Zayton Rediscovered: A Weekend in Historic Quanzhou

Your Journey Begins

Today is the day, the start of your WildChina adventure. As guests will be arriving from different parts of China, we’ll ask people to arrange their own flight or train and take a taxi to the hotel. The airport in Quanzhou is relatively central, and it usually takes around 30-40 minutes to reach the hotel, depending on traffic.

First Stop: Quanzhou

This coastal city of Quanzhou has centered its prosperity and survival on its maritime trade, proving to be a key port during the use of the Maritime Silk Road. Its key location proved to be a portal into other worlds, such as South Asia, and lands further afield, meaning Quanzhou became a multicultural hub. Today decadent mosques and Arabic architecture can be observed as a result of this cultural trade. Quanzhou is laden with features evocative of the medieval era, with stone statues distinctively laid out as landmarks. But today Quanzhou is a hub for economic investment, now well connected by land and a marketplace for a cornucopia of imports and products.

Luoyang Bridge (Optional)

Extending its beautifully constructed arm across the Luoyang River is the aptly named Luoyang Bridge. Listed as one of the four most ancient bridges in China, its outstretched adjoining practicality is adorned with statues and Pagodas, and wittily constructed boat-shaped jetties extend from its robust foundations. Surviving earthquakes, endless natural disasters, and Japanese pirates this bridge remains a powerful reconciliation between the two lands parted by this river.

Meals included: dinner

Quanzhou Maritime Museum

As a nation still famed for its shipbuilding, it is only fitting for its maritime masterpieces to have their own place of tribute. Quanzhou Maritime Museum is a celebration of China’s maritime relics evocative of the time the Maritime Silk Road was established, illustrated through life-sized ships. This museum also explores the Chinese maritime industry and Quanzhou’s vital port through the ages up to the present day, showcasing its own modern maritime wing. The museum hosts multiple visiting exhibits and displays of China’s multicultural history.

Holy Tombs

Set at the foot of Lingshan Mountain lies China’s oldest and most sacred Islamic site, the Holy Tombs. According to legend, they were built by four disciple missionaries sent over by Mohammed during the reign of the Tang Dynasty. The two that were inaugurated with Wali Allah titles are said to have been laid to rest within these tombs. After their passing, the tomb was reported to emit a bright white luminescence, which resulted in their name ‘the Holy Tombs’. Their design is another example of the beautiful and harmonious architectonic result of Arabic and Chinese collaboration.

Kaiyuan Temple

Journey through the chaotic alleyways of this city in search of the Kaiyuan Temple. Kaiyuan has remained an influential temple for the Buddhist community for over a millennium, as a reminder of this, its two pagodas dominate the city with their towering presence. But despite being the largest temple in its province, it is not enough to observe it from a distance. Journey closer to wander through its grounds of hidden gems to find relics of a Hindu temple that once stood here but has since been engulfed by other structures.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Qingyuan Mountain

Take a wander around Qingyuan mountain. Protected by its national park status, it embodies a luscious landscape and holds a paradise of scenic views. Laid out like a treasure map, around mount Qingyuan a treasure trove of highly revered Buddhist and Taoist artifacts are to be found, such as the monumental stone structures sculpted on important figures like Laozi, a philosopher and founding father of Taoism. Some of these sculptures can be traced back to the Song Dynasty. Immerse in this labyrinthical land of philosophical wonders.

Qingjing Mosque

An accolade to fine Arabic architecture, existing with just a dash of Chinese flamboyance the Qingjing Mosque sits as one of China’s oldest, built in 1009. Symbolizing China’s friendship with Arabic countries, the mosque was built by and for Arabic merchants. The looming archways assert themselves with a commanding presence and exude fine elegance in their silhouettes. Take a closer look at the archways to see their intricate carvings, embossed with lotus flowers to represent purity and sanctity.

Your Flight Back Home

Your WildChina guide will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.

Meals included: breakfast