Zhangzhou

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)

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).

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

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.

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.

Wuyi Mountain Longyan