Fujian Quanzhou

1.Kaiyuan Temple

Kaiyuan Temple,one of China's most ancient and revered Buddhist sites.Founded in 686 AD during the Tang Dynasty,this sprawling complex is a masterpiece of classical Chinese architecture and spiritual heritage.The temple's twin stone pagodas,standing at nearly 50 meters tall,dominate the skyline and are adorned with intricate carvings of Buddhist figures and mythical creatures.Inside the main hall,you'll find a majestic statue of Vairocana Buddha,flanked by towering wooden pillars that have stood for centuries.

As you explore further,notice the blend of cultural influences in the temple's design,from Hindu-inspired motifs to traditional Chinese craftsmanship.The peaceful courtyard features ancient banyan trees,some over 800 years old,providing shade for meditation and reflection.Don't miss the museum,which houses rare relics like Song Dynasty scriptures and delicate ivory carvings,offering a glimpse into the temple's rich history.

End your visit by climbing to the upper levels for a breathtaking view of the surrounding city and river.If you're lucky,you might witness monks performing daily rituals or hear the resonant toll of the temple bell.Just outside the gates,lively markets sell local snacks like sweet glutinous rice cakes and savory oyster omelets—perfect for refueling after your tour.

2.Qingyuan Mountain

Qingyuan Mountain,a breathtaking natural and cultural treasure renowned for its lush forests,ancient rock carvings,and serene Taoist heritage.Rising over 600 meters above sea level,this scenic area is often called "the backyard garden of the city" for its fresh air and stunning vistas.The mountain's star attraction is the colossal stone statue of Laozi,the founder of Taoism,carved during the Song Dynasty—at 5.6 meters tall and 8 meters wide,it's China's largest surviving Taoist sculpture.

As we hike along the shaded stone pathways,you'll discover hidden temples nestled between towering boulders and cascading springs.The mountain boasts over 300 historical sites,including the Thousand Buddha Cliff with its weathered Buddhist reliefs dating back to the Yuan Dynasty.Stop by the Pure Heart Pool,where crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding cliffs,or rest at the Mid-Mountain Tea House to sample locally grown Tieguanyin oolong tea while enjoying panoramic views.

For the best experience,I recommend visiting at sunrise when mist wraps around the peaks like silk scarves,or in autumn when the maple trees turn fiery red.Adventure seekers can climb to the summit for a 360-degree view stretching all the way to the coastline.Don't forget to look for the mountain's famous "heartbeat stone"—a hollow rock that produces a drum-like sound when struck—before descending to try the area's specialty:sweet potato congee with fragrant osmanthus honey.

3.Chongwu Ancient City

Chongwu Ancient City,a magnificent coastal fortress where history meets the sea!Built in 1387 during the Ming Dynasty to defend against pirates,this well-preserved stone-walled town is one of China's most complete ancient military fortifications.As we walk along the 2.5-kilometer granite city walls—some sections reaching 7 meters high—you'll feel transported back to an era of warriors and watchtowers.Notice the unique swallow-tailed crenellations designed for both defense and drainage,a brilliant example of ancient military architecture.

Step inside the walled town,and you'll discover a living museum where generations of fishing families have maintained traditional lifestyles.The narrow cobblestone lanes lead to charming stone houses,ancestral temples,and hidden courtyards adorned with intricate stone carvings.Don't miss the East Gate lookout,where panoramic views of the Taiwan Strait stretch endlessly—it's especially magical at sunset when golden light bathes the fishing boats returning to harbor.

Beyond the walls,the rocky coastline reveals another wonder:the mesmerizing Huiquan Bay with its wind-sculpted rock formations and China's only surviving stone-carved Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) from the Yuan Dynasty.Time your visit with April's Mazu Festival to witness colorful parades honoring the sea goddess,then sample local specialties like crispy fish rolls and savory oyster pancakes at the bustling harbor market.Whether you're a history buff,photography enthusiast,or simply seeking authentic coastal culture,Chongwu never fails to enchant!

4.Luoyang Bridge

Luoyang Bridge,an engineering marvel that has stood strong against tides and time for nearly a thousand years!Built in 1053 during the Song Dynasty,this 1.2-kilometer granite bridge was China's first major sea-crossing stone bridge,connecting trade routes between mountains and ocean.What makes it truly special are the ingenious "ship-shaped" piers—their pointed ends break tidal forces like a boat's prow,while the oyster-shell foundations naturally cement the stones together.Look closely at the railings to spot 28 beautifully carved stone lions,each with unique expressions frozen in stone since the Northern Song period.

Stroll across this living museum of ancient technology and you'll witness history in every slab.The bridge's middle section still bears original inscriptions recording its construction,while the exquisite Moon Pavilion halfway offers perfect photo opportunities with its traditional curved roof framing river views.Don't miss the "Three Wonders":the 500-year-old banyan tree growing through stone,the wave-calming stone pagoda at the bridgehead,and the ancient "boat-piercing" holes in the piers that demonstrate incredible hydraulic wisdom.Local fishermen still cast nets nearby using techniques depicted in 11th-century bridge carvings!

Time your visit for low tide to see the legendary oyster reefs that naturally maintain the foundations—a biological engineering feat recognized worldwide.As sunset paints the Luoyang River gold,join locals enjoying the evening breeze with bowls of "bridge-head" peanut soup,a snack tradition dating back to bridge builders.Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply love walking through history,Luoyang Bridge remains one of China's most fascinating examples where human ingenuity harmonizes with nature's forces!

5.Museum of Overseas Communication History

Museum of Overseas Communication History,a treasure trove showcasing China's glorious maritime legacy!As one of China's only museums dedicated to maritime exchange,this fascinating institution houses over 10,000 artifacts that tell the story of ancient seafaring civilizations.The star attraction is the impressive collection of Song Dynasty ship models and actual vessel remnants,including a beautifully preserved 13th-century merchant ship complete with its original cargo of spices and ceramics.Don't miss the life-sized replica of a Ming Dynasty treasure ship that will make you marvel at ancient naval engineering!

The exhibition halls take you on a chronological journey through China's maritime golden age.You'll see rare Islamic tombstones with Arabic-Chinese inscriptions,exquisite porcelain pieces from sunken trade ships,and navigational instruments that guided sailors across the oceans.Particularly fascinating are the religious relics section displaying how Buddhism,Islam,Christianity and Hinduism traveled along maritime routes,evidenced by a stunning 14th-century Christian gravestone carved with crosses and lotus motifs.Interactive displays allow you to virtually "navigate" ancient trade routes using star charts and compass replicas.

Complete your visit by exploring the special exhibition on cultural exchanges,where you can admire Persian cobalt used in blue-and-white porcelain and Southeast Asian spices that once fueled global trade.The museum's rooftop offers a panoramic view of the nearby harbor that once bustled with merchant ships from across the ancient world.Before leaving,stop by the museum shop for replicas of ancient navigation tools or locally published books on maritime history-perfect souvenirs from this unique window into China's ocean-going past!

6.West Street

West Street,the beating heart of the city where over 1,300 years of history come alive in a vibrant tapestry of flavors,architecture and traditions!As we step into this iconic lane stretching nearly a kilometer,you'll immediately notice the perfect harmony of Song Dynasty buildings with arched doorways,Ming-Qing era wooden shopfronts,and charming Republican-period Western-style facades-a living museum of architectural evolution.The street's centerpiece is the towering 1,000-year-old twin pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple,whose shadows have watched over generations of merchants and pilgrims.

Let your senses guide you through this culinary paradise where the aroma of freshly baked "ma hua" twisted dough cookies mingles with the sizzle of "runbing" spring rolls on griddles.Pop into century-old tea shops where masters still weigh Tieguanyin leaves with brass scales,or watch artisans hand-carve wooden puppets for traditional string puppet shows.Every doorway tells a story-from the hidden Catholic church with its Chinese-style bell tower to the ancestral halls where families have preserved genealogical records for 30 generations.Don't miss the "Moon Viewing Terrace",where locals gather during Mid-Autumn Festival to admire the moon rising perfectly between the pagodas!

As evening falls,the street transforms into a magical wonderland with red lanterns casting warm glows on stone pavements.This is when you'll truly experience local life-students browsing antique bookstalls,grandmothers bargaining for fresh bamboo shoots,and musicians playing "nanyin" melodies on ancient pipa instruments.Be sure to try the night market's famous "peanut soup with pig's blood cake",a beloved combination since Qing times.Whether you're hunting for vintage porcelain shards,wanting to photograph traditional qipao tailors at work,or simply soaking in the atmosphere,West Street offers an unforgettable journey through time at every step!

7.Qingjing Mosque

Qingjing Mosque,one of China's oldest and most magnificent Islamic sanctuaries with a history stretching back over a thousand years!Built in 1009 during the Song Dynasty by Arab traders,this serene stone complex beautifully blends traditional Chinese courtyard architecture with classic Middle Eastern design elements.As you pass through the towering granite Gate of Purity,notice the exquisite Arabic calligraphy carved above the entrance-it quotes the Quran and has welcomed worshippers since the mosque's founding.The spacious prayer hall,though partially ruined,still showcases its original qibla wall perfectly aligned toward Mecca,with remnants of delicate floral arabesques and geometric patterns adorning the arches.

Step into the tranquil central courtyard where a 700-year-old "mingtang" (sundial) still accurately marks prayer times,surrounded by fragrant rose bushes planted by Persian merchants centuries ago.The mosque's museum displays rare artifacts including a Yuan Dynasty stone tablet bearing Emperor's orders protecting Muslim rights,and ancient handwritten Qur'ans on rice paper.Don't miss the unique "Phoenix Pavilion" with its rare hybrid architecture-a Chinese hexagonal pavilion roof topping Islamic-style pointed arches,symbolizing the cultural harmony this site represents.During our visit,you might hear the melodic call to prayer echoing across the white-washed walls,just as it has daily since the Northern Song period.

What makes this mosque truly special is its living heritage as both a historical treasure and active place of worship for the local Hui community.Time your visit for Friday prayers to witness worshippers from across the world gathering under the same vaulted ceilings used by medieval merchants.Before leaving,stroll through the adjacent Islamic food street where you can taste legendary "lamb soup with pancake strips" prepared using recipes passed down from Arab ancestors,or admire skilled craftsmen creating copperware with techniques unchanged since Silk Road times.This sacred space isn't just about religion-it's a timeless testament to cultural exchange that continues to thrive today!

8.Confucian Temple

Confucian Temple,a magnificent complex that served as the intellectual and cultural heart of the city for over 900 years!Founded in 976 AD during the Song Dynasty,this sprawling 12-acre sanctuary of learning features one of China's best-preserved traditional temple-school compounds.As we pass through the towering "Lingxing Gate",notice how the central pathway-reserved exclusively for emperors and top scholars-leads directly to the majestic Dacheng Hall.This awe-inspiring main hall,supported by 48 massive stone pillars,houses a gilded statue of Confucius surrounded by his disciples,where generations of students once knelt to pay respects before imperial examinations.

The temple's architecture reveals fascinating details about ancient education systems.See those stone tablets lining the courtyard?They record the names of over 2,400 "jinshi" (top graduates) from the region since Tang Dynasty!The adjacent School Hall features original wooden examination booths where scholars once wrote eight-legged essays for days under strict supervision.Don't miss the ancient "BiYong" pool shaped like a jade disc-legend says throwing a coin into its center brings academic success.Every corner whispers stories:the 800-year-old "Scholar's Cypress" tree that supposedly bows toward the hall during exams,the drum tower where class hours were announced,and the moon terrace where top students were honored with poetry recitals under lantern light.

Today,the temple remains a vibrant cultural hub where tradition comes alive.Come during the September memorial ceremony to witness locals performing ancient rites with dance and music,or visit during spring when students tie red wish ribbons on the "Wisdom Tree".The surrounding cultural square hosts calligraphy masters practicing their art every morning,while the nearby snack street serves "scholar's cakes"-sweet glutinous rice treats historically eaten before exams.Whether you're admiring the intricate "dougong" brackets supporting the halls,decoding stone classics in the scripture gallery,or simply soaking in the scholarly atmosphere,this temple offers a profound connection to China's enduring respect for knowledge and education!

9.Anping Bridge

Anping Bridge,a breathtaking engineering marvel that has gracefully spanned the waters for over 800 years!Stretching an impressive 2.5 kilometers,this Song Dynasty masterpiece holds the title of China's longest ancient stone bridge and remains a testament to the ingenuity of medieval builders.As we step onto its weathered granite slabs,notice how the bridge seems to dance across the tidal flats—supported by 362 massive stone piers that narrow like boat prows to break the waves.The locals call it the "Bridge of Five Li",and walking its length feels like a journey through time,with each step revealing new details of its construction.

Look closely at the bridge's design,and you'll discover brilliant ancient solutions to maritime challenges.The piers are reinforced with oyster-shell foundations—a natural cement that grows stronger with time—while the surface stones interlock without mortar,allowing the bridge to flex with tidal movements.Halfway across,pause at the Shuixin Pavilion,a charming mid-bridge pavilion where travelers once rested and admired the coastal scenery.Don't miss the carved stone lions and pagodas marking the bridgeheads,along with centuries-old inscriptions recording repairs by Ming and Qing dynasty benefactors.At low tide,you might spot local fishermen digging for clams in the shadow of the piers,just as their ancestors did when the bridge was a bustling trade route.

The magic of Anping Bridge truly comes alive at sunset,when golden light reflects off the tidal pools and the distant mountains frame the horizon.Join locals for an evening stroll as the bridge transforms into a communal gathering space—children play hopscotch on the stones,elders share stories on the benches,and vendors sell crispy "Anping shrimp rolls" from baskets.If you're lucky,you might even hear traditional Nanyin music drifting from a nearby teahouse,its melancholic tunes echoing the bridge's long history.Whether you're an architecture enthusiast,a history lover,or simply seeking a peaceful walk by the sea,Anping Bridge offers an unforgettable glimpse into China's coastal heritage!

10.Nan Shaolin Temple Ruins

Nan Shaolin Temple Ruins,where the whispers of ancient martial arts masters still seem to echo through the misty mountain air!Nestled in the lush forests of Qingyuan Mountain,this sacred site was once one of China's legendary Southern Shaolin temples—a powerhouse of kung fu training and Buddhist study during the Tang Dynasty.As we explore these atmospheric ruins,you'll walk the same stone pathways where warrior monks perfected their skills in Southern-style martial arts like Wing Chun and Five Ancestors Fist.The temple's strategic hillside location,with its panoramic views of the surrounding valleys,hints at why it was both a spiritual sanctuary and a defensive stronghold.

The ruins tell a dramatic tale of resilience and rebellion.Look for the weathered stone foundations of the Grand Hall,where monks once meditated beneath towering Buddha statues,and the sunken brick platforms that mark the old training grounds—some still bearing grooves from centuries of footwork drills.Nearby,a natural spring known as the "Dragon Well" provided water for both tea ceremonies and recovery after intense practice sessions.Don't miss the carved stone steles (some partially reconstructed) that record the temple's tragic destruction during the Qing Dynasty,when it became a secret base for anti-government rebels and was burned to the ground.Local legends say surviving monks fled underground through hidden tunnels,spreading Southern Shaolin techniques across Southeast Asia.

Today,the site pulses with living history.Visit at dawn to see modern kung fu students practicing forms among the ruins,their movements mirroring those of their predecessors.The annual Shaolin Cultural Festival transforms the area into a vibrant showcase of lion dances,weapon demonstrations,and Zen meditation sessions.After exploring,stop by the onsite museum to examine excavated artifacts like bronze ritual vessels and monk's spades,or sip herbal tea at the cliffside pavilion where abbots once contemplated the clouds.Whether you're a martial arts enthusiast,a history buff,or simply drawn to sacred landscapes,Nan Shaolin's enduring spirit—where discipline and devotion literally shaped the mountains—will leave you inspired!