Traverse the Sea of Immortality, Where Spring Blooms in the Stone Cracks

Taimu Mountain, located in Fuding City, Fujian Province, is known as the "Sea of Immortality." It is a world geological park and a national 5A scenic spot. It is famous for its unique landscape of granite peaks, rock caves, and mountains and seas, making it suitable for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and hikers. The following is a detailed travel guide: --- ### **1. Pre-trip Preparation** - **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and fall (March–May, September–November) have pleasant climates and frequent cloud and mist landscapes. In summer, rain gear is required, and in winter, non-slip shoes are necessary. - **Transportation**: - **High-speed Rail**: Take a high-speed train to "Taimushan Station," and then take a 15-minute taxi ride to the scenic spot. - **Self-driving**: Navigate to "Taimushan Scenic Area Parking Lot." The parking fee is CNY 10 per day. - **Bus**: There are direct buses from Fuding South Bus Station. - **Ticket Information**: - Full ticket: CNY 140 (including scenic transportation), half ticket: CNY 70 (including scenic transportation). - Opening hours: 7:30–17:30 (may be extended to 17:30 in summer). --- ### **2. Recommended Core Attractions** - **Nine Carp Ascending to Heaven Peak**: The iconic landscape of Taimu Mountain, with nine stone peaks resembling carps leaping into the sky. It is recommended to climb to the top early to watch the sunrise. - **A Thread of Sky**: With a total length of 68m and a narrowest point of only 40 cm, you need to pass sideways. It is recommended to wear light clothing and bring a mobile phone for lighting. - **Baiyun Temple**: An ancient temple from the Tang Dynasty where you can enjoy Zen tea and overlook the sea of clouds. - **Lvxueya Tea Garden**: The origin of Chinese white tea, where you can experience tea picking and tea making. - **Fuyao Archipelago**: Facing Taimu Mountain across the sea, Dayushan Island is known as the "Tianshan Mountains of Southern China" and is suitable for island hopping. --- ### **3. Recommended Hiking Routes** - **Beginner Route (3 hrs)**: Scenic Area Entrance → Guoxing Temple → Couple Peak → A Thread of Sky → A Tile → Xiangshan Temple (suitable for family trips). - **In-depth Route (6 hrs)**: Yingxian Platform → Nine Carp Lake → Baiyun Temple → Wulonggang → Longtan Lake (the first choice for photography enthusiasts). - **Professional Route (8 hrs)**: Fuding Peak → Tianmen Ridge → Ziyan Ridge → Moxiao Peak (requires a guide and sufficient drinking water). --- ### **4. Practical Tips** - **Equipment**: Hiking poles, sun hat, lightweight backpack; bring mosquito repellent in summer and a warm coat in winter. - **Dining**: The prices at the mountaintop restaurant are relatively high, so it is recommended to bring your own dry food. After going down the mountain, try local snacks such as Fuding Meat Slices and Pearl Mini Buns. - **Safety Precautions**: Some sections of the road have no guardrails. Avoid staying on the top of the peak during thunderstorms. - **Cave Exploration Tips**: Narrow caves such as Hulu Cave and A Thread of Sky require sideways movement or crawling. Obese people should choose carefully. --- ### **5. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Mountaintop Camping**: There is a camping area near Yuhu Nunnery where you can enjoy the starry sky (reservations required). - **Mid-mountain Homestays**: Such as "Taimu Academy" and "A Tile Tea House," including breakfast and tea garden experience (CNY 300–600/night). - **Downhill Hotels**: Four-star hotels in Fuding City (such as Platinum Huaramda Plaza Hotel), a 25-minute drive away. --- ### **6. Other Notes** - **Staggered Visits**: There are many tourists during holidays, so it is recommended to buy tickets in advance and avoid peak hours. - **Scenic Area Transportation**: Sightseeing bus: CNY 20/person, one bus every 20 mins, departs when full. - **Special Facilities**: Some sections have free elevators to reduce the burden of climbing. Taimu Mountain integrates strange peaks, strange rocks, secluded caves, and seas of clouds. Whether it is mountain climbing and adventure or leisure and sightseeing, it can make people linger. If you have time, you may wish to stay another day to feel the tranquility of the morning bells and drums and the integration of mountains and seas.