Encounter Quanzhou in September and start a slow Citywalk life

In September, the heat in Quanzhou gradually fades, and the autumn atmosphere begins to show—it's the golden season for travel. Here, you can stroll through historical sites and feel the profound heritage of the Maritime Silk Road, as well as wander through bustling streets and alleys to savor authentic local cuisine. Now, follow my footsteps for a spontaneous trip to Quanzhou!

1. Preparation Before the Trip
1. Weather and Clothing: The average temperature in Quanzhou in September ranges from 24 to 30°C. Daytime temperatures are still relatively high with strong sunlight, so it’s recommended to wear light, breathable summer clothes like short sleeves, shorts, or skirts, paired with sandals or lightweight sneakers for easy walking. Be sure to bring sun-protective clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. However, the temperature difference between day and night starts to appear, so a light jacket is also essential to prevent catching a cold.
2. Travel Tips: Quanzhou has convenient transportation with an airport and high-speed rail station. After arrival, riding shared bikes in the city is a great choice to freely explore the streets and experience the city’s lively atmosphere. You can also take the “Xiaobai Bike,” which stops when you wave and costs only 2 yuan—convenient and affordable. For nearby scenic spots, taxis or buses are more suitable. For accommodation, if you want to experience the charm of the ancient city, choose homestays near West Street or Kaiyuan Temple; if you prioritize convenience, stay near the city’s transportation hubs. Remember to book in advance to avoid difficulty finding rooms during peak travel times.

2. Food Recommendations
1. Mianxian Hu (Vermicelli Soup): A must-try breakfast in Quanzhou. Thin vermicelli noodles swirl in a delicious broth, paired with fried dough sticks, vinegar pork, large intestines, and other toppings, offering a rich taste that warms and satisfies. Recommended shop: Shuimen Guozai Mianxian Hu.
2. Meat Zongzi (Rice Dumplings): Made mainly with glutinous rice, filled with pork belly, dried scallops, shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, and other ingredients, steamed to release a fragrant aroma. Eat with sweet chili sauce and peanut sauce for a delightful salty and sweet-spicy flavor clash. Sidian Meat Zongzi is worth trying.
3. Oyster Omelette: Fresh oysters perfectly combined with eggs and sweet potato starch, pan-fried until golden on both sides with a crispy exterior and tender inside. Dip it in special sauce for an irresistible fresh taste. The oyster omelette at Qunzhong Beef Snacks is very popular.
4. Four Fruit Soup: The ultimate summer refreshment! A bowl full of shaved ice topped with ingredients like grass jelly, herbal jelly, red beans, mung beans, and taro balls, drizzled with sweet honey water. One bite cools you to the core and lifts your spirits. Ai’a Shihua Jelly’s Four Fruit Soup is a favorite for many.

3. Itinerary Planning
Day 1: West Street - Kaiyuan Temple - Zhongshan Road
Morning: After arriving in Quanzhou, check into a hotel near West Street, drop off your luggage, and head to West Street to find some food. Start your day with a steaming bowl of Mianxian Hu.
Noon: Taste various snacks on West Street, such as meat zongzi, vinegar pork, and vegetable cakes, enjoying the lively atmosphere while eating your way through.
Afternoon: Visit Kaiyuan Temple to admire the East and West Pagodas and the Mahavira Hall, experiencing the solemnity and tranquility of the ancient temple. Afterward, climb to the rooftop of West Street to overlook the entire street and the pagodas—perfect for photos.
Evening: Go to Zhongshan Road, a historic arcade street full of Nanyang style, brightly lit at night. Find a restaurant to try specialties like ginger duck and Minnan braised noodles. After dinner, buy some Aqin Sister’s Shihua Jelly to enjoy while strolling.

Day 2: Quanzhou Shaolin Temple - Guanyue Temple - Goldfish Alley
Morning: Head to Quanzhou Shaolin Temple to experience the martial arts culture of Southern Shaolin and watch young monks practicing, immersing yourself in the unique martial arts atmosphere.
Noon: Return to the city and pick a small local eatery to order beef soup and salty rice, savoring authentic Quanzhou flavors.
Afternoon: Visit Guanyue Temple, a place with thriving incense offerings, to feel the local religious culture. Then go to Goldfish Alley to browse creative shops and try Xiangzi Ahua’s satay hotpot, with its rich satay broth and various seafood and meats for dipping—truly intoxicating.

Day 3: Xunpu Village - Qingyuan Mountain
Morning: Go to Xunpu Village to experience the Zanhuawei custom. Dress in traditional costumes and be a “Xunpu woman” for a day, strolling through the fishing village to enjoy unique folk customs and take plenty of great photos.
Noon: At a seafood stall in Xunpu Village, taste freshly caught seafood like boiled shrimp, steamed fish, and stir-fried clams, savoring the original flavors.
Afternoon: Head to Qingyuan Mountain to visit Laojun Rock and see the famous Laojun statue. Walk along the mountain trails, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the natural scenery. If you have the energy, climb to the summit of Nantai Rock for a panoramic view of Quanzhou city—the sunset here is breathtaking.

Day 4: Wulin Traditional Village - Return Trip
Morning: Visit Wulin Traditional Village to admire Minnan-style red brick ancient houses and Fanzai Lou buildings, appreciating the blend of traditional and Nanyang architectural beauty, as if traveling back in time.
Noon: Enjoy specialty dishes like taro balls and pot rice at a village restaurant, letting your taste buds savor Quanzhou’s flavors once more.
Afternoon: Pack your luggage according to your return schedule and conclude your pleasant Quanzhou trip. Take home local specialties like Honglai chicken feet and mung bean cakes to bring the taste of Quanzhou back with you.

4. Helpful Tips
1. It may occasionally rain in Quanzhou in September, so remember to bring an umbrella for both sun and rain protection.
2. When renting costumes and floral hairpins in Xunpu Village, ask about prices in advance to avoid unnecessary disputes.
3. Quanzhou cuisine tends to be on the sweeter side; if you’re not used to it, inform the restaurant beforehand.

Quanzhou, a city full of vibrant life and historical charm, will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. Come and start your own Quanzhou journey! 💕