Quanzhou, Experiencing the Chinese Culture and Heritage
Also known as Chinchew, Quanzhou, China is recognized as Fujian’s biggest metropolitan region, covering about 11,000 square kilometers and houses over eight million residents. Quanzhou is a prefecture-level port city located right on the northern part of the Jin River. The town was typically called Zaiton during the trading times between the 11th and 14th centuries. The city’s name came from the fact that it was the former seat of the imperial Chinese Quan Prefecture.
Best Time to Visit
Being a Chinese City, Quanzhou is best visited during the colorful YuanxiaoJie, mostly known as the Lantern Festival, held every 15th of the first lunar month. During this time, the city is packed with colorful lanterns, from the skies to every home. The weather is pretty cold by this time of year, and the tourist population is at an all-time high as well. That said, expect relatively expensive Quanzhou, China hotels if you’re coming in by this month. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodations, December is your best bet when tourism is pretty slow.
What to Do & Area Attractions
While in Quanzhou, make sure to explore the Kaiyuan Temple, which is a massive Buddhist temple complex that has been preserved for years. If you’re an art lover kind of backpacker, you might enjoy a quick visit to the Quanzhou Art Museum, which houses a massive collection of Chinese art pieces. Swing by the Daixian Waterfall too for a refreshing day with nature. Enjoy the rest of your day pampered at the wonderful Elite Springs Villas, or the 5-star InterContinental Quanzhou.
