Quanzhou Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 泉州 (quán zhōu)
Population: 8,700,000
Area: 11,014.8 square kilometers (4,252.8 square miles)
Location: on the southeast coast of Fujian Province, southeast China
Area Code: 0595
Zip Code: 362000
GDP (2018): CNY 846.8 billion (USD 128 billion)
Administrative Division: 4 districts (Licheng, Fengze, Luojiang, Quangang); 3 county-level cities (Jinjiang, Shishi, Nan'an); 5 counties (Hui'an, Anxi, Yongchun, Dehua, Jinmen).

Quanzhou, also called Licheng and Citong Cheng in Pinyin, is one of the most famous historical and cultural cities in China. It is an important seaport located in southeast Fujian Province and is the economic and political center of the province. To its east is Taiwan separated from Quanzhou by the East Sea, making the city the famous mother town of Chinese compatriots in Taiwan and overseas. The climate is warm and humid, comfortable for year-round travel, making it a popular tourist destination.

Due to its special location, Quanzhou has been China's marine door to exotic cultures since ancient times. During the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties, Quanzhou port became one of the largest world ports. As the starting point of the Sea Silk Road, it accepted diverse religions including Christianity, Islam and Manichaeism. Today it is called 'World Religions Museum'.

Here exotic cultures have been mixed with traditional ones for thousands of years, leaving many historic sites, such as Qingjing Mosque, the Islamic Saint Mausoleums, Kaiyuan Temple, Heavenly Empress (Tianhou) Palace and other architectural classics such as Luoyang Bridge, Anping Bridge and Chongwu Ancient Town. Zheng Chenggong (1624-1662), the national hero who helped the government regain Taiwan from Holland in the 17th century, was also born here. His mausoleum in Nan'an city has become a precious historical site in this city.

In addition to places of historical interest, this city also abounds in natural beauties including various mountains, river valleys and basins. The famous mountains include Mt. Qingyuan, Mt. Zimao, Mt. Xiangong, Mt. Lingxiu and Mt. Penglai, where the Water Rock Temple is situated. Recreational parks near the mountains and along the sea add modern atmosphere to the city's glamour.This city has convenient transportation facilities. Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport supports flights not only to many cities of inland China but also to Hong Kong and Manila. Quanzhou Railway Station operates trains to most cities in Fujian as well as cities in several neighboring provinces. Highways are also well developed in the city, offering convenient access to Xiamen and Fuzhou. In addition, the city offers access by water to and from Jinmen, Taiwan.