Quanzhou is a historic Fujian port whose Song-Yuan maritime trade brought Minnan traditions into contact with many faiths. Prioritize Kaiyuan Temple's twin pagodas and carvings, Qingjing Mosque's Islamic architectural remains and Luoyang Bridge's engineering. Walk West Street and the arcaded streets to see temples, markets and daily life side by side, with local noodle soup offering another taste of this maritime city.
The best of Quanzhou
Licheng DistrictAbout 2 hoursFree entry
Kaiyuan Temple (Quanzhou)
Kaiyuan Temple’s twin stone pagodas are landmarks of old Quanzhou, their levels decorated with Buddhist figures and narratives. Inside the main hall, celestial musicians appear in the roof-supporting brackets. Some reused stone elements bear Hindu imagery, recalling the port’s far-reaching cultural exchanges. A mulberry-tree legend also survives in the temple’s inscriptions and traditions, adding another story to its halls, towers and carved details.
BookingA 2024 Quanzhou government Q&A states that reservations are not required.
Location
176 West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian
Opening hours
The January 2026 government itinerary lists 06:30–17:30.
Admission
Standard entry to Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple. The 2026 official itinerary explicitly lists free admission.
Licheng DistrictAbout 1 hoursCNY 3
Qingjing Mosque
Qingjing Mosque recalls Quanzhou’s maritime links with the Islamic world during the Song and Yuan periods. Its stone entrance differs markedly from southern Fujian temple architecture. The old prayer hall has lost its roof, but columns, walls and the prayer niche oriented toward Mecca remain. Arabic inscriptions preserve religious and building information, tracing how merchants from overseas established a place of worship in the port.
Location
Tumen Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian
Opening hours
Regular reference hours are 08:00–17:30; Ramadan and religious events may have different schedules.
Admission
Standard visitor admission to Quanzhou Qingjing Mosque. The January 2026 government itinerary lists CNY 3 per person; the price does not guarantee access during religious events or temporary closures.
Luojiang–Hui'an boundaryAbout 1.5 hours
Luoyang Bridge
Luoyang Bridge crosses the tidal mouth of the Luoyang River. Northern Song builders laid stone foundations across the soft riverbed before constructing the piers. Oysters were encouraged around the stonework, their attached shells helping bind the blocks together in an unusual engineering technique. Cai Xiang, who oversaw the project, recorded it in his celebrated bridge inscription. The long stone crossing still spans the estuary it was built to overcome.
Location
At the Luoyang River estuary between Qiaonan Village, Luojiang District, and Luoyang Town, Hui'an County, Quanzhou, Fujian
Admission
A 2025 publication reports year-round free opening in 2024 for the bridge and Cai Xiang Shrine; this historic performance measure is not a live 2026 pricing promise.
What to eat
M
Mianxianhu noodle soup
Fine noodles cooked into a thick soup with a choice of accompaniments.
O
Oyster omelette
A southern Fujian oyster preparation reflecting Quanzhou's coastal food traditions.
Arrive, explore, settle in
Arriving
Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport and Quanzhou Railway Station both have bus connections toward the old town. Distinguish Quanzhou, Quanzhou East and Quanzhou South when booking: East and South are farther from the center. Use the full station name on your ticket for pickups.
Getting around
Walk between old-town areas and allow separate visits to Kaiyuan Temple and Qingjing Mosque. Luoyang Bridge lies near the Luojiang–Hui'an boundary, requiring a separate journey.
Where to stay
Licheng's old town suits temples, historic streets and snacks; Fengze offers another base depending on transport and accommodation. Confirm vehicle pickup access for lodging in old-town lanes.
Explore Kaiyuan Temple's twin pagodas and courtyards, then walk through old-town lanes and try mianxianhu.
Route 2
Qingjing Mosque and maritime history
Study Qingjing Mosque's stone entrance, former prayer hall and Arabic inscriptions, respecting the dress requirements of a religious site.
Route 3
Luoyang Bridge
Plan an outing to Luoyang Bridge for the stone crossing, estuary and inscriptions, with return transport arranged ahead.
More planning advice
Kaiyuan Temple and Qingjing Mosque can anchor your old-city exploration in Licheng. Give Luoyang Bridge a separate section of the trip: it stands at the estuary on the Luojiang–Hui'an boundary.
Compare details at the two religious sites: look for pagodas, celestial musicians and carvings at Kaiyuan, then the stone gateway, prayer niche and Arabic inscriptions at Qingjing Mosque.
If Qingjing Mosque is a priority, confirm visitor arrangements through official channels once you have a date. Existing records include temporary changes around religious events, so leave room to adjust the order of your visits.
Good to know
How many days do I need in Quanzhou?
Allow 3–4 days, excluding intercity travel. Leave room for journeys, queues and meals.
When should I visit Quanzhou?
Suggested months: Mar · Apr · May · Oct · Nov. Check weather, holidays and opening arrangements for your actual dates.
Which sights need advance booking?
Read each sight’s booking note and check official information before fixing your dates. Foreign passport booking channels may differ. Booking with a foreign passport →
Make Quanzhou your own
Put your favourite places on the map, then decide how to spend each day.
