A Super Comprehensive Travel Guide to Longyan—Read This and Get Ready to Go!

Best Time to Visit Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. The temperature is comfortable from March to April, and you can also enjoy the canola flowers and cherry blossoms. From October to November, the weather is crisp and clear, perfect for hiking and enjoying the scenery. Try to avoid the rainy season from May to June. Accommodation Recommendations • Longyan City: Choose accommodation near the bus station or Wanda Plaza for convenient transportation, shopping, and dining. • Changting: Stay in the main urban area, like near Jichuan Gate, for convenient strolling and dining, and enjoy the beautiful night view of the ancient city in the evening. • Yongding Tulou: For an in-depth experience of Tulou life, choose to stay at Zhencheng Lou or Chengqi Lou, but book at least two weeks in advance. Transportation Guide • External Transportation: ◦ High-speed Rail: It takes about 2 hours from Xiamen North to Longyan. Book tickets in advance for better deals. ◦ Airplane: Liancheng Guanzhishan Airport has an airport bus to the city. • Local Transportation: ◦ Bus: Longyun Bus covers major scenic spots. Download the "Longyan Travel" app for more convenient travel. ◦ Chartered Car: CNY300–500 per day. You can book a local driver in advance, which is suitable for group travel. Must-See Attractions • Yongding Tulou: A World Cultural Heritage site and the filming location of Big Fish & Begonia. Don't miss Chengqi Lou, the "King of Tulou," and Zhencheng Lou, the "Prince of Tulou." It is recommended to arrive before 7am to capture the Tulou in the morning mist. • Guanzhishan: Known as "Bei Yi Nan Zhi, Danxia Shuangjue" together with Mount Wuyi. You can hire a guide to explain the unique geological wonders. Climbing the mountain takes about 2–3 hours, so remember to wear sports shoes. • Changting Ancient City: Rich in Hakka culture. Free to visit. Paid attractions include Baxi Lou and Da Fu Di. The light show on the ancient city wall at night is stunning. • Former Site of the Gutian Conference: A red tourism destination. Free to visit. Learn about revolutionary history and enhance your patriotic feelings. • Longyan Cave: A 4A-level scenic spot. The stalactites inside the cave are uniquely shaped, earning it the name "Guilin in a Cave." Must-Try Local Foods • Longyan Clear Soup Noodles: Originating from Caoxi Town, Xinluo District, the rice noodles are served with pork bone soup and seasonings, creating a delicious flavor. • Changting Dried Tofu: Available in five-spice, soy sauce, and yellow varieties, offering a combination of sweet, fragrant, salty, and savory flavors. • Liancheng Dried Sweet Potato: One of the "Eight Dried Delicacies of Western Fujian," it has a reddish-yellow color and a sweet, soft texture. • Pickled Chicken Feet: A casual snack that is sour, spicy, and appetizing, with a delicious flavor. Classic 4-Day Itinerary • Day 1: Arrive in Longyan City → Changting Ancient City (enjoy food on Diantou Street, stroll along the ancient city wall, and see the night view) • Day 2: Changting Ancient City (Confucian Temple, Wolong Academy, Changting County Museum, Hakka Baxi Lou, Da Fu Di) • Day 3: Guanzhishan (take a boat on Shimen Lake, climb the mountain to see the Danxia landform) → Yongding Tulou (check in to Tulou) • Day 4: Yongding Tulou (get up early to take photos of the Tulou in the morning mist, learn more about Tulou culture) → Return trip Tips to Avoid Pitfalls • Accommodation: Hotels in the ancient city area are relatively old, so choose carefully. Tulou accommodation is easily fully booked during peak season, so be sure to book in advance. • Equipment: The ultraviolet rays are strong in the mountainous areas, so bring a sun umbrella. There are many mosquitoes in the ancient architectural areas, so bring mosquito repellent. The temperature difference between day and night is large, so bring a thick coat. • Other: The mobile phone signal is weak in the Tulou area, so download offline maps in advance. The mountain roads are winding, so those who get carsick should prepare motion sickness medicine in advance. Some places do not support mobile payment, so bring some cash. Hope this guide helps you have a pleasant trip in Longyan!