Putian Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Meizhou Island in October: Ocean views and sunrise from your bed

Visiting Meizhou Island in October? I really found a gem of an ocean-view homestay right next to Lianchi'ao Beach. ✨ The location is a huge plus. It's not far from Lianchi'ao Beach and just over 1 km from the Mazu Ancestral Temple and Mazu Cultural Tourism Zone. It's very convenient for visiting cultural sites and playing on the beach, making for a perfectly paced trip. The room faces the ocean directly, with a large viewing window that frames the entire blue sea. No need to get up early and crowd the beach; you can just lie in bed and wait for the sunrise over the ocean. 🌅 The interior is simple and fresh, spacious, with separate wet and dry bathroom areas. The bedding is soft and comfortable, making for a relaxing stay. The homestay offers thoughtful amenities, including a free shuttle service so you don't have to worry about transportation after arriving on the island. There's also a lounge and a sun deck—perfect for sitting on the terrace, feeling the sea breeze, and enjoying the perfect vibe. In October, Meizhou Island sheds the summer heat, the sea breeze is gentle, and there are relatively fewer tourists. Spend your days walking on the beach or visiting Mazu cultural sites. In the evening, return to the homestay, sit by the window, watch the sea slowly turn orange with the sunset, and listen to the sound of the tides. The owner is warm and genuine, and the value is great. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, this place is a perfect fit. If you're looking for a place close to the sea where you can watch the sunrise from bed, this is the one!

湄洲島看海聽潮民宿

Mastering the Ingredients, Authentic Fujian Cuisine! 🌟Michelin-Starred Putien🌟 . . 🔸Michelin Bib Gourmand Recommendation (2023-2026) This Singaporean Fujian restaurant🥢 brings the light, rustic charm and rich rural flavors of Putien to Hong Kong; its traditional Fujian dishes allow guests to savor the essence of Putien cuisine—freshness and lightness. October 1-31 🎊 26th Anniversary Dinner: Each guest receives a complimentary bottle of Spicy Mom Sauce🎁 Every so often, the restaurant introduces different seasonal ingredients—this time, eel‼️ Putien eel🐟 comes from Shunde, Guangdong, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Eel," Using only export-grade Japanese eel. Raised on imported cod powder, resulting in a more chewy texture and a richer fish flavor. 【Live Eel Duo Combo】 $298 🔸Puning Bean Paste Baked Live Eel Highly selective in its growth environment, resulting in limited quantity and high price (5-6 times more expensive than others ❤️) Produces firm, "muscular" eel 😍 High-quality eel delivers exceptional freshness. Export-Grade eel, truly different! 🔸Abalone and Chili Stir-Fried Pork Fried until fragrant and flavorful, perfect with rice 👅 Never gets old. 🔸Buddha Jumps Over the Wall in Golden Broth $228 p.p. A representative dish of Fujian cuisine, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall in Golden Broth. A rich and nourishing soup 💛 (Nanri abalone, sea cucumber, scallops, matsutake mushrooms, bamboo fungus, fish maw) 🔸Golden Lotus Leaf Wrap $38 p.p. Fragrant shredded pork wrapped in crispy lotus leaves. . ×××[Putian]××× ©Shop A, 7/F, Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay . #CausewayBayFood #Putian

Wincyholic󱱹1

Look beyond the shoe city label and discover Putian's mountains and sea

For many, Putian's first impression is tied to its shoe industry. Remove that fixed filter, and you'll find the hometown of Mazu, where the charm of a thousand-year-old city meets the blue of coastal mountains and sea. Ancient temples, red-roofed old streets, island beaches, and authentic Xinghua cuisine all hold the unique depth and gentleness of eastern Fujian, waiting to be truly appreciated. ✅Must-visit cultural and scenic spots ▫️Meizhou Island | Sacred land of Mazu culture The birthplace of global Mazu culture, surrounded by blue sea. The Ancestral Temple of Mazu sits against the mountain and faces the sea, with red walls and upturned eaves. Climb to the giant Mazu statue for a panoramic view of the strait. Ewei Shenshi Park features billion-year-old sea-eroded rock formations, with the Feiji Cave being particularly iconic. Jiubaolan Golden Beach has fine, soft sand, and the orange sunset over the sea creates a picture-perfect atmosphere. Rent an electric scooter on the island for a free-spirited tour. Skip the touting stalls at the dock and head to local fishermen's restaurants in town for more authentic seafood. ▫️Nanshan Guanghua Temple One of Fujian's four great ancient temples, open to the public for free. Ancient banyan trees tower overhead, the Southern Song Dynasty Sakyamuni Pagoda is simple and dignified, and the courtyard is quiet and serene, free from excessive commercialization. Be sure to try the temple's vegetarian noodles, light and comforting. After exploring, sit quietly in the meditation courtyard and soak in the Zen atmosphere of southern Fujian. ▫️Xinghuafu Historical and Cultural District The soul of Putian's old town, with bluestone-paved ancient streets and rows of arcade buildings and old houses. The ancient drum tower from the Song Dynasty stands tall in the city center, with lanterns lighting up one by one at dusk. The old streets are lined with long-standing local shops. Skip the trendy internet-famous spots and duck into any alley to encounter the authentic daily life of locals. ▫️Shouxi Park An ink-wash landscape within the city. The Yanshou River flows through, dotted with ancient bridges and old trees. Take a boat ride along the river or stroll beside it. Locals come here to enjoy tea and take leisurely walks. It's a great place to slow down and experience small-city life without rushing between attractions. ▫️Nanri Island (off-the-beaten-path alternative) More pristine than Meizhou Island, with windmill-lined coasts, fishing villages and harbors, and crystal-clear waters. It's famous for Nanri abalone. With fewer tourists and great-value seafood, it's ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds and quietly enjoy the sea and seafood. Access requires a ferry ride. ▫️Jiulihu Lake Located in Xianyou County, this is the birthplace of dream-praying culture. Waterfalls cascade down in layers, set within mountain valleys and lush forests. If you enjoy hiking through nature, a day trip here is a great option. 🗓3-day, 2-night relaxed itinerary Approach: Combine old-town culture with island scenery, avoid rushing, and balance food with sightseeing Day 1 Arrival and a leisurely stroll through the old town Take the high-speed rail to Putian Station and check in near the old town in Licheng District. In the afternoon, visit Nanshan Guanghua Temple, see the Song Dynasty stone pagoda, and try the vegetarian noodles. In the evening, explore Xinghuafu Ancient Street and the ancient drum tower. As night falls, admire the illuminated old street and sample Xinghua snacks to experience the charm of the old city. Day 2 Full day on Meizhou Island Head to Wenjia Dock and take the ferry to Meizhou Island. Visit the Ancestral Temple of Mazu in the morning, Ewei Shenshi Park in the afternoon, and wait for the sunset at Golden Beach in the evening. You can choose to stay overnight on the island and fall asleep to the sound of the waves, or return to the city for the night. Day 3 Choose between mountains or a remote island, then depart Option A (Mountain route): Head to Jiulihu Lake to see the waterfalls and canyons, then return in the afternoon. Option B (Island route): Head to Nanri Island, explore the fishing village and harbor, and enjoy fresh seafood. Streamlined 2-day option: City Guanghua Temple + Xinghuafu Ancient Street + Meizhou Island, covering all the highlights. 🍲Must-try Xinghua cuisine 🍜Putian braised noodles: A signature dish at local banquets, cooked in bone broth with oysters, dried scallops, and shiitake mushrooms. The rich, savory sauce coats every noodle. A must-try in Putian. 🥘Qiàng ròu (stir-fried pork): Tender pork slices with tofu balls, a classic street food that captures the taste of home-style Putian cooking. 🥟Putian pan-fried buns: Thin wrappers with a generous filling of vermicelli and pork. A hidden gem at street-side breakfast stalls. 🍲Stewed tofu: A signature Xinghua dish with rich ingredients, fresh and mellow in flavor. 🦪Oyster omelet and Mazu noodles: Island-exclusive flavors of Meizhou Island. 🍡Red dumplings and golden rice cakes: Traditional festive pastries, sweet and chewy. 🏨Accommodation recommendations ✅Top pick: Near Xinghuafu Ancient Street in Licheng District. Convenient location, with snack streets right at your doorstep and easy access to Wenjia Dock. Options for every budget. ✅Alternative: Homestays at Lianchi'ao on Meizhou Island. For an immersive island experience, stay in a sea-view homestay and wake up to the sunrise and the sound of the waves. 💡Tip: Accommodation on Meizhou Island is limited during holidays, so book well in advance. Island lodging tends to be pricey; if you're on a budget, stay in the city. 🚗Travel tips ✅Transportation: High-speed rail goes directly to Putian Station. Take the ferry from Wenjia Dock to Meizhou Island. Purchase tickets online via the official WeChat account; round-trip ferry tickets and island admission are included, with frequent departures. Electric scooter rentals on the island cost 50–60 yuan per day, the best way to get around. ✅Best season: April–June and September–November offer comfortable weather and clear seas. In summer, be sure to use sun protection at the beach. ⚠️Important reminders On Meizhou Island, avoid restaurants that tout for business at the dock. Instead, head to the local fishermen's eateries in town. Guanghua Temple is a religious site. Dress modestly, avoid shorts and skirts, and refrain from using flash photography inside the halls. Rocks on the island can be slippery. Be mindful of the tides and stay safe when playing near the sea. Ferry service to Nanri Island is limited. Confirm the schedule before you go. Take your time exploring the old streets. Many of the best flavors are hidden in the alleys, so don't limit yourself to internet-famous spots. 💡In a nutshell Look past the label and see Putian for what it truly is. Beyond industry, there's a thousand-year Mazu heritage, the lively streets of the old town, and stunning coastal scenery. Come and discover the real heart of Xinghua's mountains, sea, and people.

BollywoodBeats123

You guys have to see this! This seaside park is absolutely stunning.

Seaside Swan Castle, live out your runaway princess dream 🧚 Deep-sea tunnel, an immersive date with schools of fish 🧜 Sunset coaster, ride the sea breeze into romance 🚂 Morning at the window, a gentle gaze from a giraffe 🦌 When in Quanzhou, don't just visit West Street for flower hairpins 💐 This seaside castle 🏰, where fairy tales really come to life! Just got back, here's the ultimate guide for you! ✅ Transportation 🚗 ✈️ | Quanzhou Jinjiang Airport, about 40 mins by taxi 🚄 | Quanzhou East Station, 25 mins by taxi, or take bus 707 directly 🚙 | Driving navigation 👉 Quanzhou Oulebao Resort (Zhangban Town, Hui'an County) · Quanzhou City Center | about 30 mins · Xiamen | about 1 hr · Putian | about 1 hr 🚌 | Free hotel shuttle, easy travel between park areas! ✅ Itinerary 🗺️ Day 1 Afternoon check-in at Giraffe Hotel 🦌 ➡ Undersea World 🐠 ➡ Mermaid show 🧜 ➡ Dolphin interaction 🐬 ➡ Russian circus 🎪 ➡ Enjoy the rides 🎢 Day 2 Breakfast at Giraffe Restaurant + feed the deer 📸 ➡ Photo op at Seaside Swan Castle 🏰 ➡ Pet the animals at the Pet Park ➡ Return trip ✅ Photo spots 📸 ✅ Undersea tunnel | Deep blue sea, perfect atmosphere ✅ Giraffe Manor | Easily get those grassland-style photos 🦌 ✅ Swan Castle | European-style castle, a must-visit for princess-style photos 🏰 ✅ Rapids ride | Capture the splashes, full of energy 🌊 ✅ Pet interaction area | Cute animals, super heartwarming 🥰 ✅ Travel tips 📩 ① Highly recommend the Giraffe Manor Hotel! Sea views from the terrace, giraffes by the window, and feeding them at breakfast is super cute 🪟 ② Check show times in advance to avoid missing out ⏰ ③ Sun hat 🧢, sunglasses 🕶, and comfortable shoes 👟 for stress-free walking ④ Bring some snacks, the park is huge and you'll get hungry 🥫 Come to Quanzhou and encounter a seaside fairy tale ✨

Incandescentbutterfly4

Stop crowding into popular ancient towns! This seaside castle is the ultimate romantic spot for early autumn

(Early Autumn | Quanzhou Oulebao Resort) Many people traveling to Quanzhou head straight to West Street for the traditional flower hairpins. But after visiting this seaside paradise in early autumn, you'll realize that fairy tales don't just exist in picture books. The sweltering heat of midsummer has faded, and the sea breeze has become gentle and refreshing. Without the surging summer crowds, the blue-and-white Swan Castle stands quietly by the coast. Walk through the 300m underwater tunnel as schools of fish glide slowly overhead, bathed in a soft blue glow. Ride the seaside train as it moves slowly along, with the salty autumn breeze on your face—on one side, the colorful park; on the other, the vast ocean. Stay at the Giraffe Manor Hotel, where you can open your window in the morning and lock eyes with a giraffe, as if you've stumbled into a dreamlike secret realm embraced by the sea. If you plan to spend two days slowly soaking in this healing experience, you can save this tested early autumn travel guide. 🚗 | Transportation Guide ✈️ Fly into Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport; it takes about 40 mins by taxi to reach the resort. 🚄 High-speed rail: It's best to arrive at Quanzhou East Station. It takes about 25 mins by taxi from the station, or you can take bus 707 directly to the park entrance. 🚙 Driving: Navigate directly to "Quanzhou Oulebao Resort (Zhangban Town, Hui'an County)." It takes about 30 mins from downtown Quanzhou, and about 1 hour from Xiamen or Putian. Parking is capped at CNY 20 per day. Driving is recommended for more flexibility. 🏨 Tip: Guests staying at official resort hotels can take the free internal shuttle to travel between parks and enjoy re-entry privileges, so you don't need to buy tickets repeatedly. This is very cost-effective. 🗺️ Two-day leisurely itinerary (early autumn off-peak version) Day 1 | Deep dive into the Ocean Kingdom and wait for the romantic night After checking into the Giraffe Manor Hotel, take a short rest before entering the Ocean Kingdom. Head straight to the Underwater World to catch the mermaid underwater performance, then head to the Dolphin Theater to watch the lively dolphin show. Remember to book the Russian Circus online in advance; it's the park's signature show, and it's easy to run out of seats if you're late (⚠️ The circus is closed on Mondays, so try to avoid traveling on Mondays). In the evening, take your time experiencing various rides. If you visit on a weekend, wait for the castle fireworks show—the autumn evening breeze combined with fireworks creates an incredible atmosphere. Day 2 | Morning interaction with cute animals, roaming the fairy tale world, and heading home Wake up early for breakfast at the Giraffe Manor Hotel restaurant. You can book a giraffe feeding experience. The morning light is soft, making it the best time for photos with the giraffes. After breakfast, head to the Fairy Tale World park to stroll around. Visit the Petting Zoo to interact with the gentle animals. After a leisurely walk, you can end your trip and head home. 📸 | Exclusive early autumn photo spots & best times (tested tips) ▪️ Underwater Tunnel: It is recommended to come right when the park opens at 9:30 AM or one hour before closing to avoid the tour group peaks at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Stand at the corner at the end of the tunnel, wear light-colored clothing, and capture the blue-toned silhouettes of manta rays swimming overhead for a great atmosphere. ▪️ Seaside Swan Castle: The golden hour in autumn is 4:00–5:00 PM, when the sunset casts a warm golden glow on the castle walls. Avoid the harsh midday light. Take photos from the lawn on the side of the castle, where you can also capture the distant sea. It is not recommended to crowd into the front. ▪️ Giraffe Manor Terrace: The light is softest during the breakfast feeding time from 8:00–9:00 AM. Do not take photos at noon, as overhead lighting can make the images look harsh. ▪️ Hidden Fireworks Spot: Don't crowd the steps directly in front of the castle. Choose the grassy slope to the right of the Whale Pavilion. It's less crowded, and you can capture both the castle silhouette and the fireworks in the sky for better photos. 💡 | Early autumn travel tips & advice (tried and tested) 1. The temperature difference between day and night by the sea in early autumn is significant! The interior of the Polar Ocean World is very cold. Even if the weather is warm during the day, it is recommended to carry a light jacket. Seniors and children should be especially careful to avoid catching a cold. 2. You must book seats for the Russian Circus via the mini-program as soon as the park opens. It fills up very quickly on weekends and holidays. There are no circus performances on Mondays, so please keep this in mind when planning your trip. 3. You can bring unopened snacks and empty water bottles into the park. There is free drinking water available, which can save you quite a bit on park expenses. For the Atlantis Rapids ride, it is recommended to bring your own disposable raincoat, as they are expensive to buy on-site. 4. The castle fireworks show is only available on weekends in early autumn and generally not on weekdays. Be sure to check the official WeChat account for the daily performance schedule before you go to avoid missing the main show. 5. The park is very large, so be sure to wear comfortable, soft-soled shoes. If you are bringing young children, try to bring your own stroller, as the number of rental strollers in the park is limited and they are easy to run out of. 6. If you are on a budget, you don't necessarily have to stay at the Giraffe Manor Hotel. Other official resort hotels also enjoy free shuttle and re-entry privileges, so you can choose according to your needs. The early autumn sea breeze blows away the hustle and bustle. You don't need to travel abroad; you can encounter a whole seaside fairy tale dream right here in Quanzhou.

Rivera-~Elizabeth

Putian Southern Shaolin Temple | A thousand-year-old Zen and martial arts sanctuary hidden in the Min mountains

📍Location: Putian · Southern Shaolin Temple Who would have thought that hidden among the mountains of Putian lies this Southern Shaolin Temple, brimming with the spirit of the martial arts world! As soon as you step through the mountain gate, the magnificent stone archway greets you. The large characters for "Southern Shaolin Temple" stand quietly, while the red walls, dark tiles, and layered eaves create a rich atmosphere of ancient Chinese architecture, making you feel as if you have traveled into a martial arts story. A stone bridge spans the release pond, and white stone railings line the stone path as you walk deeper into the ancient temple. As the breeze passes through the halls, you cannot help but feel a sense of inner peace. The entire temple is built against the mountain, with halls arranged in a scattered layout. Vermilion gates, hanging red lanterns, and rustic incense burners stand quietly, with incense smoke curling in the air. Stone pillars and inscriptions silently tell the stories of the ages, while pavilions, corridors, and courtyards offer a new view with every step. Here, you can not only appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture but also encounter spectacular Shaolin martial arts performances, witness the power of Nanquan firsthand, and experience the unique charm of the fusion between Zen and martial arts culture. Following the stone steps upward, you will find prayer installations. Come here to make a wish and hope for all your desires to be fulfilled, and for peace and longevity. Surrounded by lush trees and fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll to quietly experience a thousand years of Zen. Whether you are a fan of ancient architecture and martial arts culture, or simply want to find peace and offer prayers, the Southern Shaolin Temple is worth a special trip. 📝 Travel tips ✅ Allow 2–3 hours for your visit to take your time exploring and photographing the ancient architecture ✅ Check the martial arts performance schedule in advance so you do not miss the show ✅ Please remain quiet while visiting the temple and be respectful when offering prayers ✅ The temperature on the mountain is slightly lower, so bring a light jacket

EmiliaRinne

Meizhou Island, Putian | A mountain and sea getaway in the hometown of Mazu

📍Location: Putian · Meizhou Island You won't believe it! Fujian is home to this healing island in the sea. This is the hometown of Mazu, featuring both rich cultural heritage and stunning blue seas and beaches. One trip lets you experience both the tranquility of faith and the romance of the ocean. You need to take a boat to get to the island. Standing on the ferry, feeling the salty sea breeze, and watching the island slowly approach from afar, the anticipation for the trip reaches its peak. After arriving, the must-see is the Mazu Ancestral Temple. Red walls and ancient houses are built against the mountain, with layers of halls spreading along the hillside. The huge Mazu stone statue stands quietly facing the sea, with wisps of incense smoke curling. Walking between the ancient halls, with red lanterns swaying in the wind, your heart naturally calms down. Besides the ancient temples, the sea views of Meizhou Island are breathtaking. The Rainbow Road winds along the coastline, with the blue sea on one side and lush forests on the other. Every shot is an atmospheric masterpiece. The unique sea-eroded caves, with natural stone frames framing the entire blue sea, and the collision of reefs and waves, make the scenery spectacular and photogenic. There are long golden beaches and clear, bright seawater. The island also has many sea-view homestays where you can face the endless sea while lying in bed. The infinity pool connects with the blue sea, and watching the sunrise and sunset is absolutely incredible. If you are lucky, you can also encounter special folk activities, lively intangible cultural heritage performances, and beach bonfire parties, feeling the vibrant local life of the island. No need to rush your itinerary. Stroll slowly on the island, walk on the beach, listen to the waves hitting the reefs, and see the ancient temples hidden between the mountains and the sea. It offers both the solemnity of seeking blessings and the relaxation of a seaside vacation. It is perfect for solo travel, couples' trips, or family vacations. ✅Travel Tips ▫️Getting to the island: Take a boat from Wenjia Pier and remember to check the ferry schedule in advance ▫️Transportation: Rent an electric scooter on the island for a flexible and convenient way to get around ▫️What to wear: The UV rays are strong by the sea, so use sun protection and wear light-colored clothes for better photos ▫️Food: Fresh seafood is available on the island, so be sure to try the local snacks

A World of Flavor

Putian Meifeng Guangxiao Temple | Plum blossoms open in the snow, a peak rises within the city

Camellias have not reached full bloom yet, and there are no plum buds in sight, but I came anyway. The warm winter days are really perfect for shooting outdoors — the temperature was just right, the sun felt mildly warm, and the sea winds couldn't reach the city center. Dongshan Bao'en Temple is not far from Meifeng Guangxiao Temple. This area has many attractions, such as the Xinghua Prefecture historical and cultural district, Xinghua Prefecture City God Temple, the Sanqing Hall of Yuanmiao Taoist Temple, the ancient Qiao Tower, and Wenfeng Palace. If you're visiting Putian from out of town, consider staying nearby. Meifeng Guangxiao Temple sits on Shengli North Street in central Putian. Founded in the eighth year of Yuanfeng in the Song dynasty (1085), it is the site of one of Putian's 24 scenic spots, "Morning bell of the Plum Temple." It is also a nationally important temple and one of Putian's four major Buddhist monastic complexes (the other three are Nanshan Guanghua Temple, Guishan Fuqing Temple, and Nangshan Cishou Temple). As the name suggests, "Meifeng" is related to plum trees: in ancient times the hill was planted with plum trees and was also called Meizigang. Today the temple still has a stand of plum trees, and when the plum blossoms bloom each year, visitors flock to admire the beauty of the plum grove in this Buddhist realm. Meifeng originally had only a Guanyin pavilion. In the eighth year of Yuanfeng under Emperor Shenzong of the Song dynasty, the owner of Meifeng prayed to Guanyin and was blessed with a noble son; he donated more than 100 acres of land on Meizigang to expand it into a Buddhist temple. In the second year of Chongning (1103), Emperor Huizong personally bestowed the inscribed plaque "Meilin Foguó," and the following year he granted the plaque "Chongning Chan Temple," after which the temple became one of Putian's four major monastic complexes. In the first year of Zhenghe (1111), the temple was renamed "Tianning Wanshou Temple" by imperial decree. In the seventh year of Shaoxing (1137), Emperor Gaozong bestowed the plaque "Bao'en Guangxiao Temple." In the twelfth year of Shaoxing (1142) it was renamed "Guangxiao Temple," and that name has been used ever since, with "Meifeng" becoming permanently associated with Guangxiao Temple. Meifeng Temple faces east and is built along the hillside. The mountain gate archway stands on the street, and the children at Meifeng Primary School across the way can be heard clearly. Beside the archway an elderly woman is folding silver offerings; I remember there used to be many fortune-tellers' stalls by the gate, but there are far fewer now. Passing through the Hall of Heavenly Kings, an antique pavilion suddenly appears, with a plaque reading "Meilin Foguó" hanging in the center, its simple calligraphy complementing the pavilion. In the small courtyard between the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the worship pavilion stand two stele stones, one on each side. The osmanthus has already bloomed, and the camellias are heavy with buds — when they all come into full bloom, it will be another irresistible sight. Looking toward the Mahavira Hall from the worship pavilion, the hall appears solemn, and someone is praying devoutly before the Buddha. Climbing the steps, I saw vegetables laid out to dry on the plaza in front of the hall, with an elderly monk turning them. Sunlight streamed in from the west, and under the covered walkways and trees small groups of monks sat basking in the warm sun — perhaps this is part of their practice. I lifted my camera to capture the moment. This is my practice. Continuing deeper into the temple, the plum trees in the grove still have withered leaves and no blossoms yet; perhaps the plum blossoms will not be at their best until the first lunar month. The Great Compassion Hall occupies a high position, and from the plaza in front of the main hall you can look down over the temple, where the buildings are clearly laid out, orderly, and radiate a peaceful serenity. Local devotees often come to burn incense and pray for their wishes. Whether or not you are a Buddhist, cultivate kindness and do good deeds, for all beings are Buddha. If you act only with malice and spare no one, no amount of incense will help.

Inspire_Zoe_26

I thought there were no good hotels in Xianyou, but I was proven wrong.

I was on a three-day business trip in Xianyou and had to try two other places before settling on this Jingjiang Boutique Hotel (Xianyou High-Speed Railway Station Branch). Honestly, I didn't have high expectations; I just hoped for a clean hotel in a small town. To my surprise, it was renovated in 2024. The environment is simple and elegant, and they even have robot delivery service. It's great to enjoy such quality for a reasonable price. The room is spacious, bright, and clean. The mattress is truly soft—once I lay down, I didn't want to move. The bathroom has a separate wet and dry area, so I finally don't have to step on a wet floor with bare feet. The suite even has a tea area. Brewing a pot of tea and zoning out alone at night, the fatigue from my business trip vanished instantly. The family room even has a children's tent prepared for families—so thoughtful. I didn't have to worry about food at all. The hotel offers breakfast, and a food street is just a few minutes' walk away, featuring local snacks like Xianyou bianshi and Xinghua rice noodles. I ate at the Mingdu Restaurant next door twice. Locals were actually queuing up, so it's not a tourist trap. ⭐Amenities: Free parking, washing machines, and a gym are available, so I didn't have to save up my laundry to take home after a few days of business travel. It's very close to the high-speed railway station, making overnight layovers very convenient. 🚕Nearby attractions: ✅Walking distance: Fengting Food Street, where you can find local snacks like Xinghua rice noodles, Xianyou bianshi, and Fengting cake all in one place. ✅30-min drive: Putian Arts and Crafts City to see traditional crafts like wood carving, stone carving, and gold and silver jewelry. ✅Within 1-hour drive: Jiuli Lake to see waterfalls, Caixi Rock for hiking, a day trip to Meizhou Island (the holy land of Mazu), praying at Nanshan Guanghua Temple, and hiking at Shigu Jie. Xianyou is more than just a transit stop. Choosing a good hotel to stay and explore at a leisurely pace is actually very comfortable.

EetuKuosma

Shangri-La Putian | Hide away by the banks of the Shouxi River for a Fujian-style getaway

✨ A hidden gem of a 5-star hotel right next to Shouxi Park, bringing the poetic landscapes of Putian into the city for the ultimate vacation vibe. Step into the lobby and be greeted by new Chinese-style design. With elegant water features, Zen bonsai, and grand artistic chandeliers, you will shed the fatigue of the city the moment you arrive, instantly immersed in an Oriental atmosphere. Stay in a river-view room featuring warm wooden decor, a spacious and comfortable living area, and refined bathroom details. Pull back the curtains to take in the lush greenery along the Shouxi River. Watch the sunset wash over the river as high-rises and forests reflect one another, where city and nature coexist in harmony. The hotel's amenities are so good you won't want to leave all day. Enjoy a swim in the indoor pool with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, keep up with your fitness routine in the well-equipped gym, or soak away your fatigue in the signature hot spring pools for a truly immersive relaxation experience. Treat your taste buds at the all-day dining restaurant, where bamboo lanterns create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Indulge in a dazzling array of delicious food for a cozy dining experience throughout the day. No need to travel far. At Shangri-La Hotel, Putian, you can enjoy lush river views, hot springs, swimming, gourmet dining, and a restful sleep all in one place. Whether you are planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a weekend escape from the daily grind, this is the perfect choice.

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