzhou, particularly perfect for consumption during the hot summer months. This dessert comprises a blend of cooked lotus seeds, white fungus, mung beans, and Job's tears, providing a sweet and refreshing flavor that aids in cooling and reducing body heat. Not only is Sifruit soup tasty, but it's also a nutritious option favored by both locals and visitors alike.

Zhangzhou's transportation network features a well-organized system of airports and railways, facilitating efficient movement for travelers in and out of the city.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), located approximately 69 km from Zhangzhou, is the primary airport serving the area. It offers both international and domestic flights, making it a hub for travelers arriving from various parts of the world. To reach Zhangzhou from XMN, travelers can avail of bus services available at the airport, which provide a convenient and swift journey of about one hour to downtown Zhangzhou.

Kinmen Airport (KNH) is another significant airport, situated roughly 72 km from Zhangzhou and mainly handling domestic flights. Though slightly further, it offers additional connectivity for travelers flying within the region. Similar to XMN, multiple transportation options like taxis and buses are available at KNH, facilitating seamless access to Zhangzhou within a reasonable time frame.

In terms of rail transport, Zhangzhou Railway Station, positioned approximately 10 km south of the city center, is the main railway hub. This station provides high-speed train services to major cities along the coast and inland, such as Xiamen, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Travelers can easily reach the city center and other parts of Zhangzhou using the local taxi and bus services available outside the station.

In Zhangzhou, the local transportation system includes buses and taxis, which provide efficient connectivity within the city. The bus service in Zhangzhou operates at different prices from one yuan to three yuan, making it an affordable option for daily commuting and exploring the city. This consistency in fare helps in simplifying travel for residents and visitors alike.

Taxis in Zhangzhou allow for easy and quick travel across the city, suitable for those who require more direct or private transportation.

Zhangzhou offers a plethora of accommodation options spread across its distinct regions, each providing unique opportunities and features for travelers. The accommodations in Zhangzhou encompass everything from historical majesty in its ancient towns to scenic retreats on its islands.

The Zhangzhou Ancient City is a nexus of history, culture, and Hakka traditions, particularly suited for those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of China's cultural heritage. This ancient city includes significant historical sites like the Confucius Temple and the Zhangzhou Lin Family Ancestral Hall. This area is known for its vibrant intangible cultural heritages like glove puppet shows and woodblock New Year prints, adding to the immersive cultural experience for visitors.

Dongshan Island is renowned for its scenic coastal beauty, making it a haven for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. With easy transportation options through high-speed train to Yunxiao followed by a short bus ride, the region is accessible and offers fun activities like renting small electric cars to explore the area. Accommodation here is ideal near Jinluan Bay and Nanmen Bay due to their proximity to major attractions like the Nanyu Double-sided Sea and the charming fisherman's wharf at Nanmen Bay. The island’s enchanting environment, supplemented by sunrise views and tours around newly developed island roads, ensures a picturesque stay.

Yunshuiyao Ancient Town in Nanjing County is a peaceful and harmonious place with a rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its Fujian Tulou and beautiful banyan trees. This is an ancient village where you can explore history and experience the tranquility of the past. The town is home to architectural treasures such as Heguilou and Huaiyuanlou. It is easily accessible by bus, making it convenient to reach while retaining its rustic charm. The tranquil atmosphere of the ancient town complements the love story depicted in the movie "The Knot," which tells a love story that takes place under the ancient banyan trees, adding a romantic touch to the town.

The best time to visit Zhangzhou is from February to October. During these months, Zhangzhou experiences a moderate climate which is ideal for exploring its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage. This period allows visitors to enjoy the scenic coastal areas, Fujian Tulou, and other attractions comfortably.

Zhangzhou, a city in Fujian, China, predominantly speaks the Minnan dialect, specifically the Zhangzhou dialect of Southern Min. This dialect forms a crucial part of the local culture and daily communication despite the official language being Mandarin. Minnan is noted for its distinct pronunciation and tones, differing notably from Mandarin and other Chinese dialects. Most locals are also fluent in Mandarin, facilitating easier communication for Mandarin speakers. 

Alipay: Widely used for payments, Alipay simplifies making transactions by scanning QR codes and is integrated with public transportation.

WeChat: Essential for communication and payments, WeChat offers various functionalities including messaging, social sharing, and WeChat Pay.

DiDi Chuxing: Comparable to Uber, DiDi Chuxing allows you to hail rides conveniently, with an option to integrate payment through Alipay if without a local number.

Trip.com: A popular online travel platform that provides a comprehensive range of services including booking flights.

Mobile data packages for immigrants in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and Unicom. China Mobile offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G. Unicom provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications, and both do not require long-term contracts. 

Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card. 

Zhangzhou experiences a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate, with mild to warm winters and long, hot, and humid summers. The average annual temperature is roughly 21°C, and the city sees an average annual precipitation of about 1160 mm. Given the city's climate characteristics, it is advisable to wear lightweight and breathable clothing for comfort during the hot and humid months. Additionally, always have an umbrella or raincoat handy for sudden downpours.

For extreme weather, such as heavy rainfall leading to potential floods, it is crucial to monitor local weather reports and heed any warnings or advisories. As an added precaution, travelers should stay informed about the emergency response and safety measures in place for severe weather conditions.

In Zhangzhou, mobile payments, especially WeChat Pay and Alipay, appear to be the most popular due to their ease of use and acceptance across a variety of venues.

WeChat Pay is widely accepted at restaurants, public transport services, and online platforms like JD and Pinduoduo, making it highly convenient for routine purchases. Alipay, meanwhile, supports payments in numerous settings such as shops, public transportation, and online platforms, allowing users to link international cards which simplifies transactions for foreign visitors.

Attention should be given to ensuring that your mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are set up properly, as per the guidelines provided in the payment apps.