Facts:
Phone Code: 0595
Postal Code: 362000
Area: 11,015 square kilometers (4,252 square miles)
Population: 8.12 million (statistics in 2010)
Nationalities: Han, Hui, Miao, She and Mongolia
Neighboring Areas: Guangdong, Jiangxi, Zhejiang province and Taiwan
Location: Quanzhou is located in the southeast of Fujian Province. The latitude is between 24°22’-25°56’N, and the longitude is between 117°34’-119°05’E.
Physical Features: With hills at the back and overlooking the sea, it faces Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait. Geographically, the land slopes down from the northwest to southeast, dotted with hills, river valleys and basins. Mountainous region covers nearly four fifth of the total land area. Besides, the city has a marine area of 11,360 square kilometers (4385 square miles) and a coastline of 541 kilometers (336 miles) with 14 bays and 208 islands and islets.
History: With ancient names ‘Coraltree City’, 'Carp City' and Wenling, it is a city with a great history. The rise of the city is intimately associated with the migration of people on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in 280 A.D. Quanzhou is famous as the hometown of overseas Chinese and Taiwan compatriots. From the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) to the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), it was regarded as the ‘the biggest port in the orient’, which was on a par with the Port of Alexandria in Egypt at that time. Also, this city played a very important role in ancient China for foreign trade, as it was the starting point of the Silk Road on the Sea. In 1982, it was selected as a state level historical and cultural city by State Council.
Attractions: Quanzhou city deserves a visit when traveling to the southern part of Fujian Province. There are large numbers of cultural and religion relics in the city, such as Kaiyuan Temple (the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province), Laozi Statue made of rock in the Song Dynasty, Luoyang Bridge (one of the most famous ancient bridges in China built in 1053) and Qingjing Mosque on Tumen Street. It is worthy of being mentioned that almost all the relics in the city have something to do with rock, like granite Chongwu city, rock carvings in Jiuri Mountain and stone tower in Kaiyuan Temple. The Fengdong Rock (also called Wind Moving Rock) in the south of Lingshan Mountain at the eastern suburb of Quanzhou is most unbelievable. In addition, beautiful scenic spots are also numerous in the city. Mt. Qingyuan Scenic Area located 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) away from the urban city is famous for its ‘unique stones’ and 'magic springs’. Golden Coast in the west of Taiwan Strait is also a good destination for pleasure.
Transportation: Quanzhou is an important port city since ancient China, marine traffic is convenient. Road transportation system has been developed and become fairly convenient now.
Air: Quanzhou Jinjiang Airport opened in 1996. After the construction of the new passenger terminal and the international hall, it can accommodate an annual international traffic of 1.34 million passengers. It serves more than 20 airlines to major cities/regions of China and neighboring foreign cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Manila and Okinawa.
Ferry: Quanzhou Port has five separate port areas. Transport by sea is convenient to more than 60 countries and regions of the world. It takes about one hour and a half from the port to the city center by through bus.
Train: Transportation by rail in the city is less convenient than bus. From Quanzhou Railway Station, there are trains to Xiamen, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai only, as well as to counties within the city such as Shishi.
Bus: Quanzhou has 5 long-distance bus stations. Quanzhou New Passenger Transport Station operates buses to other cities in Fujian province. From Quanzhou New Bus Station, visitors can take buses to the neighboring counties. City-buses connect nearly all the scenic spots in the city. Tour line 601 is a good choice for self-organized travelers.
Taxi: There are two types of taxi in Quanzhou and they differ in fares. A: the minimum fare is RMB 8 and extra RMB 1.2 per km exceeding first 3 km. B: the minimum fare is RMB 5 and extra RMB 1.4 per km exceeding first 3 km. So, for trips longer than 18 kilometers (about 11.2 miles), taxi type A is cheaper.
Weather: Under control of subtropical maritime monsoon climate, it is warm and wet almost all year round. The annual average temperature is 19.5 C-21 C (about 67 F-70 F). The best time for visit is between April and November.
Dining and Shopping:
Quanzhou food has been greatly influenced by food cultures from other regions of China, and even overseas. So, there are various creations of special dishes, such as staple food Xian Fan (Salty Rice), Luobo Fan (Radish Rice), Mianxian Hu (Noodles in Soup), Rou Zong (Pyramid-Shaped Dumplings Made of Pork) and Suan Cai Ji Si Mian (Noodles soup with shredded Chicken). Besides, soup with fish balls, Honglai chicken claws, dough stuffed with peanuts,a nd sleeve-fish products are famous local snacks.
As the main stone and rock material processing center of China, rocks could be easily made use of in architecture and artistic creation in Quanzhou. Hui'an Stone Carving originated 1,600 years ago is a top local product for travelers. Dehua Porcelain, Yongchun Paper Woven Painting and Painted Bamboo Baskets are also good souvenirs. Other famous products are Tieguanyin Tea of Anxi, Quanzhou longan, Yongchun citrus, Jinmen jowar wine. The best places for shopping in the city are Houcheng Tourism Culture Street and Shishi.
