This summer, you must visit Meizhou Island at least once!

**Pre-Trip Preparation** **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. However, June has its own charm, with mostly cloudy skies and light rain, temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C, and high humidity (around 80%). Occasional moderate rainfall may occur. **Transportation** *External Transport*: - **Flight**: Fly to Fuzhou Changle International Airport or Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, then take a high-speed train or bus to Putian. - **High-Speed Train**: Putian Station is a key stop on the Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed rail line, offering convenient access. - **Self-Driving**: Putian’s expressway network is well-developed. It takes about 1.5 hours from Fuzhou and 3 hours from Xiamen. *Local Transport*: - **Bus**: Buses cover most urban areas and major attractions. Mobile payment is accepted, with fares typically at ¥2. Some tourist buses go directly to popular spots. - **Taxi**: The starting fare is ¥8. Always choose licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. - **Shared Bikes/E-Scooters**: Widely available in the city, great for short trips. For scattered attractions, consider renting a car (¥300/day) or hiring a private car (¥500/day). **Accommodation Recommendations** *Meizhou Island*: Numerous homestays offer island vibes and easy access to Mazu Temple. Stay near Lianchi Village, Gao Zhu Village, or Gongxia Village for affordable, clean options—some even have beachfront views for sunrise/sunset. *Downtown*: - **Licheng District**: Central location near ancient sites like Guqiao Tower and Xinghua Fu Historical Block, with shopping and dining options. - **Chengxiang District**: Close to commercial hubs and attractions like Nanshan Guanghua Temple. **Essentials for June**: Sunscreen, sunhat, umbrella/raincoat, breathable quick-dry clothes, light jacket for sea breeze/AC, mosquito repellent (mosquitoes are common near the coast), ID, chargers, and basic medicine. **Attraction Recommendations** **Day 1: Ancient Temples & Cultural Exploration** - **Nanshan Guanghua Temple**: Free entry. Highlights include the 1,000-year-old Sui Pagoda and Buddha reliefs. Try scripture copying amid temple bells. Free incense is provided—ignore "expensive blessing" scams. - **Meifeng Temple (Guangxiao Temple)**: Free entry. A Song Dynasty temple with city views. Try the vegetarian meals. Avoid fortune-telling stalls nearby. **Day 2: Island Pilgrimage & Mazu Culture** - **Meizhou Island**: ¥138 (includes ferry ticket; book online 1 day ahead). Must-sees: Mazu Ancestral Temple, Ewei Shenshi Park, and Golden Beach. Watch the *Impression Mazu* show (¥98). Island shuttle (¥30/person) covers main spots, but renting an e-scooter (¥80/day) is better for flexibility. Seafood stalls are pricey—buy fresh at markets and have it cooked. - **Mazu Ancestral Temple**: Free entry. A global pilgrimage site, home to a Ming Dynasty Mazu wooden statue. "Merit donations" are voluntary—don’t be pressured. **Day 3: Natural Wonders** - **Jiulong Valley Scenic Area**: ¥65 (free on May 19; check discounts). 95% forest coverage with waterfalls, glass walkways, and cool summer hikes. See the "Thunder Waterfall" rainbow and explore "Crystal Palace" caves. *Other Attractions*: - **Nan Shaolin Temple**: ¥20. Features martial arts shows, ancient halls, and a Zen-Wu Culture Park. Watch monk training (9 AM/3 PM) and try vegetarian noodles (¥15/bowl). Nearby, visit "Liyuan Villa." - **Guqiao Tower**: One of Fujian’s four ancient towers, lit beautifully at night. Best photo spot: opposite the tower for long-exposure shots with traffic. - **Zixiao Bizarre Rocks**: Volcanic rock formations and wind-eroded stones. Wear hiking shoes and repellent; avoid on rainy days. **Food Recommendations** *Downtown*: Qiusheng Pan-Fried Buns, Tianjiuwang Qiang Rou, Xitianwei Wontons. *Meizhou Island*: Mazu Noodle Soup, Seaweed Rice, fresh seafood from fishing villages. **Tourist Traps to Avoid** - **Putian Arts & Crafts City**: Overly commercialized with low-value, repetitive goods. - **Shouxi Park**: A generic urban park; opt for Mulanpi instead. - **Putian Golden Beach (not Meizhou Island)**: Crowded with mediocre water quality. Choose Nanri Island or Meizhou’s beaches. **Practical Tips** - June rains make mountain trails slippery—wear anti-slip shoes and bring repellent. - At Mazu Temple, be fire-safe amid heavy incense use. - Ferries to Meizhou Island depart from Wenjia Pier. Book tickets via WeChat ("Meizhou Island Ferry"). Night sailings: 6:20 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM. Daytime: first at 7:30 AM, last at 6:00 PM, every 20 minutes.