Quanzhou West Street, as the cultural heart of this historic city, boasts a history of over 1300 years and is one of the best-preserved ancient streets in Fujian Province.
Quanzhou West Street, being one of the oldest streets in Quanzhou City, has a history of over 1300 years and is an ideal place to explore Quanzhou's culture and cuisine. West Street is not only a historical and cultural district but also combines diverse architectural styles, from traditional Minnan old houses to modern Western-style buildings, showcasing a rich historical heritage. As visitors stroll along the street, they can admire landmark buildings such as Kaiyuan Temple and the Bell Tower, immersing themselves in the strong local culture.
Transportation: In Quanzhou, visitors can choose to take the little white car (a convenient shuttle that stops when hailed) with a fare of about 2 yuan, providing an easy and quick way to reach West Street and nearby attractions. Additionally, motor vehicles are prohibited in the West Street area, making it suitable for walking tours; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Highlights of the Tour:
Since the Tang Dynasty, West Street has been the political, economic, and cultural center of Quanzhou, with many Minnan-style buildings preserved along the street, such as Kaiyuan Temple, the Bell Tower, and Guanyue Temple. Walking on the bluestone roads, visitors can feel the profound historical atmosphere, especially in the intricate small alleys that hide many historical relics and time-honored snack shops.
Kaiyuan Temple: The largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province, featuring the famous East and West Towers, a popular spot for photography.
Bell Tower: A landmark building in Quanzhou, perfect for memorable photos, especially enchanting when the lights come on at night.
Guanyue Temple: Dedicated to the worship of Guan Yu and Yue Fei, it has a thriving incense offering and is a great place to experience local religious culture.
Chengtian Zen Temple: With its beautiful environment, it’s suitable for peaceful visits.
Snacks on West Street: With a variety of street foods like ginger duck, vermicelli soup, and Grandma Hou's pork dumplings, the street food is diverse and worth a try.
Friendly Tips:
It is recommended to visit in the morning or evening to avoid peak crowds. Many temples along West Street close before 5 PM, so plan the tour times accordingly. Additionally, some popular photography spots, such as the Liyuantai Café, require prior consumption to access upstairs, which visitors should be aware of.
