Tumen Street

Introducing Tumen Street
Tumen Street is an ancient street located in downtown Quanzhou. Tumen Street, steeped in over a thousand years of history, acquired its name during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Legend recounts its vital role in the construction of Kaiyuan Temple’s magnificent pagodas, serving as the primary route for transporting materials. This connection to the temple fostered Tumen Street’s development into a vibrant commercial center, a role it has maintained since then. Quanzhou’s prominence as a major port on the Maritime Silk Road drew global merchants and traders, establishing Tumen Street as a prime location for businesses and a flourishing cultural melting pot.

Today, Tumen Street stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark. While the once-bustling activity of pagoda construction has faded into the annals of history, the street retains its unique charm. Traditional architecture lines the street, interspersed with shops showcasing local crafts, all contributing to the lingering spirit of the past.

Tumen Street Fast Facts
• AKA: Tushan Street, Earth Gate Street
• Chinese Name: Tú Mén Jiē 涂门街
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Shopping, Architecture
• Opening Hours: All Day (The Street), 9:00 – 22:00 (Most Shops & Stalls), 9:00 – 17:00 (Ancient attractions)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: South Street, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province

What to Expect at Tumen Street
Beyond the vibrant tapestry of shops and restaurants, Tumen Street unveils a treasure trove of ancient wonders. Journey through time as you encounter the majestic Qingjing Mosque, the sacred halls of Tonghuai Gate Temple of Yue Fei, and the tranquil oasis of Qipanyuan Garden. Each landmark echoes with stories of centuries past, weaving a rich historical narrative into the vibrant pulse of Tumen Street.

Qingjing Mosque
In the heart of Quanzhou, a whisper of the ancient Silk Road lingers in the elegant arches of the Qingjing Mosque. Built in 1009 AD by Arab traders who sailed the monsoon winds, it stands as the oldest existing Islamic mosque in China, a living testament to the city’s vibrant embrace of global cultures. Among China’s four great ancient mosques, alongside the Xianhe, Huaisheng, and Phoenix Mosques, the Qingjing Mosque holds a unique place. Its design, a symphony of graceful lines and intricate details, echoes the architectural traditions of the medieval Arab world, particularly the captivating Damascus style. Each arch and dome whispers tales of a time when Quanzhou thrived as a crossroads of civilizations, where the prayers of distant lands mingled with the sea breeze.

Tonghuai Guan Yue Temple
The grand Guan Yue Temple, dedicated to the legendary warrior Guan Yu (160-220 AD) and later joined by the revered general Yue Fei (1103-1142), is the largest temple of its kind in Fujian Province. Its majestic halls, with their intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and vibrant clay figures, narrate tales of valor and loyalty, drawing countless devotees seeking blessings and inspiration. What makes the temple truly unique is its centuries-long coexistence with the Qingjing Mosque on Tumen Street – an unique spectacle found only in Quanzhou. This harmonious blend of Eastern and Western traditions speaks volumes about the city’s open heart and its enduring legacy as a crossroads of civilizations.

Qipan Garden
Qipan Garden (Chessboard Garden) is a unique historical site in Quanzhou, reflecting the leisurely pursuits of Ming Dynasty officials. Its design, inspired by the game of Xiangqi (Chinese chess), features a distinct chessboard layout. Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the garden’s owner, a high-ranking official, would use the garden as a giant chessboard, with people representing the game pieces. From the Siqi Pavilion, he would oversee the ‘game,’ creating a living spectacle that blended entertainment with the garden’s beautiful landscape. Today, visitors can explore this fascinating garden, imagining the elaborate games that once unfolded here and appreciating the ingenuity of its design.

Confucian Temple
Nestled on Tumen Street, the Quanzhou Confucian Temple is a sprawling complex and a testament to the enduring influence of Confucianism in the region. Initially established during the Song Dynasty, it has undergone numerous expansions and renovations throughout its history, resulting in a harmonious blend of architectural styles from different eras. As the largest Confucian temple in Fujian province, it served not only as a place of worship for Confucius but also as an educational center. Today, the temple stands as a cultural landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich intellectual and spiritual heritage of Quanzhou.

Dongguan Xitai Ancestral Hall
The Dongguan Xitai Ancestral Hall was originally built in 1583 as the residence of Wu Longzheng, it earned its name “Dongguan Xitai” from his prestigious titles of Dongguan Reader-in-waiting and Xitai Imperial Censor, bestowed upon him after he achieved the coveted “jinshi” title in the highest imperial examination. Over a century later, in 1890, the Wu clan of Quanzhou, inspired by Wu Luding’s accomplishment of becoming the “zhuangyuan” (top scorer in the imperial examination), decided to transform the residence into a grand, prefecture-level ancestral hall. Spanning nearly 1,700 square meters, the hall is a marvel of meticulous design and construction.

How to Get to Tumen Street
• By Bus: Take bus 14 to Qipanyuan (Chessboard Garden) Station.