Traveling to the summit of the flag-crowned peak, I took in the breathtaking mountain and sea views (with a hitchhiking guide attached)

My restless heart, briefly quenched by the crowded scenes of the Spring Festival, was reignited after the peak of the return journey... So I packed my bags for a short off-peak trip to the long-desired 'Rio de Janeiro of Fujian' in Lianjiang Qida Village's flag-crowned peak. Since I was traveling alone, I didn't opt for a self-drive (which would be more convenient and fun with more people), but instead relied on rides and walking for the entire journey. 🚗 Round-trip transportation: 1. Fuzhou⬌Lianjiang: High-speed train🚄 2. Lianjiang Station⬌Lianjiang Bus Station: Taxi🚕or bus🚌 3. Lianjiang Bus Station⬌Flag-crowned Peak: Hitch a ride🚙 📍The bus from Lianjiang Bus Station to Qida (Flag-crowned Peak) runs from 7:30 to 17:30 (about 1 hour per bus, see P11). After arriving at Lianjiang Bus Station, there's no need to buy a ticket at the ticket window or vending machine; just go through security to the Qida ticket gate and tell the staff you're going to Qida. They will lead you to the parking lot entrance to board a 9-seater business van (see P12, the staff mentioned this van can't enter the station). Scan the QR code to pay 20 yuan, and tell the driver you're going to the Flag-crowned Peak. He will ask you to get off at the entrance of Qida Village and walk straight for 100 meters to the Flag-crowned Peak hiking entrance (the large rock with 'Flag-crowned Peak' written on it at P10 is the starting point). For the return trip, you can call the driver to pick you up at the original drop-off point (village entrance), or walk to the pick-up point in Qida Village (see P13, navigate to Jinhaiyuan Taxi). ⛰ Ascending the peak: After getting off the bus, someone asked if I wanted a ride up the mountain. Two girls who got off with me chose to take the ride (though they still had to walk a bit after the car reached halfway up the mountain), but I wanted to challenge the 1,800 steps, so I didn't join them. I must say, those 1,800 steps were not easy to climb. I had to stop and catch my breath frequently, and it took me almost 50 minutes to reach the first peak (where many wish cards are hung), and then another 20 minutes to reach the highest peak (where the national flag is hung). ⚠️The first peak offers better photo opportunities than the highest peak, especially when standing on the outermost rock imitating the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the neighboring fishing village. It indeed makes for a great photo. However, it's also quite dangerous, as the rock is beyond the railing. I suggest not to attempt it lightly (I didn't climb out to take photos either; I only took photos of others).