I thought Quanzhou was already beautiful until I took a trip to Zhangzhou~

Who would have thought! Quanzhou is super popular, but the neighboring Zhangzhou Ancient City hides the most authentic Minnan local life! No crowds of tourists, just the calls of vendors in old alleys and the fragrant rice dumpling stalls. Spend a whole day strolling slowly, so comfortable you won’t want to leave~

📍Attraction address:
Zhangzhou Ancient City (the core area is around Beijing Road and Hong Kong Road, with nearby attractions like Wenchang Gate, Confucian Temple, and Weizhen Pavilion all within walking distance)

🚗Transportation to the attraction:

- Bus: Take routes 11, 13, or 17 to the "Zhangzhou Hotel" stop, then a 5-minute walk to the Wenchang Gate entrance
- Self-driving: There are paid parking lots around the ancient city (such as the Confucian Temple parking lot), but it may be crowded during peak season, so green travel is recommended
- Electric scooter: No cars allowed inside the ancient city, renting a small electric scooter to cruise around feels great. There are many rental spots along the road, and 20 yuan can get you a ride for the whole afternoon

👍Must-visit spots:

1. Department Store Building: Don’t think it’s just for shopping! The hotel lobby on the 12th floor hides the perfect spot to capture panoramic views of the ancient city at sunset. The red tile roofs with the sunset make for a perfect nine-grid post on social media.
2. Hong Kong Road Stone Archway: This Ming Dynasty archway comes with a historical filter. Shooting northward, you can frame the archway and the dome of the Catholic Church together, creating a unique blend of East and West.
3. Confucian Temple: The red walls with the big "Zhangzhou" characters make a great photo spot. Every step feels like a scene from an ancient drama. The ancient buildings inside are also worth seeing and perfect for a quiet stroll.
4. Weizhen Pavilion: Nicknamed the "Bagua Tower," this over 400-year-old building is stunning when lit up at night. Standing at the Beijing Road intersection, you can capture its full view through the alley gaps, giving a time-travel vibe.
5. Zhongshan Park: When tired of walking, come here to rest, watch elderly men play chess, and aunties dance in the square, experiencing the slow-paced local life.

🎟️Ticket info:

- The ancient city streets are free! Wander and take photos as you like.
- Confucian Temple: 10 yuan per person, half price for students
- Other attractions (Catholic Church, Weizhen Pavilion, etc.) are free, though some internal areas may have limited opening hours, so check the signs at the entrance.

💗Other tips:

- Outfit advice: Wear light-colored clothes to match the red walls and stone archway perfectly; if you want vintage-style photos, bring a small fan and a canvas bag as props.
- Food alert: Don’t miss the mochi, four-fruit soup, and rice dumplings in the ancient city! Look for the old brand "Lao You Mochi," where the auntie hand-makes mochi coated with peanut powder—so fragrant you’ll want to stomp your feet.
- Avoid traps: Don’t buy flashy packaged souvenirs inside the scenic area. Instead, explore the alleys and find old shops frequented by locals for authentic and reasonably priced products.
- Best photo times: Before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. for soft light and fewer people. Midday is too sunny and can cause shiny skin in photos.

Strolling from Wenchang Gate to Beizhan Bridge, eating, drinking, and taking photos along the way, then sitting at a small stall on Bo’ai Road at dusk, biting into a rice dumpling while watching the sunset—that’s the true feel of a Minnan ancient city~ Don’t just know Quanzhou; Zhangzhou’s leisurely vibe is worth a special trip!