Two-Day Leisure Stroll in Citong (Quanzhou)

Ever since my first visit to Quanzhou two years ago, I've been longing to return. Perhaps because Chaoshan and Minnan share cultural roots, stepping into this city always feels like coming home. Wandering through West Street and strolling around the old town instantly melted away my work fatigue. I encountered the incense-filled Guan Di Temple, admired the floral headdresses of the Xunpu women, meandered through Xiangfeng Alley, and gazed at the twin pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple standing tall in the distance. Immersed in this space, I felt the beautiful interplay of tradition and modernity. The ancient city keeps renewing itself with many new coffee shops and boutique guesthouses, each with unique charm. When I spotted that perfect window view, I knew immediately - this is where I'll stay, at Lushi Homestay. The window opposite my room framed my quintessential Quanzhou memory: blue skies, red-tiled roofs, and green trees. Though located in the bustling city center, it maintained a peaceful quiet. That night, I enjoyed a relaxing bath and slept soundly. These two days made me fall in love with Quanzhou all over again - starting mornings with nearby vermicelli soup, dunking fried dough sticks completely, and taking evening walks to West Street for crispy-sweet roasted white fruits. My second hometown - I'll be back many more times.