West Street in Quanzhou

West Street in Quanzhou

In the history of Quanzhou, West Street has journeyed through the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties to stand before us today. It is a street as radiant as a pearl, preserving landmarks such as Kaiyuan Temple and the East and West Pagodas, along with classic wooden buildings and elegant ancient houses. Strolling here, sampling delicious Quanzhou snacks, and admiring the rustic architecture around you feels like wandering through layers of historical culture.

If the Juba Street and Qinglong Lane in the southern part of the city represent the most bustling economic and trade hubs of ancient Quanzhou, then West Street showcases the city’s greatest treasures and richest cultural heritage. Once the political, economic, cultural, and religious center of early Tang and Song dynasty Quanzhou, West Street boasts an incredibly abundant collection of historical and cultural relics. It is the most authentic and intact historical district still preserved within the ancient city of Quanzhou.

Among the buildings on West Street, in addition to traditional large residences and modern-era shophouses and Western-style buildings, there are also many notable historical residences shining in quiet alleyways. According to statistics, the area is home to 20–30 known residences or ruins of historical figures, with at least one prominent personality associated with West Street in nearly every dynasty since the Tang Dynasty’s Ouyang Zhan.

For example: the residence of Zeng Conglong, prime minister of the Southern Song Dynasty, is located in Zengjing Lane; the former home of Ouyang Zhan, the first scholar from Quanzhou to pass the imperial examinations, lies in Jiadi Lane; and the three-dynasty prime minister Liu Zheng of the Northern Song Dynasty, for whom San Chao Lane is named, served in three consecutive reigns. The talents of West Street flourished particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties. For instance, the residence of Li Tingji, grand secretary of the Ming Wanli era, is found in Gantang Lane; the home of the famous Neo-Confucian scholar Cai Qing is located in Xiaogan Lane. The residences of Yang Tingxiang, vice minister of the Court of Imperial Stables in the Wanli era, and Chen Minghua, promoted from vice education commissioner of Guangdong to political commissioner of Huguang, are situated in Wenkui Lane.

The old street also once featured a distinctive type of architecture: memorial archways built during feudal times to honor achievements in merit, scholarly success, virtuous governance, and loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness. Historical records indicate that by the late Qing and early Republican period, a number of these archways still stood along the main street from the head of West Street to the entrance of Wuta Lane, including the Zhuangshi Archway, Duoshi Archway, Huikui Archway, Father-Son Honored and Brothers-Jinshi Archway, Qingshi Famous Scholar Jieyuan Archway, Jinshi Archway, and Zhuangyuan Archway.

No. 35, Wuta Lane – the Liao Residence, a two-courtyard, five-bay house, remains fully preserved. The wings on both sides feature corridors, and the wooden windows have circular designs, giving them a unique charm. No. 58, Huitong Lane – the Yan Residence, a three-courtyard, three-bay house, has brick-carved murals on the gable walls, as well as a courtyard and double-winged three-bay layout. The front hall is built with brick above and stone below, and each side wall has a decorative carved window, all still in good condition.

Address: West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province

Type: Historic & Cultural Block

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.

Source: Fujian Provincial Tourism Development Commission