Things to do in  Quanzhou

With a history dating back to 686 AD, Kaiyuan Temple is Fujian’s biggest Buddhist temple and is inscribed on Quanzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage listing. Ancient trees enfold twin stone pagodas, which are symbols of the city; the main hall incorporates stonework from a Hindu shrine; and a museum houses the hull of a medieval junk that sank off Quanzhou.

Quanzhou was an important hub on China’s maritime Silk Road for many centuries. The fascinating Quanzhou Maritime Museum explores this rich trading history, with 200-odd model ships—from goatskin rafts to Zheng He’s treasure ships—and stone tombstones inscribed with quotes from the religions that have passed through Quanzhou, plus ceramics, compasses, and more.