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Xinmen Street is a bustling commercial area perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can shop for local goods, sample Fujian cuisine at street vendors, and experience the traditional architecture. It's an ideal place to explore historical sites and enjoy the vibrant culture of Quanzhou.
Xinmen Street is located in Licheng District, Quanzhou City, adjacent to Tumen Street. During the Baoda period of the Southern Tang Dynasty, when the "Prince of Jinjiang" left Congxiao to build Luocheng, he added the Linzhang Gate, which the locals commonly called "Xinmen". From Xinmen Gate eastward to Zhongshan Road, it was named "Xinmen Street". It is the second main east-west cross street in the city center, south of Dongxi Street.
The park on the west side of Xinmen Street is called Fangcao Garden. Built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, it boasts a history of over 300 years. It was one of the Spring Gardens (also known as "Fragrant Grass Garden"), one of the four seasonal gardens created by General Shi Lang, Marquis of Jinghai, in Quanzhou. The name "Fragrant Grass" was conceived based on the poem "Spring Outing on the Grassland," a seasonal garden for enjoying the four seasons. The garden was later abandoned. The park covers a total area of 90 mu (approximately 1,000 acres), primarily featuring botanical landscapes. The park currently houses attractions such as the Chongzheng Academy, the "Three Continents Fragrant Grass" archway, and the Hanbi Pavilion.
Strolling through the park, you'll be greeted by lush greenery. Banyan trees, longan trees, magnolias, palm trees, and other trees are gracefully interwoven, leaving ample space for enjoyment, recreation, and relaxation. The park also utilizes the original terrain, piling up earth to create slopes, planting solitary fig trees, and widely planting fragrant trees such as camphor and osmanthus. This is complemented by abundant lawns and a variety of flowering shrubs. The diverse plant forms and seasonally changing colors and shapes will delight you. This place is filled with verdant greenery and a magical atmosphere. The rural atmosphere of this "urban forest" evokes a sense of "returning to nature" and a sense of comfort and ease.
With a subtropical monsoon climate, the park also utilizes the original terrain, piling up soil to create slopes, planting solitary fig trees, and widely planting fragrant trees such as camphor and osmanthus, supplemented by a large number of lawns and various flowering shrubs. The colorful plant forms and the changing colors and shapes of flowers with the changing seasons will make you forget to leave, making it a suitable place for travel in all seasons.
There is a park called Fangcao Garden in the west section of Xinmen Street. Fangcao Garden was first built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty and has a history of more than 300 years. It is the Spring Garden (also known as "Fangcao Garden"), one of the four seasons gardens created by General Shi Lang, Marquis of Jinghai, in Quanzhou for spring, summer, autumn and winter.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours
free
Open all day
Xinmen Street, located in the heart of Quanzhou, is a historic area known for its rich cultural heritage. It dates back to the Tang Dynasty and was once an important trade route during the Maritime Silk Road period, which significantly contributed to the prosperity of the city.
Xinmen Street is centrally located in Quanzhou. It can be easily reached by taxi, bus, or even walking from the city center. The closest bus stop is near the street entrance, and taxis are readily available throughout the city.
Xinmen Street is open all day, but the best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. The street is especially lively in the evening, when lights illuminate the area, making it an attractive spot for an evening walk.
There is no entrance fee for Xinmen Street as it is an open public street. Visitors can simply walk around and explore at their leisure.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary as there are no fees associated with visiting Xinmen Street. However, if planning to attend special events or shows in the area, it's advisable to check for any event-specific ticketing requirements.
To explore Xinmen Street at a leisurely pace, 1-2 hours is sufficient. If you plan to shop or dine at the local restaurants, you may want to allocate additional time.
The main highlights of Xinmen Street include the traditional architecture, local shops selling hand-crafted goods, and nearby historical landmarks like the Qingjing Mosque and various ancient temples.
Guided tours are available through local tour agencies. Most tours are conducted in Mandarin, but some guides may offer services in English depending on availability.
The best photography spots are near the street's historical buildings, the old city gates, and the vibrant marketplaces. The street also offers scenic views of nearby temples and traditional architecture.
Start at the main entrance of Xinmen Street and explore the local shops and food stalls. Visit nearby temples and cultural sites along the way, and finish with a walk around the market area. Don't miss the small alleys that house traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Xinmen Street is particularly lively in the evening, with street lights and bustling activity. Special night tours are available in some cases, but it's best to enjoy the street's vibrant atmosphere in the evening on your own.
The area can get quite crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Facilities at Xinmen Street include public restrooms, food stalls offering local snacks, rest areas, and shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and traditional crafts.
Xinmen Street is accessible to all visitors, although the cobblestone streets may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues. It's advisable to check for wheelchair accessibility before visiting specific shops or restaurants.
Most shops and food vendors on Xinmen Street accept mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. Some places may accept credit cards, but it's always good to carry cash for smaller purchases.
There are several local restaurants and cafes around Xinmen Street offering Fujian cuisine, including noodle shops, seafood eateries, and tea houses.
Vegetarian food options are available in most restaurants, and there are also halal food options in the area, particularly in places catering to the local Muslim population.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in the Quanzhou city center. Some hotels are within walking distance from Xinmen Street, offering easy access to the area.
Nearby attractions include the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Kaiyuan Temple, and the Qingjing Mosque. These sites are within walking distance or a short taxi ride away, making it easy to combine them in a day trip.
Souvenir shops along Xinmen Street offer traditional Fujian crafts, including embroidered fabrics, pottery, local snacks, and tea. These make for excellent keepsakes or gifts.
Taxis and buses are readily available from Xinmen Street, providing access to other parts of Quanzhou and nearby towns. For longer journeys, the Quanzhou Railway Station and bus terminals are nearby.
