Zhangzhou Wanderings: Half Slow-paced Ancient Town, Half Whispering Sea Breeze

Zhangzhou travel guide covering attractions, cuisine, accommodation, and more. Transportation Guide External Transport: Option to fly to Xiamen or Fuzhou first, then transfer to high-speed rail to Zhangzhou. Direct high-speed trains also available to Zhangzhou Station (city center), Yunxiao Station (near Dongshan Island), or Nanjing Station (near Tulou clusters). Local Transport: Zhangzhou city area is compact—shared e-bikes work well. For attractions, consider car rentals, taxis, or ride-sharing. Self-driving is recommended for Yunshuiyao and Fujian Tulou. Attraction Highlights Historic & Cultural Sites Zhangzhou Ancient Town: Filming location for "The Knot", featuring Tang-Song era walls and Ming-Qing streetscapes. Visit Confucian Temple, stone memorial arches, and experience intangible cultural heritage. Fujian Tulou (Nanjing) Cluster: UNESCO World Heritage site with unique circular buildings like Tianluokeng Tulou Group ("Four Dishes One Soup"), featured in "Big Fish & Begonia". Natural Landscapes Dongshan Island: Pristine beaches at Nanmen Bay and Jinluan Bay, breathtaking views along Sufeng Mountain Ring Road, and the tidal Fishbone Sandbar. Volcanic Island Geopark: Volcanic rock formations, sea-erosion landscapes, and photogenic pink-hued Monument Valley replica. Family-Friendly Changtai Fun Valley: Lush mountain setting with kid-friendly attractions—mini trains, rainbow stairs, and petting zoos. Adventure Bay Family Park (Zhangpu County): Features giant trampolines, climbing walls, and 3D elastic mazes for children. Culinary Delights Ancient Town Specialties: Pianzaihuang sugarcane juice, Qingye egg burgers, Afen braised noodles, Laoguo rice cakes, four-ingredient dessert soup, Jianguo oyster omelet. Tulou Cuisine: Steamed Guang fish, taro buns, Hetian chicken, salted duck, and pork rib soup with golden thread lotus. Dongshan Island: Fresh squid, mantis shrimp, boiled prawns, plus Afen noodles, Little Bride sweet soup, and Old Theater Catfish Porridge. Accommodation Tips Luxury: BanYueShan Hot Spring Resort or Zhangzhou Paragon Round Hill Hotel with premium amenities. Budget: Downtown homestays near Ancient Town for convenience; Nanmen Bay seaside B&Bs on Dongshan Island.