Just back from Quanzhou, and here's the honest truth:

Quanzhou, a city brimming with historical charm and modern vitality, seamlessly blends ancient cultural relics with a contemporary lifestyle. Must-visit attractions: 1. Kaiyuan Temple 🏯—A thousand-year-old temple with flourishing incense and towering east and west pagodas, it's a landmark of Quanzhou. 2. Qingyuan Mountain 🌄—Picturesque scenery with numerous historical sites. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Quanzhou city. 3. West Street 🏘️—An ancient street with stone slabs bearing the marks of time. The small shops and snacks on both sides are truly captivating. 4. Quanzhou Maritime Museum 🚢—Discover Quanzhou's glorious history as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, with a rich collection of exhibits. 5. Cai's Ancient Residential Architecture 🏛️—Red brick ancient houses, a model of Minnan architecture, each brick and tile exudes historical vicissitudes. 6. Xunpu Village 🏖️—The unique Xunpu women's headdresses and clothing, along with the oyster shell houses throughout the village, transport you to another world. 7. Zhongshan Road 🛍️—Quanzhou's commercial street, offering not only various local snacks but also many unique shops, perfect for leisurely strolls. Food Recommendations: Don't miss out on these authentic local snacks: meat dumplings, misua, oyster omelets, spring rolls, and ginger duck. Especially the meat dumplings, with soft glutinous rice and rich fillings, each bite is pure bliss. Transportation: Quanzhou has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses covering almost all popular attractions. Taxis are also readily available and reasonably priced. If you have plenty of time, consider cycling to experience Quanzhou's slow-paced life. Accommodation: You can choose to stay in Licheng District, the historical and cultural center of Quanzhou, with convenient access to transportation and dining. Alternatively, stay by the sea to enjoy the sea breeze and sunsets. Hotels and guesthouses of various levels are available to suit your budget and needs. Tips: Quanzhou enjoys a spring-like climate year-round, but summers can be hot, so remember to bring sunscreen. Many local snacks are quite oily, so enjoy them in moderation to avoid stomach upset. When visiting historical sites, please respect local customs and maintain a quiet atmosphere.