A Record-Breaking Holiday: 6.65 Million Visitors Flocked to Quanzhou This National Day
Quanzhou, a coastal gem in China, welcomed 6.65 million visitors during the 2024 National Day holiday—a record-breaking surge of tourists, marking a 38.58% increase compared to last year. Travelers spent a total of 58.12 billion RMB, a rise of 35.08%, setting new highs for both visitation and spending. With hundreds of activities, promotions, and services, Quanzhou’s ancient city, World Heritage sites, and delicious food culture captured the hearts of millions. For international tourists, now is the perfect time to explore Quanzhou’s charm!
The Rise of Heritage and Culinary Travel
This year’s theme, “Roaming the World Heritage City and Discovering Ancient Architecture,” has put Quanzhou in the spotlight. With over 300 events, 60 special offers, and 20 unique services, the city has become a must-visit destination. Visitors explored ancient architecture, historical alleyways, coastal forests, bustling markets, and, of course, indulged in Quanzhou’s iconic cuisine.
The city’s World Heritage sites drew in more than 1.32 million visitors, a 40.7% increase year over year. Notably, Quanzhou Old Town alone welcomed over 1 million tourists. Unique experiences like stone-carved replicas of Monkey King statues near the West Pagoda of Kaiyuan Temple became instant hits with tourists.
Heritage Meets Modern: Young and Curious Tourists Embrace Quanzhou
Young travelers took over the city this year, with 18-49-year-olds making up 77.22% of the total visitors. Interestingly, 54.29% of tourists came from outside the region, with peak days from October 3rd to 6th, when over 75% of visitors hailed from areas such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Jiangxi. Quanzhou’s appeal is not limited to domestic tourists—it’s time for global travelers to take note!
Rediscovering Tradition: Cultural Heritage in Full Swing
Quanzhou’s ancient city came alive with cultural performances, including folk parades, flash mob displays of intangible heritage, and bustling markets filled with traditional flavors and crafts. Puppet shows, a hallmark of Quanzhou’s cultural scene, packed theaters with 58 performances over the holiday. The large-scale performance “Encounter Quanzhou” and various theatrical plays were also major draws, providing international visitors a glimpse into the unique Minnan cultural traditions.
For culture enthusiasts, Quanzhou’s museum tours were a hit. With over 30 special exhibitions and 15 museum-themed educational tours, the city became a magnet for curious minds. These experiences offer a deep dive into the historical significance of Quanzhou’s role as a maritime hub and cultural melting pot.
Culinary Tourism Takes Center Stage
If you love food, Quanzhou is a must-visit! This National Day, the fusion of “food and tourism” reached new heights. As part of the “New Fujian Cuisine” initiative, the city introduced the “New Fujian, Best Quanzhou” guide, showcasing over 100 local delicacies. Events such as the “Successful Family Feast” in Nan’an and the “Taste of Luojiang” Gourmet Carnival further highlighted the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Not only did Quanzhou’s food culture shine, but it also gained recognition—Nan’an’s “Successful Family Feast” was selected as a top culinary tourism case study by the China Tourism Academy.
From Mountains to Sea: A Nature Lover’s Dream
Quanzhou offers the best of both worlds for nature enthusiasts: coastal beauty and lush mountain landscapes. With 12 specially curated heritage and nature routes, including the “Maritime Silk Road Quanzhou” and tea and ceramics tours, the city’s offerings blend history with scenic beauty. Along the coastline, the Golden Coast of Shishi drew massive crowds, allowing visitors to experience both the rocky shoreline and the stunning sea views.
Self-driving tourists were also in for a treat, with the city promoting the “Most Beautiful Coastal Route”—an ideal journey for those seeking scenic ocean views, winding roads, and an authentic Quanzhou experience.
Festivals and Celebrations Across the City
Across the city’s counties, cultural and entertainment events took place, each adding its own unique flavor to the National Day festivities. From live music festivals and beer parties in Luojiang, to the Wuli Sands Music Festival in Quangang and cultural parades in Anxi, Quanzhou was alive with excitement.
The city’s various cultural districts—including ancient towns, flower markets, and folk art performances—provided travelers with countless Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you’re interested in traditional drama performances, modern art exhibitions, or food festivals, Quanzhou has something to offer for everyone.
Welcome to Quanzhou: The Ultimate Destination for Global Travelers
If you haven’t yet experienced Quanzhou’s rich culture, stunning heritage sites, vibrant food scene, and scenic coastal beauty, it’s time to add it to your travel list. Quanzhou combines the best of history and modernity, making it a perfect destination for those seeking cultural immersion and culinary adventure. Join the growing number of international travelers discovering the beauty of Quanzhou!
Let Quanzhou’s World Heritage city, cultural vibrancy, and scenic charm be the highlight of your next adventure.
Tags in this article: Quanzhou tourism, World Heritage, Quanzhou culture, scenic beauty, Quanzhou food, coastal travel, cultural attractions, historical sites, Quanzhou festivals, culinary tourism