About
Quanzhou is a city in Fujian Province on the southeast coast of China. It is known as a historic port on the Maritime Silk Road, and its past as a meeting point for trade and faith still shapes the streets and buildings visible today.
What to see
The city is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its heritage is notable for the range of religious architecture it holds. Visitors can find ancient temples alongside mosques, reflecting the many traditions that came through the port over the centuries.
- Ancient temples, which give a sense of the city's long religious life
- Historic mosques, a reminder of the wider world that reached Quanzhou by sea
- Maritime heritage linked to the Silk Road trade routes
Planning a visit
Quanzhou suits travellers interested in history, architecture and the cultural layers of a port city. Because the main attractions are spread across the city, it helps to allow time to move between sites and to take in the older neighbourhoods on foot. The city's name is also written as 泉州, which can be useful when reading signs or searching for directions in Chinese.
If you enjoy places where different faiths and trading histories sit side by side, Quanzhou offers a quieter and more focused alternative to larger Chinese cities.