[2025 Jinjiang Attraction] Travel Guide for Cao'an Temple (Updated Oct)

Jinjiang | Minnan Style Journey✨ 📆 Itinerary 🏡 Day 1: First Encounter with the Beauty of Ancient Houses 📍 Wudian City Traditional Street (10 minutes by car from Jinjiang city center) ✨ Red brick ancient houses 🏚️ Every snapshot looks like a vintage masterpiece! Recommended to visit at sunset, stroll around while waiting for the night market lights to turn on～ The ancient houses look stunning at nightfall, it’s tear-jerkingly beautiful 😭 ⚠️ Open all day | Free admission 🌉 Day 2: Journey Through Time 📍 Anping Bridge (Anhai Town, Jinjiang City) ✨ The longest and most complete stone bridge in China! 2255 meters long, walking on this thousand-year-old bridge feels like time travel ⌛ ⏰ Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours | Open 8:00-17:30 📍 Wulin Traditional Village (Longhu Town, Jinjiang City) ✨ The architecture of the overseas Chinese hometown is stunning 🏛️ Red brick Western-style buildings, Minnan residences, Republic of China style... full of details! Don’t forget to visit the "Qiaopi Museum" to see letters from overseas Chinese 💌 ⏰ Recommended visit time: 2 hours | Open all day 🏯 Day 3: Collision of Culture and Craftsmanship 📍 Cao’an Temple (Luoshan Town, Jinjiang City) ✨ The world’s only Manichaean site! This 800-year-old ancient temple holds big secrets 🤫 The Manichaean Buddha statue inside is unique! ⏰ Recommended visit time: 1 hour | Open 8:00-17:00 📍 Cizao Ceramic Culture Experience Center (Cizao Town, Jinjiang City) ✨ DIY your own pottery 🏺 Professional instructors guide you, no experience needed! Finished products can be shipped home as travel souvenirs～ ⏰ Reservation required | Recommended visit time: 2 hours 🚗 Transportation Tips 1️⃣ Jinjiang Station is closer to the city center 🚆 Taxi to Wudian City takes about 20 minutes 2️⃣ You can take the bus 🚌 between attractions, but taxis are more convenient (affordable per person) 3️⃣ Some attractions have convenient parking 🅿️ Great for self-driving travelers! 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 1️⃣ Near Wudian City: Ancient house homestays 🏡 for an immersive experience 2️⃣ Wanda Business District: Shopping and dining complex, super convenient 🛍️ 🛍️ Must-buy Souvenirs 🔸 SM International Plaza: - Anhai Tusu Dong (Minnan’s magical snack!) - Lingyuan Wanying Tea (A must-have health gift) 🍜 Food Checklist ✅ Tusu Dong (Dark but really tasty!) ✅ Mianxian Hu (King of breakfast) ✅ Beef Soup (Chewy and delicious) ✅ Shenhu Fist Mother (Packed with ingredients!) ⚠️ Tips 🌞 Bring your sun protection kit: hat + sunglasses + sunscreen 🦟 Carry mosquito repellent spray 📱 Check attraction showtimes in advance

Liupanshui - Travel route: On Day 1, visit Shuicheng Ancient Town to experience the historical charm, then go to Minghu National Wetland Park to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery; Day 2, tour Yushe National Forest Park to experience the forest landscape; Day 3, head to Wumeng Grassland to appreciate the grandeur of the plateau grassland. - Transportation tips: You can fly to Liupanshui Yuezhao Airport or take the high-speed train to Liupanshui East Station. Taxis and buses are convenient within the city. - Specialty foods: Includes lamb noodles, baked pot, sour soup beef, lotus leaf sticky rice chicken, and more. - Accommodation suggestions: Hotels in the urban area are convenient for travel, and there are unique homestays around Wumeng Grassland to get close to nature. Leshan - Travel route: Day 1, visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, you can choose to take a boat or hike to explore, then head to Oriental Buddha Capital in the afternoon; Day 2, go to Mount Emei to enjoy natural scenery and Buddhist culture; Day 3, if time permits, take the Jiayang small train to ride the vintage narrow-gauge train for sightseeing, or stroll around Suji Ancient Town. - Transportation tips: You can fly to Leshan Emei Airport or take the high-speed train to Leshan Station or Emeishan Station. Public buses and taxis are convenient in the city. - Specialty foods: Don’t miss Feng San Niang’s foot-bath beef, Grandma Ye’s spicy chicken pot, Xu Liang cake, and more. - Accommodation suggestions: Near the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area, there are hotels like Leshan Chan Yi·Jiading Courtyard Hotel to experience a Zen slow life; in the city, hotels near the food street such as Leshan Huayi Hotel are convenient for tasting local delicacies. Quanzhou - Travel route: Day 1, explore the ancient city, visiting Cheng Tian Chan Temple, Bell Tower, West Street, Kaiyuan Temple, Flower Alley, Goldfish Alley, Qingjing Mosque, Guanyue Temple, and other attractions in sequence; Day 2, go to Xunpu Village to experience Zanhuawei, then visit Caotian Temple; Day 3, go to the sea and tour Luojia Temple, Hongta Bay, and Xiangzhi Wharf. - Transportation tips: There are multiple high-speed rail stations including Quanzhou Station, Quanzhou East Station, Quanzhou South Station, and Jinjiang Station. Walking or taking the "Xiaobai" bus is convenient within the ancient city; for longer distances, taxis or car rentals are available. - Specialty foods: Unique snacks such as Mianxian Hu (noodle soup), ginger duck, Tusu jelly, and four-fruit soup. - Accommodation suggestions: Prefer homestays on the outskirts of West Street, such as Ganxia Homestay and Tongle Homestay, close to attractions; you can also choose hotels near Wanda Plaza on the west side of the river for convenient travel. Hezhou - Travel route: Day 1, visit Huangyao Ancient Town to admire Ming and Qing architecture; Day 2, go to Gupo Mountain National Forest Park for hiking and fresh air; Day 3, relax in Hezhou hot springs. - Transportation tips: Take the high-speed train to Hezhou Station, and choose chartered cars or shuttle buses to get to attractions. - Specialty foods: Includes Huangyao fermented black bean pork ribs, stuffed vegetables, sour beef intestines, Babu raw fish, and more. - Accommodation suggestions: There are unique inns in Huangyao Ancient Town and farm stays near Gupo Mountain; choose according to your itinerary.

As a local who has eaten through West Street I've prepared this detailed guide overnight Ancient houses + sea breeze + Minnan flavors all in one place 📸 🏡 Accommodation Guide to Avoid Pitfalls ▫️ For West Street guesthouses, stay near 1915 Art Space where you can capture both towers in one frame from the rooftop ▫️ Light sleepers should avoid West Street main road! Guesthouses hidden in alleys like Jiuguan Yi are quieter ▫️ In the Wanda area, choose LOFT at Leading Show City, just a 5-minute walk to the TF rooftop for city night views ▫️ In Xunpu Village, stay in renovated stone houses so you can skip the line for hairpin decorating the next day 🌊 Transportation Tips ▫️ Don't take a taxi from Quanzhou Railway Station! Take the K1 bus for just 2 yuan directly to the Clock Tower ▫️ Rent an electric scooter (30 yuan per day) in the old town area, perfect for finding food through narrow alleys ▫️ Hidden route: There's a tourist shuttle from Wulin Ancient Village to Luojia Temple, where the "Buddha on the Sea" looks stunning in the 4pm light ▫️ Don't take unlicensed taxis to Chongwu Ancient Town! Buy a 15 yuan bus ticket at the passenger transport center for direct service 🍜 Local Food Guide ✔️ Jin Ji Satay Noodles (locals eat here from childhood to parenthood) ✔️ Dongxing Beef Shop (beef steak + salty rice with peanut sauce) ✔️ Auntie Zhuang's Taro Cake (opens at 3pm, be ready to queue) ✔️ Ai Ah Stone Jelly (add taro paste and QQ fruit for the authentic experience) ✔️ Shuimen Guozi Vermicelli Soup (must dip with fried dough sticks!!) 📸 Photography Guide ▪️ West Street Meichaofeng Rooftop (for sunset shots with both towers) ▪️ Wulin Chaodong Building (orange ancient houses with palm trees) ▪️ Luojia Temple (capture the "Buddha on the Sea" during high tide) ▪️ Xunpu Oyster Shell Houses (use oyster walls as foreground) ▪️ Chengtian Temple Red Walls (an uncrowded Forbidden City alternative with great lighting) ⚠️ Important Tips ❌ Don't buy Four Fruit Soup for more than 15 yuan on West Street! Bingzheng Hall on Zhongshan Road sells it for just 9 yuan ⭕️ Choose shops offering hairpin decorating service with costumes for 40 yuan, located near Xunpu Ship Management Station ⭕️ Check the tide table for Shishi Golden Coast Beach - you can only see the "blue tears" during low tide ⭕️ Taro cakes taste even better after refrigeration! They make great souvenirs to take home

Visiting Quanzhou? Don't miss this incredible 4-day itinerary! Stroll through the ancient city and immerse yourself in the charm of Southern Fujian: adorn yourself with flowers in Xunpu Village, savor Gongfu tea in ancient houses, explore the mysterious Manichean ruins, and try your hand at divination blocks for good luck. Dive into an unforgettable experience! -------------------- 🎉Itinerary at a Glance: Explore Quanzhou, A Deep Dive into Minnan Culture🏮 Day 1: Arrive in Quanzhou and Begin Your Journey! 🛬️After arriving at Quanzhou Airport/Railway Station, a private car will transfer you directly to your hotel. Settle in and explore Quanzhou's vibrant nightlife! Day 2: Journey Through History and Experience the Charm of Quanzhou's Ancient City🏯 🚶‍♂️Kaiyuan Temple->Experience the tranquility of Ziyunping->Wander through West Street and savor the ancient city's charm->Pray for blessings at Guandi Temple->Explore the Manichean ruins at Qingjing Mosque->Adorn yourself with flowers and take photos in Xunpu Village, immersing yourself in Minnan culture. Day 3: Free Exploration Day🎈 🌈Enjoy a full day of free exploration! Whether you're indulging in local delicacies or discovering hidden gems, the day is yours to explore. Encounter any issues? Don't worry, our travel concierge is always available to assist you! Day 4: Explore Ancient Sites and Experience Quanzhou's Coastal Charm and Pagoda Shadows🌊 🚶‍♂️Stroll along Anping Bridge->Reflect at Cao'an Temple->Savor traditional flavors at Wudian City Traditional Street->Enjoy panoramic views from Wanshou Pagoda->Listen to the legend of Gusao Pagoda->Pray for blessings at Luojia Temple, concluding your amazing Quanzhou journey. -------------------- 🎒 Travel Preparations: 👗 Clothing: Quanzhou enjoys pleasant weather in March. Pack light long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts, along with a jacket. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes for exploring and hiking. 🎩 Accessories: Hats and sunglasses are essential for sun protection and style. Bring a dual-purpose umbrella for unexpected showers. 📲 Daily Essentials: Phone, charger, power bank to stay connected and powered up. A selfie stick is also recommended to capture those memorable moments. 🪪 Documents: Your ID card is a must-have for travel. Prepare your student ID, driver's license, etc., as needed. Remember to bring some cash for unforeseen expenses. -------------------- 🎉Quanzhou: A Trip to Remember! Don't forget to like and save this post. More exciting travel guides are waiting to be discovered!🌈

Winter break is here! Want to explore Quanzhou? This guide is all you need! This 4-day Quanzhou itinerary will lead you through the ancient city's charm. Check out these super practical tips! -------- 🎉Itinerary: D1: Arrive in Quanzhou -> Airport/Station Transfer -> Check in to Hotel -> Free Time Arrive in Quanzhou, enjoy a convenient transfer, check in to a comfortable hotel, and enjoy your free time. D2: Kaiyuan Temple -> Ziyunping -> West Street -> Guandi Temple -> Qingjing Mosque -> Xunpu Village Hairpin Experience Visit the ancient Kaiyuan Temple, admire the beautiful scenery of Ziyunping, stroll along West Street to experience the ancient charm, visit Guandi Temple and Qingjing Mosque, and finally, experience the fun of hairpins in Xunpu Village. D3: Free Time in Quanzhou Explore Quanzhou freely, enjoy the food and fun, and your travel butler is always available to answer your questions. D4: Anping Bridge -> Cao'an Temple -> Wudian City Traditional Block -> Wanshou Pagoda -> Gusao Pagoda -> Luojia Temple Cross Anping Bridge and feel the charm of the ancient bridge, visit Cao'an Temple, stroll through Wudian City Traditional Block to experience the charm of Quanzhou's old streets, and finally, climb Wanshou Pagoda and Gusao Pagoda, and explore the mystery of Luojia Temple. 🎉End your pleasant Quanzhou trip and return home with wonderful memories! -------- Must-See Attractions: 🌟 Kaiyuan Temple 🌟🌟 Address: No. 176 West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City Opening Hours: 06:30-17:00 Duration: 1-2 hrs This thousand-year-old Buddhist temple has two towering east and west pagodas, and the majestic Hundred Pillar Hall exudes a profound sense of history. 🏛️ West Street 🏛️ Address: Intersection of Chengxi Road and West Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City Opening Hours: All day Duration: 1-2 hrs Walking on West Street is like traveling through time. The well-preserved ancient buildings make it a living architectural museum. 🎈 Wudian City Traditional Block 🎈 Address: No. 1 Jinshi Road, Jinjiang City, Quanzhou City Opening Hours: All day Duration: 1-2 hrs The Minnan-style buildings complement each other, creating picturesque scenery at every turn. 🛕 Guandi Temple 🛕 Address: No. 186-198 Tumen Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province Opening Hours: 06:00-18:00 Duration: 1 hr The ancient architecture of Guandi Temple is exquisite, and every couplet and inscription carries a rich history and culture. 🕍 Qingjing Mosque 🕍 Address: No. 108-110 Tumen Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province Opening Hours: 09:00-17:15 Duration: 1-2 hrs As a thousand-year-old temple, Qingjing Mosque showcases the characteristics of its brick and wood structure, with every brick and piece of wood seeming to tell ancient stories. -------- Tips: - Souvenir Prices: Quanzhou has a wide variety of souvenirs. Ginger Duck and Pineapple Cakes are good choices, with affordable prices and authentic Minnan flavor.～🎁 - Food Recommendations: Four Fruit Soup is refreshing, and Earthworm Jelly is chewy and delicious. Don't miss them when you visit Quanzhou!🍲 - February Weather: Quanzhou in February is warm and comfortable during the day and slightly cool at night. Remember to bring a light jacket!🧥 - Airport Transportation: Quanzhou Airport is not far from the city center. Taxis or buses are convenient, and it's even better without traffic jams!🚖 -------- Quanzhou, a famous historical and cultural city, awaits your exploration. Don't miss any of the beautiful scenery!

|A quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. Cao'an Temple is a Manichaeism (also known as Mingjiao) temple in the Song Dynasty. Initially, it was a thatched hut, which was rebuilt into a stone chamber in 1339. A statue of Mani Buddha was carved against the mountain wall. It is the only remaining stone statue of Mani Buddha in the world. Manichaeism is a religion founded by the Persian Mani in the middle of the 3rd century AD. What is more well-known here may be the "Ming Cult" mentioned in Mr. Jin Yong's work "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber". In 1991, a UNESCO delegation was delighted when they saw the statue of Mani Buddha and said: "This discovery has global and historical significance." A black-glazed kiln of the "Ming Church" was unearthed around the temple, and cliff carvings with records of events were preserved, demonstrating Quanzhou's strong cultural tolerance. Tips: Although Caoan Temple is small, it is recommended to go there in the morning, as it gives you a more peaceful and quiet feeling in the mountains. After visiting, you can go directly to Wudian City to continue your tour.

||The only remaining site of the Mingjiao in the world. [EarPlugMonkey] originated in the Shaoxing period of the Song Dynasty and was named after it was originally built with straw. In the fifth year of the Yuan Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Shundi of the Yuan Dynasty, it was changed into a stone hip-and-gable style building and was listed as a World Cultural Heritage and a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. [EarPlugMonkey] Cao'an is the only remaining Mani Buddha and Manichean temple in my country, and also the only existing Manichean temple site in the world. Manichaeism was formerly known as "Mingjiao" in my country. It was founded by the Persian Mani in the third century AD. It worships light. The Mingjiao described by Jin Yong is related to this. [RoundNails] Location: No. 92, Sunei Village West Road, Luoshan Street, Jinjiang City, Quanzhou City [Car] Transportation: Self-driving, taxi is more convenient [Drops] Tickets: Free [Drops] Parking: Free

The legendary 【Cao'an Temple】, the only remaining Manichean site in the world, is the 'Mingjiao' from Jin Yong's novels. Ever since I was young, reading Jin Yong's novels, the Mingjiao from 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber' was particularly memorable. When I learned that Jinjiang's Cao'an Temple is the only remaining Manichean (Mingjiao) temple in the world, I was already intrigued. No matter what, I had to come and see it for myself~ Cao'an Temple is not big; it is a small temple. Entering from the mountain gate 'Wanshan Meifeng', you can see Cao'an after walking about fifty meters. It is located halfway up the mountain, with giant rocks as walls, surrounded by ancient and lush trees, a very quiet place. As a niche and less popular attraction, there are not many tourists here. Transportation: 🚗 It takes about half an hour to get here by taxi from the downtown area. 🎫: Free

The legendary Cao'an Temple, the only remaining Manichean site in the world, also known as 'Mingjiao' from Jin Yong's novels, is located at the southern foot of Huabiao Mountain in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province. Cao'an Temple was established during the Shaoxing period of the Song Dynasty. Initially constructed from thatch, hence the name 'Cao'an' (Thatched Hut), it has been preserved to this day. In the fifth year of Emperor Shun of Yuan Dynasty (1339 AD), it was rebuilt into a stone structure with a hip-and-gable architectural style. Growing up reading Jin Yong's novels, the Mingjiao from 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber' left a deep impression on me. Learning that Jinjiang's Cao'an Temple is the only remaining Manichean (Mingjiao) temple in the world, I felt an urge to visit it no matter what. Cao'an Temple is not large; it is a small temple. Entering from the mountain gate 'Wanshan Meifeng', you can see the temple after walking about fifty meters. It is located halfway up the mountain, with giant rocks as walls, surrounded by ancient and lush trees, a very quiet place. As a niche and less popular tourist spot, there are hardly any visitors here.

Life advice: Be sure to leave 2 days for Jinjiang when you come to Quanzhou! Jinjiang is really a treasure, you must come to Jinjiang when you come to Quanzhou! Not only are there Minnan ancient residential buildings (Wudianshi, Wulin traditional village), the only Manichaean site, but also the longest stone bridge in the Middle Ages (Wuli Bridge) and a beautiful coastline. Jinjiang two-day tour route: Day 1: Wudianshi traditional street block - Caoan Temple - Longshan Temple - White Pagoda - Anping Bridge (Wuli Bridge) - Anhai Sanli Street Day 2: Tangdong Beach - Weitou Jinsha Bay - Yakou Beach - Jinjiang Wulin Traditional Village Attractions introduction Wudianshi traditional street block: The origin of Jinjiang city, with Minnan characteristic "Imperial Palace" red brick buildings, Chinese and Western combined foreign buildings and other Ming and Qing, Republic of China to modern characteristic buildings, well preserved Jinjiang Wulin traditional village: There are both Minnan official large houses, Nanyang foreign buildings, and Roman, Gothic foreign buildings, the shooting location of Zhao Liying's photos Jinjiang cuisine: Anhai earth bamboo shoots freeze, Anhai vegetable cakes, noodle paste, Shenhuh fish balls, pot rice, fist mother, beef soup, Yingdu glutinous rice, pork dregs, Yakou taro balls and so on