How to get to Quanzhou

Quanzhou is a major historical port and cultural centre on the southeast coast of China, in Fujian province, known as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. When planning a trip to Quanzhou, travellers can choose any convenient route: the city receives direct flights and is connected by a network of roads to neighbouring regions. The question of how to get to Quanzhou is easily solved thanks to the developed transport infrastructure, allowing arrival here by plane, bus, or car.

The fastest way to reach the region is to take a flight to Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport (JJN). This modern aviation hub serves millions of passengers annually and receives flights from many major cities, ensuring a comfortable arrival directly at your destination.

If direct tickets are not available, consider flying to neighbouring metropolises. The nearest major airport is located in the city of Xiamen (just 74 km away), and slightly further is the airport of Fuzhou (147 km), from where it is also convenient to reach the final point of the route.

At the moment, there is no railway station directly within the city of Quanzhou itself, so getting here exclusively by train without transfers is not possible. Travellers who prefer the railway are advised to plan their route through neighbouring major transport hubs.

It is most convenient to take a train to the city of Xiamen, located 74 km away, or to the city of Fuzhou (147 km). From there, you can continue your journey by bus or taxi, enjoying the views of Fujian province.

Intercity buses remain a budget-friendly and popular way to get to Quanzhou from neighbouring settlements. Regular bus services connect the city with major provincial centres, allowing tourists to comfortably cover short distances and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Travellers most often choose routes from the nearest metropolises. A trip on a comfortable bus allows you to reach the city centre without unnecessary transfers, which is especially convenient for those travelling with luggage.

Travelling by car is an excellent option for those who value freedom of movement and want to see the picturesque roads of China. The shortest and most popular route runs from the city of Xiamen: the distance is about 95 km, and the travel time will take approximately 1.5 hours.

You can also get there from the provincial capital, the city of Fuzhou. In this case, you will have to cover about 178 km, which will take roughly 2.2 hours. The roads in this region are generally of good quality, making the road trip comfortable and safe.

A trip to Quanzhou promises to be rich and interesting, but like any Chinese city, there are nuances here. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, it is worth preparing for local customs and culture in advance.

1. Clothing and Climate. The region has a humid subtropical climate. It is hot and humid in summer, so bring light, breathable clothing and a raincoat. Winter is quite mild, but a windbreaker or light jacket will be useful, especially in the evening.
2. City Transport. For getting around, it is most convenient to use taxis or car-hailing services via apps (such as DiDi). There is also a developed network of city buses, but route maps are often only in Chinese.
3. Money and Payment. The main currency is the Chinese Yuan. Cash is not accepted everywhere, as mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate. It is recommended to link a card to one of these apps in advance.
4. Health. Do not drink tap water; buy bottled water. There are pharmacies in the city, but medicine names will be in characters, so it is better to carry a basic kit of medicines with you.
5. Language Barrier. Few people know English. Be sure to download an offline translator to your phone with photo translation and voice input functions — this is vital for communication.
6. Etiquette. Behave modestly when visiting the numerous temples. Do not stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this is associated with funeral rites.
7. Safety. Avoid "private" taxi drivers without meters at airports and train stations to avoid overpaying significantly. Use official taxi stands.
8. Tea Culture. Quanzhou is located in a region famous for Oolong tea (especially Tieguanyin). Be sure to visit a tea ceremony or buy local tea as a souvenir.

Following these simple recommendations will help you feel confident and focus on exploring the rich cultural heritage of this amazing city.