Quanzhou泉州

Begin on foot in Licheng, where Kaiyuan Temple, West Street, Qingjing Mosque, the Confucian Temple and Tianhou Temple form a compact World Heritage core. Then choose one directional day trip: Jinjiang and Shishi for Cao'an, Wudian, pagodas and clothing trade; Huian for Luoyang Bridge, Chongwu and the coast; or Dehua, Yongchun and Anxi for porcelain, mountains and tea. Heritage buildings are real community and worship spaces, so dress and photograph respectfully and verify performances rather than assuming a daily show.