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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Quanzhou [2025]
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Qingyuan Mountain
4.4
/5
3061 reviews
7.7
From KRW 13834
Based on 121 reviews
Weat Lake Park/Qingyuan Mountain | 4.9 km from downtown
Phone +86059522777675
Address: East side of Qingyuanshan Mountain Visitor Center, Fengze District, Quanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Quanzhou
Highlights:
Panoramic view of Quanzhou city
Overlook Quanzhou's cityscape & culture
Saved by 190 users1643 positive reviews
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The Mother Mountain of Quanzhou people, those with average physical strength can take the scenic area bus up and down the mountain. There are food and drinks on the top of the mountain, mineral water is 7 yuan, Baisui Mountain is 10 yuan, if you climb the mountain by yourself, you can play for a whole day
The order was delivered on time, easy to use, fast and convenient, and overall it was OK. The order was delivered on time, easy to use, fast and convenient, and overall it was OK. The order was delivered on time, easy to use, fast and convenient, and overall it was OK. The order was delivered on time, easy to use, fast and convenient, and overall it was OK.
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Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple
4.7
/5
2234 reviews
7.3
Based on 180 reviews
West Street/Kaiyuan Temple | 756m from downtown
Phone +86059522383285
Address: No. 176 West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Quanzhou
Highlights:
Admire Quanzhou Ancient City's landmark Twin Pagodas
Explore the Hundred Pillar Hall's ancient architectural charm
Saved by 239 users966 positive reviews
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Four hidden Easter eggs at Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple, each holding a millennium of cultural secrets.
1. Main Hall: A "Cross-Border" Gathering of the Gods
- Is the Hall of Hundred Pillars justified by its name? Its 86 stone pillars conceal the numerology of the Book of Changes. Sixteen diabase columns clearly depict the Hindu monkey gods Hanuman and Vishnu—some say they may have inspired the original image of Sun Wukong.
- The 24 garudas (sweet-sounding birds) are truly unique in the world. Holding Nanyin musical instruments, they blend the gracefulness of Buddhist apsaras, angel wings, and the exquisiteness of Minnan costumes, showcasing the fusion of three cultures. 2. East and West Pagodas: Stone Carvings of "Navigation and Mythology"
- The West Pagoda, Renshou Pagoda, houses Monkey King (one of the prototypes for Sun Wukong), who debuted 300 years earlier. The base of the East Pagoda, Zhenguo Pagoda, is even more surprising: 37 paintings depicting the story of Buddha's enlightenment, interspersed with Arab merchant ships and turbaned Persians, bear witness to the prosperity of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.
- The miraculous earthquake resistance, which survived an 8.0 magnitude earthquake, is entirely due to the "advanced technology" of Song Dynasty craftsmen: a "tube-within-tube" mortise-and-tenon jointed stone column structure, which uses traditional techniques to simulate the toughness of modern reinforced concrete.
3. Ganlu Ordination Altar: A Ming Dynasty Woodcarving of a "Starry Sky Buddhist Kingdom"
The ceiling features a three-dimensional mandala ceiling strictly based on the Avatamsaka Sutra. 288 apsaras, from all directions, face the central Vairocana Buddha. Entering the hall, one feels as if they have fallen into a mystical Buddhist realm shimmering with starlight. 4. The "Heart" Stone in the Baiting Courtyard: A Zen Insight Underfoot
On the stone path to the right of the Baiting Courtyard, a 30cm-diameter piece of green granite is engraved with the character "心." Three details hold profound meanings:
- The missing dot in the character alludes to the Zen principle of "the mind should be empty, free from dust";
- The three dots are not parallel, symbolizing the need to overcome the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance;
- The dot is positioned at the bottom, signifying "the sinking of delusions allows the true mind to emerge," echoing the plaque at the precepts platform that reads "Letting Go of Troubles." In simple terms, it means "rest assured."
Quanzhou, due to its port status, has long been a bridgehead for maritime trade along the southwest coast, particularly during the Song and Yuan dynasties. This booming trade fostered opportunities for exchange between different nations, attracting a significant number of people from various countries to settle in Quanzhou. Consequently, various religious beliefs emerged and flourished, creating a religious landscape in Quanzhou where half the city is occupied by ordinary people and the other by the gods. Buddhism remains the most prominent of these, and the most famous Buddhist temple is Kaiyuan Temple.
Does the "Kaiyuan" in Kaiyuan Temple sound familiar? It derives from the reign title of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Longji—the Kaiyuan of the Kaiyuan Era! Kaiyuan Temple was first built in the early Tang Dynasty, over 1,400 years ago. It has been known by four names: first, Lotus Temple, then Xingjiao Temple, and later, Longxing Temple. Finally, after Emperor Xuanzong ascended the throne and mandated the construction of a Kaiyuan Temple in every prefecture across the country, the temple was renamed and remains in use today. Long ago, Kaiyuan Temple established its basic layout of two towers and one courtyard: twin towers in the east and west, with a central axis and main building complex.
Kaiyuan Temple is now free to visit. It has two main gates, the South Gate and the West Gate. Generally, you enter from the South Gate, first visiting the Zhenguo Pagoda on the east side, then the Hongyi Master Memorial Hall, and then the Main Hall and the Sutra Library. Finally, after visiting the Renshou Pagoda on the west side, exit the West Gate and take a ride on a small white car or continue strolling West Street. The recommended tour duration is one to one and a half hours, but you can allow more time for commuting. Whether it's the heavy traffic on the bus or taxi to the Bell Tower, or the difficult journey through West Street, it requires great patience and sufficient time. Otherwise, if you arrive at Kaiyuan Temple too late, you will miss the indoor exhibitions.
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Quanzhou 7FUN rooftop complex space puppet show
4.4
/5
602 reviews
7.2
From KRW 15416
West Street/Kaiyuan Temple | 737m from downtown
Phone +8617750511999
Address: 3rd Floor, Building 12, No. 373 West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Quanzhou
Highlights:
Puppet show interactive experience
Puppet show operation learning experience
507 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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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.
It just so happens that the B&B is in West Street, not far away, so I took my children to experience the characteristics. The puppet show was very interesting, and I arranged an experience for the children. There was also a lucky draw at the end, which was generally good.
No.
4
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South Shaolin Temple
4.7
/5
491 reviews
7.1
Weat Lake Park/Qingyuan Mountain | 3 km from downtown
Phone +86059522795119
Address: 福建省泉州市丰泽区东岳古道前街66号
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Quanzhou
Highlights:
Southern Shaolin legend performance
Ancient temple & martial arts
Saved by 129 users390 positive reviews
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The ancient and elegant buildings, the sound of rain and the ringing of bells make people feel relaxed. I highly recommend everyone to take a walk. If you go at the right time, you can also taste the vegetarian meal in the temple (self-service) for only 39 yuan, which is delicious.
I also watched the performances at the Songshan Shaolin Temple many years ago. The monks performing here are mostly young people and children. There is a 4-year-old little monk who is particularly cute. Now that I am here, it is still worth watching.
No.
5
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Quanzhou String Puppet Show
4.9
/5
938 reviews
7.1
From KRW 19368
Jinjiang Wanda Plaza/Wudianshi Traditional Blocks | 10 km from downtown
Phone +8613205086065
Address: 福建省晋江市五店市大井口2号
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-4 hours
No. 3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Quanzhou
Highlights:
Traditional plays last 7 days
Lion Dance & classic performances
926 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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A unique puppet show unfolded like a vibrant, colorful cultural landscape, immersing me and leaving me with a profoundly enriching experience. "Little Bald Head Goes Down the Mountain" was particularly captivating, illuminating a sky where traditional and modern values intertwine.
This string puppet show, with its exquisite string manipulation, imbues the puppets with vibrant vitality, vividly portraying the character of Little Bald Head. The spirit of "only through hard work can one win" in the play is like a rousing battle song, inspiring Little Bald Head to persevere and forge ahead despite numerous obstacles. This not only portrays Little Bald Head's growth but also inspires every viewer: on life's long journey, only with the courage to persevere can one overcome difficulties and reach the shores of success.
The philosophy of "one step, one footprint" is like a steady foundation, supporting Little Bald Head's every step forward. It reminds us that success doesn't come overnight; it requires down-to-earth and persistent effort. Every solid footprint is a mark of growth and a solid step toward our dreams. In our fast-paced modern society, this calmness and determination are especially precious, reminding us not to aim too high, but to cherish the present and take each step with care.
The advocacy of "diligent study" is like a beacon of wisdom, illuminating the path of Little Baldy. Knowledge is the key to changing destiny and the password to unlocking the door to the future. Little Baldy's dedication and perseverance in his pursuit of knowledge deeply remind us that only through diligent study and continuous self-improvement can we gain a foothold in a complex world, gain more opportunities, and write our own wonderful lives.
The grandeur of the two hand puppet shows, "Daming Mansion" and the thrilling thrill of "Fighting the Tiger," also showcased the unique charm of puppetry. With their masterful skills, the performers allowed the puppets to interpret the myriad aspects of life within a small space, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
This puppet show is not only a brilliant presentation of traditional art but also a profound spiritual enlightenment. It allows us to appreciate the beauty of art while drawing precious spiritual strength, and inspires us to write our own glorious chapter on the stage of life, using hard work as a pen, steadfastness as ink, and knowledge as paper.
The performance was wonderful. Because there were fewer tourists during the off-season, there were only two of us. We were late and they waited for us. The teachers were very patient. I highly recommend this place.
No.
6
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Wudianshi Traditional Blocks
4.6
/5
687 reviews
7.1
Jinjiang Wanda Plaza/Wudianshi Traditional Blocks | 10 km from downtown
Phone +86059536771555
Address: Meiling Street, Jinjiang City, Quanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Quanzhou
Highlights:
Song-era stone bridge for photos
Stroll ancient paths & history
324 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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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.
When you arrive in Jinjiang, Quanzhou, you can go to Wudianshi. Wudianshi is the birthplace of Jinjiang City. There are more than 100 historical and cultural buildings in southern Fujian. The buildings have distinctive characteristics and are an important carrier for understanding the history and culture of Jinjiang. Walking in the alleys of Wudianshi is like walking into a large maze, but there is no rush to find the exit. Walking in it is like talking with time and space, which is very pleasant. There are also many unique coffee shops and restaurants in the block. You can sit down and rest when you are tired of shopping.
No.
7
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West Street
4.5
/5
520 reviews
6.9
West Street/Kaiyuan Temple | 729m from downtown
Address: 泉州市鲤城区城西路与西街交叉口
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
String Puppet Show for Minnan Culture Experiences
Stroll ancient streets and experience Quanzhou's thousand-year culture
Saved by 207 users349 positive reviews
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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.
Quanzhou West Street is like a treasure trove of time. The antique buildings here exude the charm of history, and the bells of Kaiyuan Temple seem to tell the story of a thousand years. The rich and varied southern Anhui snacks satisfy the desire of taste buds. The net red wall is dotted with modern shops, with tradition and modernity intertwined. Walking West Street, you can deeply feel the perfect integration of Quanzhou's history and culture with modern vitality.
No.
8
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All Love Park Ocean Kingdom
4.6
/5
898 reviews
6.9
From KRW 53360
19.7 km from downtown
Phone +8615559059501
Address: 泉州市惠安县张坂镇井下村336号
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No. 4 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Quanzhou
Highlights:
Underwater tunnel feels like ocean
Located in Eight Immortals Resort
Saved by 119 users794 positive reviews
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It's very convenient to scan the code directly to enter. Europark is not very big. Quanzhou's summer is too hot. Otherwise, it would be very relaxing to play. There are no long queues for large projects. The miner roller coaster only waited for more than 30 minutes.
A huge thumbs-up to Master Huang! Today's Quanzhou day trip was incredibly enjoyable. Master Huang not only drove remarkably well and knew the route intimately, but also filled us in on Quanzhou's history and trivia like a walking dictionary, bringing the sights to life. He was incredibly welcoming and even recommended delicious food. It was a relaxing and fulfilling day. You couldn't have chosen him more!
No.
9
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Luojia Temple
4.4
/5
71 reviews
6.8
29 km from downtown
Address: 福建省泉州市石狮市滨海东路
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Floating island & Buddhist paradise
20-acre Buddhist sanctuary island
84% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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This unique temple, built on a reef in the sea, is known as the "Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea." At high tide, it appears to float on the surface, creating a breathtaking sight. If you're staying a little further away or traveling with luggage, elderly people, or children, you can take a taxi directly to the entrance of Luojia Temple. During weekends, when traffic is restricted, get off at the Shili Golden Coast. From the main beach area of Golden Coast (near the Guanyin statue/Talang Guanyin), it takes about 15-25 minutes to walk to the entrance of Luojia Temple, offering breathtaking views of the sea and reefs along the way.
Logar Temple, a thousand-year-old temple floating on the sea. At high tide, it is like an island, with red walls and blue seas in pictures; at low tide, the reefs and the sound of the Sanskrit resonate with the sound of the waves. The ancient buildings of the carved beams and paintings hide the story of the years, the stone carvings of the twelve zodiacs are vividly conveyed, and the sea breeze is wrapped in Zen. Whether it is a photography enthusiast or a quiet person, you can feel the shock and tranquility of the "Haitian Buddha Kingdom" here.
No.
10
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The Ancient Town of Chongwu
4.3
/5
1552 reviews
6.7
From KRW 7906
35.2 km from downtown
Phone +86059513505068115
Address: Chongwu Town, Huian County, Guanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
360° view of city & sea
Stone sculptures throughout ancient city
Saved by 107 users650 positive reviews
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I saw the most beautiful sunset, it was worth it. The scenic area is very large, with beautiful beaches, statues of four famous classics such as Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, and Dream of the Red Chamber, as well as the Chongwu ancient city wall. At the same time, you can also experience the fisherwoman costume, which is very good
Don't just go to West Street when you come to Quanzhou, take a look at this ancient city by the sea
Have you heard of the ancient city by the sea built by women? Yes, it is this ancient city with a defense system built many years ago to fight against Japanese pirates-Chongwu Ancient City
🚗It takes about 1 hour to drive from Quanzhou City
🎫The ticket for the ancient city is 40 yuan/person, half price with student ID, and tickets are required to climb the city wall
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