Top attractions: Sanfang Qixiang, Pingtan Island, Gushan Mountain, Fuzhou West Lake Park, Yantai Mountain, Shangxiahang, Fudao Skywalk, Xichan Temple, Qida Village
Local delicacies: Guobian soup, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, fish balls, meat swallows, oyster cakes
đź“ŤXiamen
A coastal city with a fresh, artistic vibe. Stroll through the historic buildings of Gulangyu Island, ride a bike along the seaside on Huandao Road, and explore the creative shops of Shapowei. The fresh seafood is irresistible and will leave you wanting more.
Xiamen Island Ring Road
Top attractions: Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, Zhongshan Road, Shapowei, Baicheng Beach, Sunlight Rock, Huangcuo Beach, Jimei School Village
Local delicacies: Shacha noodles, oyster omelets, ginger duck, baby clams, five-spice rolls, coconut cakes
đź“ŤQuanzhou
Once a maritime trading hub during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Quanzhou’s historical charm is undeniable. The East and West Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple stand as symbols of the city’s ancient glory. Wander through Xijie Street and enjoy local specialties like mianxianhu and meat dumplings, feeling the city’s vibrant daily life.
Top attractions: Xunpu Village, Kaiyuan Temple, Qingyuan Mountain, Bell Tower, Xijie Street, Quanzhou Museum, Tianhou Temple, Southern Shaolin Temple, Moon Bay Beach
Local delicacies: Mianxianhu (vermicelli soup), beef stew, jelly made from sea worms, sweet and sour pork, meat dumplings, peanut soup
đź“ŤZhangzhou
An eco-friendly city with a rural charm. The Tulou earthen buildings in Nanjing are like ancient fortresses that tell stories of the past. The clear blue skies and crystal waters of Dongshan Island offer a peaceful retreat. Zhangzhou is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy life.
Dongshan
Top attractions: Zhangzhou Old Town, Yunshuiyao Ancient Village, Dongshan Island, Lingtong Mountain, Volcano Island, Zhenhai Cape, Puzhao Temple
Local delicacies: Four-fruit soup, cat porridge, meat dumplings, boiled meat, fried pancakes, cane juice with Pientzehuang
đź“ŤPutian
As the birthplace of Mazu, the goddess of the sea, Putian attracts many worshipers to Meizhou Island. The city’s culinary delights, such as braised noodles and pork with seaweed, are unforgettable. Here, you can experience both the power of faith and the warmth of local cuisine.
Meizhou Island
Top attractions: Meizhou Island, Jiuli Lake, Guanghua Temple, Xinghua Mansion Historic Block, Nanri Island, Jiulong Valley, Goose Tail Stone Park, Mazu Cultural Park
Local delicacies: Red sticky rice balls, sweet potatoes, braised tofu, stir-fried rice noodles with bean paste, braised noodles, lychee pork
đź“ŤNanping
A city renowned for its natural beauty and intellectual heritage. The stunning peaks and rivers of Wuyi Mountain are like a living painting. Glide down the river on a bamboo raft and you’ll feel like you’re in a paradise. Nanping is a place that will captivate you and make you want to return again and again.
Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area
Top attractions: Wuyi Mountain, Longchuan Canyon, Qinglong Waterfall, Nanping Museum, One-Line Sky, Nine-Bend Creek
Local delicacies: Wuyi Mountain Dahongpao tea, smoked goose, dumplings, guangbing (a type of hard flatbread), Zixi noodles
đź“ŤSanming
A treasure trove of greenery, with breathtaking landscapes. The golden waters of Taining’s Great Golden Lake will leave you spellbound, while the local cuisine, including the famous Sha County snacks, will satisfy your appetite. Visit Sanming to experience the beauty of nature and indulge in mouthwatering food.
Dajin Lake
Top attractions: Great Golden Lake, Taining Jiulongtan, Yuhua Cave, Youxi Guifeng Village, Sha County, Taoyuan Cave, Shangqing Creek, Ganlu Rock Temple
Local delicacies: Ke noodles, Yong’an boiled meat, Sha County steamed dumplings, Mingxi meat jerky, Jiangle tea
đź“ŤLongyan
A cradle of the Hakka culture and a key site in China’s revolutionary history. The site of the Gutian Conference is a significant place in Chinese revolutionary history. The impressive Hakka Tulou buildings in Yongding are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Longyan is a place where you can experience both the red revolutionary culture and the unique charm of the Hakka heritage.
Yongding Tulou
Top attractions: Yongding Tulou, Chuxi Tulou Cluster, Changting Old Town, Guanzhai Mountain, Qianlu Lake, Wolong Academy, Chengqi Building
Local delicacies: Changting tofu, “dustpan” dumplings, fried light cake, clear broth noodles, Longyan peanuts, taro dumplings
đź“ŤNingde
With its stunning coastal landscapes, Ningde is a feast for the eyes. The mudflats of Xiapu look like a painting, and Yushan Island is like a fairyland. The jagged peaks of Taimu Mountain are awe-inspiring, and Fuding meat slices are a must-try local specialty.
Ningde
Top attractions: Xiapu Mudflats, Arrow Island, Taimu Mountain, Yangjia Stream, Half Moon Village, Xiawei Island, Dajing Beach in Xiapu, Baishuiyang Scenic Area
Local delicacies: Fuding meat slices, She minority rice, beef vermicelli, taro noodles
Travel Tips for Fujian:
- The Yongding Tulou is far more impressive than the Tianluokeng Tulou cluster. From a bird’s eye view, these round earthen buildings resemble secret military bases. Known as the “Divine Fortress,” this description isn’t an exaggeration. Recommended route: Zhencheng Lou – Rusheng Lou – Fulu Lou – Shize Lou – Chengqi Lou.
- Visit Pingtan Island to experience the vast blue sea, and don’t miss a stunning sunrise at Donghai Fairyland. As the first rays of morning light break the horizon, the warm orange glow on your face creates a truly romantic atmosphere.
- If you’re planning to visit Pingtan Island in winter, check the weather beforehand. Go only when it’s sunny, as the photos will turn out much better. Avoid cloudy days, as strong winds and a grey sky will ruin the experience.
- Some people say Sanfang Qixiang isn’t that exciting, but you need to explore it deeply to truly appreciate its rich cultural heritage. You can enjoy local snacks while soaking in the historical ambiance.
- Fujian’s tourist attractions are scattered, making it ideal for a road trip. Avoid group tours, as they often include visits to shopping spots where you might get overcharged. Doing some online research and planning a self-guided trip will be much more enjoyable.
- If you plan to visit Gulangyu Island, purchase ferry tickets in advance. During holidays, crowds can be overwhelming, and it might be difficult to get tickets on the same day. Make sure to start early.
- Fujian’s islands and bays experience significant temperature changes between day and night, so pack warm clothes. Don’t risk catching a cold by being unprepared.
- Qingyuan Mountain in Quanzhou is a unique place where five different religions coexist. Laojun Rock on the mountain is particularly worth visiting, along with other scenic spots.
- For the best photos of Quanzhou’s West Street, visit the 7Fun Rooftop Café. Order a drink and enjoy afternoon tea while taking in the scenery, especially at sunset when the golden light bathes the street below—simply stunning.
- Avoid buying jewelry from old towns and ancient streets, as many shops overcharge tourists. It’s better to just browse and take pictures.
- Don’t miss Shangxiahang in Fuzhou, especially after the rain. The misty atmosphere creates a dreamy landscape, and every photo you take will look fantastic.
- If you’re visiting Elephant Trunk Bay without a drone, it’s probably not worth the trip. It’s difficult to capture great photos with just a phone; the best shots come from an aerial perspective.
- Avoid taking private cars near the bus stations, as many drivers charge inflated rates. Instead, book a ride through a ride-hailing app for transparent pricing and fewer surprises.
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