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Zhongshan Street, running north and south through the ancient city of Quanzhou, stretches approximately 2.5 kilometers. Initially a dirt road, it transitioned to a stone path, and finally to downtown Quanzhou's first cement road, known as Qixian. During the Republic of China era, the Quanzhou government officially named the street " Zhongshan Road . " This commercial street, with its row of arcades, is rich in Southern Fujian architectural features and offers a variety of local snacks.
Zhongshan Street is 12 meters wide, lined with arcade-style buildings, typically two stories high. This architectural style is common in Southeast Asian countries and southern China. Pedestrians can easily escape sudden downpours and the harsh sun. This humanistic architectural style embodies the dawn of modern civilization. Of Fujian's three major cities, only Quanzhou and Xiamen have this architectural style.
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Quanzhou Zhongshan Street is one of the oldest and most famous commercial streets in the city, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural significance. It was historically a bustling trade center during the Tang and Song dynasties and remains an important symbol of Quanzhou's prosperity.
Zhongshan Street is located in the center of Quanzhou. It is easily accessible by taxi or bus. You can also walk from other central landmarks as the street is in a pedestrian-friendly area.
Zhongshan Street is open 24/7, as it is a public street. The best times to visit are during the day for shopping and cultural exploration or in the evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere and street food.
There is no entrance fee to visit Zhongshan Street, as it is a public street. You can explore it freely.
No tickets or bookings are required to visit Zhongshan Street.
It takes about 1-2 hours to fully explore the street, depending on how much time you spend shopping or visiting the small museums and food stalls along the way.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not typically offered but local guides can be hired at certain points.
The best photography spots are along the street, with its traditional architecture and busy market scenes. The street’s vibrant colors and historic buildings make for great photos, especially in the evening when the lights come on.
Start from the western end of the street, exploring the shops and historical buildings along the way. Make sure to stop by the food vendors for local snacks and enjoy the cultural landmarks as you stroll towards the eastern end.
Night visits are popular, as the street comes alive with lights and bustling activity. Special night tours or events are not typical, but the evening atmosphere is a unique experience in itself.
Zhongshan Street can get quite crowded during weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, tend to be less crowded.
There are public toilets, several rest areas, and a variety of food stalls and shops along the street. Water and snacks are readily available at local vendors and shops.
Zhongshan Street is relatively accessible for elderly and children, as it is a pedestrian-only area. However, the cobblestone streets might be challenging for wheelchair users.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are commonly accepted at most shops and food stalls. Credit cards may not be widely accepted.
There are numerous local restaurants and street food stalls nearby offering traditional Fujian dishes like “sand tea noodles,” “Oyster omelets,” and “mochi” (glutinous rice cakes).
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at certain restaurants, especially those that serve local Buddhist cuisine. Halal food options are also available, though they may be more limited.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels near Zhongshan Street. Options range from traditional Chinese-style inns to modern hotels in the city center.
There are plenty of souvenir shops selling traditional Fujian tea, pottery, local snacks, and small antiques. Popular items include hand-crafted items and tea sets.
Taxis and buses are the best transportation options to continue your trip. You can also walk to nearby attractions, such as the Quanzhou Museum or the Luoyang Bridge.
