Houcheng Cultural Street

What are the most recommended things to do in Houcheng Cultural Street?

Explore the vibrant Houcheng Cultural Street, where you can enjoy shopping for local handicrafts, tasting traditional Fujian snacks, and admiring the preserved architecture. It's also a great place to learn about local culture and history.


Introducing Houcheng Cultural Street

The main buildings of Houcheng Tourism and Cultural Street were designed by Professor Lü Junhua of Tsinghua University, one of China's top ten architects. The entire complex is arranged along the Bagua Ditch, with a central green belt shaded by willow trees, bridges, and flowing water, creating a picturesque scene. Located on Houcheng Street between Tumen Street and Jiuyi Road in Licheng District, the Cultural Street boasts well-preserved ancient dwellings to the north, the Overseas Chinese Small Commodity Street to the east, Baiyuan Road to the west, and the renowned tourist attractions Qingjing Mosque and Guandi Temple to the south. The street boasts a unique architectural style with a strong southern Fujian flavor. It serves as a specialized market for arts and crafts, focusing on traditional folk products, and also offers exhibitions, receptions, and other tourist services.

The north side of Houcheng Tourism and Culture Street features well-preserved ancient dwellings. It connects to the Overseas Chinese Small Commodity Street in the east, Baiyuan Road in the west, and the famous tourist and cultural attractions of Qingjing Mosque and Guandi Temple in the south. Its unique architectural style, rich in southern Fujian characteristics, makes it a popular destination for tourism, commerce, and living. It attracts a constant stream of both Chinese and international tourists and devout believers. Houcheng is renowned for its outstanding people and beautiful scenery, producing numerous renowned figures and celebrities, and is recognized as a prime location for its feng shui.

Climate and best time to travel

With a subtropical monsoon climate, Houcheng Tourism and Culture Street integrates cultural landscapes, tourism services, and professional markets. It is a professional market for arts and crafts tourism products with traditional folk products as its main feature, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Houcheng Tourism and Culture Street integrates cultural landscapes, tourism services, and professional markets. Its main attractions include: tea in ancient houses, porcelain from the Porcelain Capital, stone carvings and root carvings, and an antique market.

It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day


Most Popular FAQs for Houcheng Cultural Street

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Houcheng Cultural Street is a historical area that showcases traditional Fujian architecture and local customs. It has long been a center of cultural and commercial activities in the region, preserving the unique charm of Quanzhou's urban heritage.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Houcheng Cultural Street is located in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. It is easily accessible by taxi or public transport from Quanzhou city center. If you're nearby, it's a pleasant walk through the city’s streets to reach the site.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The street is open throughout the day, with most shops operating from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the morning or early evening when the weather is cooler and the streets are less crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for visiting Houcheng Cultural Street. You can explore the area for free, although you may choose to buy souvenirs or food from local vendors.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No tickets are required to visit the street, so no advance booking is needed.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes approximately 1-2 hours to fully explore Houcheng Cultural Street, depending on your interest in shopping and the local culture. If you're interested in trying food and shopping, you might want to spend more time here.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The main highlight of the street is the traditional architecture and bustling market atmosphere. Make sure to visit the local handicraft shops, the street food vendors, and admire the well-preserved buildings that showcase traditional Fujian style.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some may offer English explanations. It's recommended to check with local tour agencies for availability of English-speaking guides.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Great photography spots include the narrow alleys with traditional storefronts, the bustling street corners filled with market activity, and the beautiful old buildings that line the street.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by walking from the main entrance and explore the historical buildings along the street. Take time to stop at the local shops, taste street food, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. If you have time, explore the smaller side streets for hidden gems.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no light shows or special tours at night. However, the street is well-lit and the evening atmosphere is quite charming, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed vibe.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The street can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are plenty of shops, local food stalls, and small eateries along the street. Basic facilities like toilets and water stations are available in the area, and there are several spots to sit and relax.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The street is accessible for elderly visitors and children, although the cobblestone pathways may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. It’s best to check local accessibility features if traveling with those requiring additional support.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted in most shops, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used. Credit and debit cards may not be accepted at all vendors, so it’s best to carry some cash just in case.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several small eateries along the street offering local Fujian dishes. You can also find cafes nearby that serve tea and coffee for a relaxing break.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in the form of stir-fried vegetables, noodles, and tofu dishes. Halal food options may be more limited, but they can be found in some local restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several budget hotels and guesthouses nearby, especially in Quanzhou city center. For more luxurious options, you can find hotels a short taxi ride away from the street.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Kaiyuan Temple, and the famous Qingjing Mosque. All of these landmarks can be easily visited within a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are several souvenir shops selling traditional Fujian handicrafts, tea, local snacks, and silk products. You can also find items like pottery, wooden carvings, and embroidered goods.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Houcheng Cultural Street, you can easily continue your trip by taxi or bus to other major attractions in Quanzhou, such as the ancient temples and museums. There are also trains and buses available for travel to other cities in Fujian Province.