Zayton Rediscovered: A Weekend in Historic Quanzhou
Zayton Rediscovered: A Weekend in Historic Quanzhou
About this Journey
Embark on a voyage of legend and philosophy in the place where faraway lands meet, at the entrance of the ancient Maritime Silk Road: Quanzhou.
The 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.
Where you're going
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Quanzhou
Your Journey Begins
Today is the day, the start of your WanderEastern 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
Day 2 Quanzhou
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
Day 3 Quanzhou, drive to airport
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 WanderEastern guide will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.
Meals included: breakfast
Your Accommodation
QUANZHOU WEST STREET INN Boutique
No.57-2 Huitong Lane, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
Details
What’s Included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
- Ground transportation, including airport transfers
- Services of an English-speaking WanderEastern guide
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TRIP COST
$1480 USD per person
Single Supplement $680 USD per person
Next Steps
Next Steps
How do I secure my spot on this tour?
We will continue to work with you until your trip is perfect.
For international bookings: Once you are ready to book, a USD$500 planning fee, per booking, is required to begin reserving your arrangements. This will go towards your trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.
For bookings made in China: Once you are ready to book, a RMB1,000 deposit, per person, is required. This will go towards your trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.
What is the payment schedule?
1. Deposit:
A deposit is required to secure your reservation. Once your deposit has been received, we will send your confirmation along with a detailed itinerary and all the information you’ll need to prepare for your journey.
2. Full payment:
Full trip payment should be made 30 days prior to departure. If you’re booking within 30 days of your departure, you may be asked to pay make the full payment straight away.
Payments can be made via Paypal, credit card, bank transfer, WeChat or Alipay
Is this trip guaranteed to run?
This trip will be scheduled to run once we receive bookings from 2 passengers. Should the journey be cancelled due to lack of sign-ups or government restrictions, WanderEastern will fully refund any deposits or fees paid.
What is your cancelation policy?
See our full terms and conditions for more information.
Why WanderEastern
Why WanderEastern
We’re on the ground with you
Our team of advisors will design every detail of the trip with you through close consultation, then orchestrate your entire journey while on the ground. We’re in the same time zone as you, so we can fulfill requests and handle issues without a hitch. With over 40 staff in Beijing and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we have the manpower to ensure your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end.
Your trip, your way
Flexibility is our highest-ranking compliment. We pull off journeys for pioneers with a 6-hour layover to Hollywood’s elite, and everywhere in between. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life.
We embody passion
WanderEastern guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China.
The little things, the big picture
Supporting inspired local economies allows you to experience the soul of the destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s artisanal culture. From watching artisans hand make shoes in Yunnan, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm in Fujian, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.
Have Questions?
Have Questions?
Don't hesitate to reach out. Our travel designers will be happy to guide you!
📞China:
+86 180 5001 7145
+86 133 9503 2725
📧Email:
hello@wandereastern.com