Zhangzhou
Zhangzhou (漳州; Chiang-chiu in Minnan, Zhāngzhōu in Mandarin) is a city of 4.8 million people (2010) in the west of Fujian Province in China.
Understand
Prefecture consists of: Xiangcheng District (芗城区), Longwen District (龙文区), Longhai City (龙海市), Changtai County (长泰县), Dongshan County (东山县), Hua'an County (华安县), Nanjing County (南靖县), Pinghe County (平和县), Yunxiao County (云霄县), Zhangpu County (漳浦县), Zhao'an County (诏安县)
Talk
Minnan is the main language spoken in Zhangzhou. The local dialect differs somewhat from that of neighbouring Xiamen, but they are still similar enough to be mutually intelligible. There are also dialectal differences between the Minnan spoken in different parts of the prefecture-level city, with the dialect in Zhao'an in particular having a strong Teochew influence, though in general, this should also not hinder communication too much. Most locals are also able to speak Mandarin, so Mandarin speakers would not have any problems getting around.
Get in
By bus
There are frequent buses from Xiamen (about 1 hour), as well as some direct service from most cities and counties in southern Fujian.
By train
There are two passenger stations in the Zhangzhou metropolitan area: Zhangzhou Railway Station and Zhangzhou East Railway Station.
The spacious new 🌍 Zhangzhou Railway Station (which was known as Zhangzhou South during the planning stage) sits on the new high-speed railway (the Xiamen-Shenzhen line) about 10 km south of downtown Zhangzhou. Many of the high-speed trains travelling along the coast from Xiamen, Fuzhou and points north to Shenzhen stop here. There is also high-speed service inland to Longyan; many of the conventional trains from Xiamen to destinations in the interior of China use that line too.
The older 🌍 Zhangzhou East Railway Station is remarkably inconveniently located (miles away from the city, with few signs posted along the road, and fairly limited bus service; even some of the locals have only a vague idea as to where it is). Many trains have been routed to the rail line south of the city and the Zhangzhou Railway Station, but a few (slower) trains run through Zhangzhou East.
Finally, there is the Zhangzhou North Station, just north of downtown Zhangzhou. Don't go there: even though older maps still call it "Zhangzhou Station" (this is how it was called until 2011), it has no passenger service anymore.
By plane
The closest passenger airport is in Xiamen.
Get around
The city has extensive local bus service, with several routes extending to outlying suburbs (some of which are really cities in their own right, such as Longhai).
By train
By bus
- 🌍 Nanjing Bus Station (南靖车站, 南靖汽车站), 129-6 Renmin Road, Shancheng Town (山城镇人民路129-6, ☏ +86 596 7835824. There are regular daily buses from Xiamen. Buses depart from the Fang Lake Bus Station (枋湖汽车站) in Xiamen's Huli District. The journey time is about 2 hours.
See
Zhangzhou urban area
- 🌍 Zhangzhou Museum (漳州市博物馆), Intersection of Yingbin Avenue and Longwen South Road, Longwen District (龙文区迎宾大道与龙文南路加叉口) (Bus routes 1, 5, 10, 23, 27, 902, b3, b8, b10 and b13), ☏ +86 596 2108779, zzsbwg@126.com. 09ː00-12ː00, 14ː30-17ː00 (15ː00-17ː30 during the summer), closed on Mondays. Zhangzhou's main museum. Free.
- 🌍 Nanshan Temple (南山寺), 11 Shuang'an Road, Xiangcheng District (芗城区双庵路11号) (Take bus no. 3 or 12 and get off at the pharmaceutical factory (制药厂) bus stop. From there, walk about 600 metres north down Nanshan Road), ☏ +86 596 2023939. 08ː30-17ː00. Built in the 8th century AD, the Nanshan Temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in southeastern China.Originally known as the Baoqu Institute (報劬院), the temple was built during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang during his Kaiyuan era (開元) and completed in 736 CE.In 968 CE during the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song it was repaired by the provincial governor Chen Wen (陈文) and renamed Chongfu Temple (崇福寺). Later on during the Ming dynasty, its name changed once more to the current "Nanshan Temple". ¥10.
- 🌍 Yundongyan Scenic Area (云洞岩风景区), Caiban Village, Lantian Town, Longwen District (龙文区蓝田镇蔡坂村) (Bus nos. 1, 6, 23, 25, 902, b6, sightseeing route 1 (观光1号线) and sightseeing route 2 (观光2号线)), ☏ +86 596 2102223, +86 596 2106258. 06ː30-18ː00. The only scenic area in Zhangzhou's main urban area to be designated as a 4A-rated tourist attraction by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The main feature is a rocky hill named Yundongyan (literally ‘Cloud Cave Rock'), which stands about 280 metres above sea level. Free.
Nanjing County
Most people travel to Nanjing County to see the Fujian Tulou clusters.
Zhangpu County
The Liu'ao Peninsula, in the southern part of Zhangpu County, has the ruins of an ancient fortress, good beaches, and interesting rock formations.
Xihu She Ethnic Township, also in Zhangpu County, has two 17th-century fortresses: Zhaojiabao and Yi'anbao.
Learn
Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College (厦门大学嘉庚学院) Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College is located in Zhangzhou Campus of Xiamen University, facing Siming Campus of Xiamen University across the sea. Established in 2003 with the approval of the Ministry of Education, the College is an independent college jointly organized by Xiamen University and Xiamen Jiageng Education Development Co., LTD., operating according to the new mechanism and new model . Jiageng College of Xiamen University has been applying for admission in this second batch since the day it was founded.
Buy
- Longhai Peanut Sauce: Longhai County is famous for its peanut sauce, which is rich in flavor and is often used in cooking, such as for stewed chicken and grilled dishes, or as a spread for bread.
- Zhangzhou Lychee: Lychee from Zhangzhou is a local specialty fruit known for its sweet taste and juicy flesh. Zhangzhou lychee is commonly consumed fresh and is also used to make lychee candies and other products.
- Zhangzhou Taro Pastries: Taro pastries are a popular type of pastry made primarily from taro. They have a crispy outer layer and a delicious filling, making them a delightful snack.
- Longhai Dried Oysters: Dried oysters from Longhai County are a traditional seafood product made through sun-drying. They have a unique flavor and are often used as a snack or ingredient.
- Zhangzhou Wenchang Chicken: Wenchang chicken is a local poultry specialty known for its tender meat. It is commonly used to prepare the traditional dish known as Wenchang chicken rice.
- Zhangzhou Wax Apples: Wax apples from Zhangzhou are a unique fruit with juicy flesh and a refreshing taste. They are typically enjoyed fresh and are also processed into products like fruit juice and ice cream.
Eat
Zhangzhou is most famous for its lor mee (卤面 lǔmiàn) braised noodles, the original version of a dish that's become even more well-known as an element of Singaporean, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisine. Other famous local specialities include muah chee (麻糍) and the local version of oyster omelette (蚵仔煎), which is different from the version in neighbouring Xiamen and the Taiwanese version, being crispier and served with pickled radish on the side.
Drink
Wuyi Rock Tea: Wuyi Mountain, under the jurisdiction of Zhangzhou City, is a renowned region for producing rock tea known for its unique rocky flavor and rich floral and fruity aromas. Varieties of Wuyi Rock Tea include Da Hong Pao, Shui Jin Gui, and Bai Ya Tou, making it one of China's top ten famous teas.
Zhangping White Tea: Zhangping, a city in the Zhangzhou region, is famous for its representation of white tea, known for its fresh white hair (buds) and tender leaves. Varieties of Zhangping white tea include Silver Needle (Yin Zhen) and White Peony (Bai Mu Dan), which have a mild flavor and high health benefits.
Puerh Tea: Zhangzhou is also one of the areas in Fujian known for producing Puerh tea, particularly the raw Puerh tea from Zhangping. This tea is made through fermentation and aging, resulting in a strong flavor and unique aged characteristics.
Black Tea: Zhangzhou's production area also yields high-quality black teas, including Zhangping black tea and Nanjing black tea. These black teas have a distinct black tea aroma and taste.
Sleep
Accommodation within the century-old Fujian Tulou is possible, offering a unique cultural experience. Many of the guest houses and inns are family-run and allow for a glimpse into the local rural life.
Go next
Take a bus to Nanjing County or Yongding County, and see Fujian Tulou, large fortified earth buildings which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Or go the opposite way, to Xiamen which is the hub of the region and has the scenic island Gulangyu.