七栩钟楼·蚌壳餐厅

A rooftop restaurant hidden in a hotel, with an outdoor terrace overlooking the busy West Street and the Bell Tower

On my second trip to Quanzhou, I didn't want to travel all that much, so I decided to stay in the heart of Quanzhou, a department store that holds the memories of Quanzhou residents. I initially thought the location and the accompanying white cars would make getting around easy, but I didn't expect the restaurant here to be a Black Pearl. I definitely had to check it out! 🌞Let's start with breakfast. What captivated me was the à la carte menu for breakfast, called "Quanzhou Morning." Imagine sitting by the window, gazing at the clock tower, the tranquil ancient city of Quanzhou, and the distant twin towers before the hustle and bustle of a new day. What a private experience! The à la carte breakfast menu features a variety of local Quanzhou specialties, such as noodle soup and beef soup. My advice is to try the entire à la carte menu for two people; it's more than enough. In addition to the à la carte menu, the small restaurant also has a separate grab-and-go area, featuring some of the most common hotel breakfast items. Don't underestimate this area; while small, it's well-equipped. In fact, after so many standard, over-the-top hotel breakfasts, this unique, boutique breakfast experience became a memorable part of my trip. 🌝Now, let's talk dinner. Since it's Black Pearl, I definitely didn't want to miss out. I simply chose a set meal from a review site. The portion was just right, easily filling two people. The braised beef short ribs in a shacha pot had a distinctly Minnan flavor. It wasn't a shacha noodle soup, but rather a dry-roasted texture that blended seamlessly with the short ribs. The steamed yellow croaker with red onion sauce and the braised abalone in duck broth were incredibly delicious, but they must be eaten hot to fully appreciate the surprise. The imperial clams made the earthworm jelly look so high-end. Perhaps this is the essence of Black Pearl's "One Diamond" program: they make ordinary ingredients feel more like a special occasion. Afterward, the restaurant also gave me a serving of their signature rice dish. Although I was already full, I couldn't resist trying more. The restaurant is small, and window seats are extremely popular. If you happen to be staying here like me, you can wait for the sunset in the restaurant, but be sure to reserve a table in advance. #FoodFestival #RomanticDateRestaurant #High-endHotelYouWantToUnderstandAfterSleepingIn #QuanzhouTourism #QuanzhouTravel

✨ Who knows! 🏨 This gem of a hotel, transformed from the 1970s Bell Tower Department Store, transports you through history and modernity. Quanzhou's "half city bustling, half city ethereal" is all within this one door! 🏡 Amenities: A Light and Shadow Aesthetic Space by Xie Ke Designer Xie Ke's renovation of the old building preserves its historical texture while imbuing it with ingenious design. The sixth-floor lobby offers panoramic views of the East and West Towers, while the rooftop garden's dappled light and shadow are breathtakingly beautiful, creating breathtaking atmospheric photos! Each of the 48 guest rooms features a minimalist, natural styling, honey-toned wood floors and white walls. Dyson hair dryers, Tivoli speakers, and Wenxian toiletries are all aesthetically pleasing. An art boutique and a corner bar on the first floor, along with the iconic Black Pearl restaurant on the sixth floor, offer a complete package of accommodation, dining, and trendy entertainment. 🤵 Service Highlights: Attention to detail and thoughtful attention to detail. You'll be greeted with local tea and wine upon arrival, and the iconic Bell Tower, built in 1934, can be seen from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The 24-hour guest service is incredibly attentive, and you can even book a tour of the ancient city using the hotel's minivan, making it incredibly convenient for those who prefer to explore the sights. Breakfast is a feast of Southern Fujian cuisine, with both buffet and à la carte options, including satay noodles and vermicelli soup. On weekends, you can even sleep in until 11 a.m. Even the tea bags are a Basao co-branded item; thoughtfulness is evident in every detail. 🚗 Getting There: Explore the heart of the ancient city on a whim. • Driving: Navigate to "Quanzhou Qixu Bell Tower Hotel" (No. 2, East Street, Licheng District). We have our own dedicated parking lot for worry-free parking. 📍 • Car Rental/Charter: The front desk can assist with reservations. Both Qingyuan Mountain and Xiapu Village are within a half-hour drive. • Taxi: Jinjiang Airport is 31 kilometers away, approximately 30 minutes away. Quanzhou South Station is 20 minutes away, and Quanzhou East Station is 34 minutes away. • Subway: There's no direct service available yet, but a 10-minute taxi ride takes you to the nearest station. Transfers allow for easy access to the city. 📸 Nearby: Uncover the highlights of the World Heritage Site on foot. • Kaiyuan Temple: A 5-minute walk away. Its red walls and East and West Towers are a photogenic spot. • West Street: Turn left at the entrance to discover the ancient street, perfect for snacks and popular cafes. • Bell Tower: The hotel's entrance is a landmark, serene by day and dazzling by night—a must-see! • Tonghuai Guanyu Temple/Qingjing Mosque: Within a 15-minute walk, experience diverse religious cultures. 🍜 Must-Try Food: Southern Fujian Flavors on Your Tongue 1. Aqiu Steak: 8-hour slow-cooked beef brisket is tender and flavorful, and the beef soup is incredibly delicious. 2. Dewen Shrimp Noodles: 7-hour simmered broth with freshly caught nine-segment shrimp for a super sweet and savory flavor. 3. Lin Ji Fried Vinegar Pork: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and fragrant with vinegar. You can't stop eating it. 4. Luo Ji Vermicelli Soup: Hair-thin vermicelli with seafood, a Quanzhou breakfast staple. 5. Earthworm Jelly: Chewy and cold, dip it in garlic sauce—a true Southern Fujian gourmet. 6. Ai'a Agar-agar: A refreshing and sweet way to cool down. Add taro balls and a da zi (a type of agar-agar) for a truly satisfying meal. 🍽️ Popular Restaurant List 1. Clam Shell Restaurant Address: 6th Floor, Qixu Bell Tower Hotel Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM Black Pearl, a gem of Minnan cuisine. Must-try dishes include stewed clams with dew-soaked duck and pan-fried red golden threadfish. The terrace offers a city view. 2. Aqiu Steak Address: 500 Huxin Street, Fengze District Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Michelin-recommended steak with garlic lettuce and two generous bowls of rice. 3. Dewen Shrimp Noodles Address: 149 Dong Street, Licheng District Hours: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM A small, private restaurant owned by a Quanzhou resident. Fresh seafood and a rich, savory broth you'll want to lick your own broth in. I spent three days in Qixu, waking up for noodle soup, gazing at the bell tower from the terrace in the afternoon, strolling West Street in the evening and enjoying fried vinegar pork. Then, at night, I returned to the hotel for a bath and music. 🌙 This experience, immersing the hustle and bustle of the ancient city within an aesthetically pleasing space, is the true way to experience Quanzhou! #QuanzhouTravel #QuanzhouHotelRecommendation #Places that are frequently asked in Moments #SpecialtyHotels #Stay in a Local B&B

Quanzhou's Qixu Bell Tower and Bangke Restaurant boasts the best views of Bell Tower West Street. While visiting Quanzhou, I suddenly decided to have afternoon tea and take photos. Unexpectedly, the restaurant was so popular that I couldn't get a reservation without one. I later discussed with the front desk guy whether I could go upstairs for a tour, considering I had to take a taxi from a long distance. Ultimately, they let me in. I bought a cute little bear at the front desk for only 39 yuan, and it felt great. I was afraid I'd have to leave the terrace after just one walk with it. ⚠️ Reservations are absolutely essential for this restaurant. I also went in through the back door, otherwise it would have been embarrassing to not be able to go upstairs. #DiscoverATerraceRestaurant

📍Location: The restaurant is located on the 6th floor of the Qixu Hotel, Zhong Department Store, No. 2 Dongjie, Licheng District, right next to the Bell Tower. Its prime location makes it easy to find by car or public transportation. 🌆Environment: Stepping into the restaurant is like stepping back in time, where a seamless blend of traditional charm and modern style meets modern sophistication. Every detail of the restaurant, from the exquisite decor to the clever layout, is a truly eye-catching experience. The restaurant's terrace is truly breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the bustling West Street and the tranquility of the Kaiyuan Temple's twin pagodas. Enjoy delicious food while admiring the stunning scenery, and easily capture Instagram-worthy photos. 🦀Seafood Feast: For seafood lovers, this is a true paradise. The restaurant uses premium seafood, including fresh scallops and crab roe, each fresh and plump. The signature dish, Mountain Chicken Soup with Clams, is a must-try. The rich chicken broth envelops the tender, crispy clams, creating a delicious flavor that lingers on your tongue. Every bite is intoxicating, like your taste buds dancing in the clouds. And the Quanzhou Braised Radish Rice, with its rich aroma and homey warmth, warms both your heart and your stomach. 🍤 Creative Cuisine: The restaurant's innovative dishes are equally as surprising. The cold-braised prawns in pickled sour plums offer a unique twist of sweet and sour, with a hint of surprise. The shrimp is incredibly chewy and firm, making it incredibly appetizing and irresistible. The Matcha Seaweed Masala dessert is a dream combination, perfectly blending the refreshing matcha with the soft, glutinous masala for a rich, flavorful experience unlike any other. 🎂 Romantic Birthday Celebrations: For birthdays or special occasions, the restaurant also offers a special birthday cake and a romantic candlelight service, creating an unforgettable and memorable experience. 🛋️Private Room Experience: These private rooms offer exceptional privacy, featuring a minimalist Nordic design that creates a simple yet cozy atmosphere. Dedicated servers are attentive and will confirm dietary restrictions in advance via WeChat. The chef can also customize the menu to meet your needs, including offering complimentary vegetarian dishes. This is perfect for small gatherings of around 10 people, whether for a business dinner or a family gathering, offering private and attentive service. 🚗Parking Information: Those driving by don't have to worry about parking; the hotel has a parking garage. However, please remember to provide your license plate number in advance to reserve a spot. Alternatively, you can choose public transportation for a more eco-friendly alternative. 💰Value for Money: While some dishes are slightly more expensive, they are definitely worth the price. Each dish is meticulously prepared using high-quality ingredients, ensuring every penny counts, ensuring a high-quality dining experience. If you're looking for a restaurant that offers delicious food, stunning views, and attentive service, then Qixu Bell Tower Clamshell Restaurant is the perfect choice. Come and experience a feast for both your taste buds and eyes! #DiscoverATerraceRestaurant #FineDining #QuanzhouFoodSeeHere #RomanticDateRestaurant #QuanzhouTravelGuide