Eight must-see streets and lanes in Quanzhou, SE China's Fujian

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(People's Daily Online) 10:44, January 30, 2024

Quanzhou in southeast China's Fujian Province is not only designated as a "World Heritage City" by UNESCO, but is also a place that is buzzing with life. The ancient Quanzhou city is the soul of Quanzhou, whose charm lies in its streets and lanes.

The following eight streets and lanes are recommended to those visiting the city for the first time. Here, they can explore the city’s thousands of years of history and rich culture hidden behind the tiles.

Xijie Street

Xijie is a historical street and a symbol of prosperity of Quanzhou. It is home to landmarks such as Kaiyuan Temple, East and West Pagodas, and Dingxin Pagoda, mansions that belonged to prominent figures in history, and Western-style buildings of modern times. The street is also adorned with numerous cultural relics and ancient houses from the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. Together, they showcase Quanzhou's rich history and folklore.

This is the oldest, but at the same time the youngest street in the city. Dating back to as early as the Tang Dynasty, it is the most well-preserved ancient street block in Quanzhou.

Aerial photo shows Xijie Street, a historical street in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)

Photo shows Kaiyuan Temple on Xijie Street, a historical street in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)

It is one of the best-known photography spots in Quanzhou. There are several rooftops here, including a tourist service center.

Tourists take photos on the rooftop of the tourist service center of Xijie Street with the East and West Pagodas in the background. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)

Xiangfeng Alley

Xiangfeng Alley offers an excellent view of the East Pagoda. This tranquil ancient lane leads directly to the bustling Xijie Street. The small, scattered houses, which form a striking contrast with the distant tall pagodas, create a rare perspective.

Photo shows Xiangfeng Alley in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)

Tielu Temple, which literally means “Iron Furnace temple”, is located here. Dating back to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-979) period, it was originally a place for blacksmithing and iron smelting. Legend has it that the incense burner enshrined in the temple was the iron smelting furnace used by military governor Liu Congxiao to smelt the first furnace of iron in Quanzhou.

Photo shows Tielu Temple on Xiangfeng Alley in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)

Zhongshan Road

Zhongshan Road is the central axis, a north-south line that runs through the center of the ancient city of Quanzhou.

The Qilou compound on Zhongshan Road combines the features of the city’s traditional residences with the essence of Southeast Asian architecture, serving as a successful combination of Chinese and Western elements.

Photo shows Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)

Zhongshan Road is like a radiant pearl necklace, stringing together important cultural relics and historical sites. Walking down the road feels like flipping through a large book.

Photo shows the bell tower on Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)

Photo shows the Confucius Temple on Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)

Hua Alley

Hua Alley, which literally means the “Alley of flowers”, originated in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and subsequent years, when numerous artificial flower shops gathered here. Local residents would shop for flowers for weddings, funerals, and festivals here, filling the alley with activity.

Photo shows Hua Alley in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Dongyi)