Nestled gently by Quanzhou Bay, Xunpu Village is a hidden gem that harbors the legacy of ancient Arab merchants. Through centuries of intermarriage with local Han communities, a unique tapestry of cultures has been woven into its daily life, preserving faint echoes of Central Asian charm. The most striking relics are the oyster shell houses—layer upon layer of weathered shells, glowing with a soft, pearlescent luster, a testament to the fishermen’s ingenuity in harmonizing with nature and a living symbol of cross-cultural fusion. Xunpu women, hardworking and bold, wear their romance in their hair: clusters of fresh blossoms adorn their tresses, no makeup needed, embodying the local proverb, “Wear flowers in this life, and be beautiful in the next.” These vibrant blooms, in hues of fiery red, elegant white and bright yellow, are more than decorations—they are a heartfelt ode to life’s simple joys.

As the spiritual cornerstone of Quanzhou, Kaiyuan Temple stands as a magnificent relic along China’s southeast coast and the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province. Stepping through its gates, one is wrapped in an atmosphere of serenity: towering halls with upturned eaves reach for the sky, curling incense drifts on the breeze, and soft Buddhist chants linger in the air, calming the mind and inviting visitors to bow in prayer for peace. This millennium-old sanctuary has witnessed Quanzhou’s glory as a starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, and its legacy is enshrined in numerous honors—provincial cultural relic protection unit in 1962, national key cultural relic protection unit and national key Buddhist temple in 1983, and one of Fujian’s Top 10 Scenic Spots in 1986, each title a tribute to its profound historical and cultural value.

Known as the “timeless artery” of Quanzhou, West Street has been a symbol of prosperity since the Song Dynasty. As one of the city’s earliest developed districts and its best-preserved ancient block, it is a living museum of Quanzhou’s past. The bluestone pavement, polished smooth by centuries of footsteps, flanks well-preserved ancient mansions, arcades and time-honored shops, their upturned eaves and black tiles whispering stories of days gone by. Wandering here, the air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies—glutinous rice dumplings and vermicelli soup—while the sounds of vendors’ calls and tourists’ laughter blend harmoniously. It is a place where the past lingers not as a relic, but as a living, breathing part of daily life.

Located in Quanzhou, the Southern Shaolin Temple is renowned as the historic birthplace of Southern Kung Fu. Unlike the acrobatic Northern style, this temple is famous for "Nanquan"—a style emphasizing explosive hand techniques and stable stances. The highlight of any visit is the breathtaking martial arts performance by the warrior monks. Spectators can witness legendary skills such as One-Finger Zen (standing upside down on a single finger) and Iron Body demonstrations, where monks break wooden staffs over their bare skin without injury. It is a stunning fusion of Zen philosophy and physical mastery.