Best Things To Do In Quanzhou: Top Attractions & Walking Tour
Quanzhou, located in Fujian Province, is one of China’s most fascinating but often overlooked destinations. Known as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, the city was once a thriving international port where traders from Arabia, India, and Southeast Asia came together. The result? A city filled with cultural diversity, unique architecture, and a rich mix of religions.
Today, Quanzhou is a UNESCO World Heritage city and offers travellers a chance to explore centuries of history in just a few square kilometres. The best part? Most of Quanzhou’s attractions are close together, making it easy to see the highlights on foot.
If you’re planning a visit, here are the best things to do in Quanzhou, with a suggested walking route that ties them all together.
Why Quanzhou?
One of the main reasons to visit Quanzhou is its incredible range of architecture, unlike anywhere else in China:
Buddhist temples with towering stone pagodas.
Arab-style mosque (the oldest in China).
Confucian and Taoist temples central to local beliefs.
Traditional Minnan-style houses and colonial-era facades along West Street.
This variety reflects Quanzhou’s global connections and role as a meeting point of cultures along the Maritime Silk Road.
The city is flat and walkable, with the centre being absolutely packed with culture and history. The locals are super friendly and welcoming. It is a small city with a relaxing vibe, even though there is so much to cram into your Quanzhou visit.
The Best Things to Do in Quanzhou (Walking Tour Route)
Visit the Confucian Temple (Fuwenmiao)
Built in 976 AD, this is the oldest Confucian temple in Fujian. Wander through peaceful courtyards shaded by ancient cypress trees, and imagine scholars preparing here for imperial exams centuries ago.
2. See the Qingjing Mosque
Founded in 1009 AD, the Qingjing Mosque is the oldest surviving Arab-style mosque in China. Its unique stone architecture and Middle Eastern design highlight Quanzhou’s historic role in global trade. It’s also part of Quanzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.
3. Explore Tonghuai Guanyue Temple
Dedicated to both Guan Yu (a legendary general) and Yue Fei (a patriotic Song Dynasty hero), this temple is a fascinating example of blended local beliefs and the value of loyalty in Chinese culture. It is one of the most decorative temples I have seen in China. Check out the roof to see what I mean.
4. Discover Chengtian Temple
Dating back to the 10th century, this serene Buddhist temple features a tall stone pagoda and a quiet courtyard. It is a large complex, but it’s less crowded than Kaiyuan Temple, making it a peaceful place to pause mid-tour.
5. Snap Photos at the Quanzhou Bell Tower
Although more modern (built in the 1940s), the Bell Tower has become an important city landmark. It’s especially photogenic at sunset as the streets around it fill with life.
6. Stroll Along West Street (Xijie)
No trip to Quanzhou is complete without exploring West Street. This lively road is lined with shops, teahouses, and snack stalls. Try Quanzhou specialities and admire the mix of traditional Minnan-style and colonial-era architecture.
Top tip - find a café with a rooftop so you can admire the view of nearby Kaiyuan Temple. This looks especially beautiful at sunset.
7. End at Kaiyuan Temple
Quanzhou’s most famous attraction, Kaiyuan Temple, was founded in 686 AD and remains the largest Buddhist temple in the city. Don’t miss its massive stone pagodas and the surprising carvings of Hindu deities - evidence of Quanzhou’s historic global connections.
Check out the video we made doing this walking tour when we visited Quanzhou
Top Tips for Visiting Quanzhou’s attractions:
Best time to explore: Morning or late afternoon for cooler weather - but check the closing times as you might miss some attractions if you leave it too late (like we did.)
Time: This is the perfect half-day/day exploration of the city, depending on how long you want to spend in each location.
Navigation: Use Amap or Apple Maps to get around.
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Food: Don’t miss local bakeries and snack stalls along West Street.
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of walking. Quanzhou does have some mini shuttle buses if you want to rest and get taken to the next attraction quickly. These may be hard to navigate if you don’t speak Chinese, though.
Go the scenic route to each place instead of the main roads: Quanzhou’s old streets are full of hidden corners worth exploring. Don’t be afraid to go down the alleys to see what you can find.
Quanzhou is one of the most culturally diverse cities in China and a must-visit for history lovers. From the oldest mosque in China to centuries-old Buddhist temples and lively traditional streets, the city offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s global past.
Whether you spend just one day following this walking route or a few days exploring further, you’ll discover that Quanzhou is one of China’s true hidden gems. It is seriously overrated, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to head to Fujian province.
First time in China? Then check out my ‘China 101 ebook for First Time Travellers’, it will give you all the tips you need to help you with your trip to China.
If you need some extra help planning your trip, then get in touch, and I can help you!