Zhangzhou sits on the banks of the Jiulong River in southern Fujian, close enough to Xiamen that the two have grown into a single urbanised area. The climate is humid subtropical: mild winters, and long, very hot and humid summers.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. The old city core is in Xiangcheng District, and the prefecture spreads out around Xiamen into further urban districts and a ring of counties. This guide covers which areas make sense as a base, and what each is like to stay in.
1. Xiangcheng District
Xiangcheng is the old city of Zhangzhou, and the most natural base for a first visit. Staying here puts you in the historic core rather than in the newer sprawl, and it is the area most clearly identified as the city proper's older centre.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be within the city rather than commuting in. Expect the usual mix of city accommodation rather than resort-style properties. Note that the old city is where the historic streets and the granite-paved lanes described in older accounts are found, so much of what you will want to walk to is close at hand.
2. Longwen District
Longwen is one of the urban districts that make up Zhangzhou proper, alongside Xiangcheng. It forms part of the built-up city rather than the surrounding countryside.
It suits travellers who want a quieter, more residential-feeling base while still being inside the urban area, and works for longer stays where you are not trying to be on top of the sights every day. Because the urban districts run together, moving between Longwen and the old city is straightforward.
3. Longhai District
Longhai is a further urban district of Zhangzhou, lying toward the coast and the approach to Xiamen. It is part of the same continuous metropolitan area as the city centre.
It suits visitors who want to be closer to the coast and the Xiamen side of the region, and who are comfortable basing themselves slightly away from the old city. It is a reasonable choice if your trip combines Zhangzhou with Xiamen, since the two urban cores have grown together.
4. Changtai District
Changtai is the fourth of Zhangzhou's urban districts and sits within the same metropolitan area. It is more outlying than Xiangcheng or Longwen.
It suits travellers with their own transport, or those whose plans centre on the northern and inland side of the prefecture rather than the old city. As with the other districts, you are inside the urban area, but you should expect to travel for the central sights.
5. The Tulou counties (Nanjing and Hua'an)
Accommodation within the century-old Fujian Tulou is possible, and staying in one is a distinct experience in its own right. Many of the guest houses and inns here are family-run and give a glimpse of local rural life.
This suits travellers who want the tulou to be the focus of their trip rather than a day excursion, and who are happy with a rural setting. It is not a city base: you are in the countryside, away from Zhangzhou's urban districts, so plan your transport accordingly.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: family-run guest houses and inns, particularly in the tulou areas, where the accommodation is simple and locally run.
- Mid-range: ordinary city accommodation in the urban districts, convenient for the old city and for transport links.
Best area for a first visit
Xiangcheng District is the best base for a first visit. It is the old city, so it puts you in the historic core of Zhangzhou rather than in the newer districts or the countryside. From here you can reach the rest of the urban area easily, and you can arrange a separate stay in the tulou counties if you want that experience without making it your only base.
Is Zhangzhou a good base for visiting Xiamen?
It can be. Zhangzhou proper lies about 35 miles from central Xiamen, and the two urban cores have grown to form a single urbanised area, so the two are closely linked. The high-speed station south of the city connects Zhangzhou to the Xiamen–Shenzhen line.
Which station should I arrive at?
Two passenger stations serve Zhangzhou. Zhangzhou East Railway Station, on the older Yingtan–Xiamen Railway, is northeast of the city. Zhangzhou Railway Station, south of the city, is the junction of the high-speed Xiamen–Shenzhen and Longyan–Xiamen lines.
Can I stay inside a Fujian Tulou?
Yes. Accommodation within the century-old Fujian Tulou is possible, and many of the guest houses and inns there are family-run. It is a rural stay rather than a city one.
When is the best time to visit?
Summers are long, very hot and humid, while winters are mild to warm. If you dislike heat and humidity, plan around the summer months.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.