Fujian Nearby Travel Guide: Discover the Poetry and Delicacies Amidst Mountains and Seas

Fujian, nestled between mountains and the sea, boasts both the cultural heritage of ancient cities and the natural wonders where mountains meet the ocean. Escape the crowds and unlock hidden gems with this guide, savoring the unique flavors of Fujian! --- 1. Pingtan Island: Chase the Romance of Blue Tears Recommended reason: Known as the "Maldives of the East," it's only a 1.5-hour drive from Fuzhou. In summer, the blue tears phenomenon creates a breathtaking spectacle, resembling a galaxy falling into the sea. Recommended activities: - Northern Ecological Corridor: Drive or cycle through wind turbine fields and glass walkways for movie-like scenery. - Tannan Bay: Camp on the fine white sand beach and wait for the magical fluorescence of blue tears at night. - Houyan Island: The "closest point on the mainland to Taiwan," featuring rugged rocks and a picturesque red and white lighthouse, perfect for photos. Must-try foods: - Shi Lai Yun Zhuan (Salty Rice Balls): Soft and glutinous exterior filled with seafood and vegetables. Shisanmei Salty Rice Ball Shop is a time-honored brand. - Pingtan Fish Ball Soup: Handmade fish balls, springy and delicious, served in a sour bamboo shoot soup base. "Haitan Specialty Snacks" is recommended. - Fried Oyster Cakes: Freshly fried at roadside stalls, these crispy cakes are filled with plump oysters. At 5 yuan each, they're a satisfying treat. --- 2. Zhangzhou: Where Volcanic Islands Meet Traditional Flavors Recommended reason: A 1-hour drive from Xiamen, this city offers both volcanic geological wonders and the vibrant atmosphere of Southern Fujian. Recommended activities: - Volcanic Island Scenic Area: Capture Instagram-worthy photos at the pink Monument Valley and Rainbow Mountain. - Daimei Ancient Village: Explore this Southern Fujian water village with red brick swallowtail ridges by boat, passing through centuries-old houses. - Yunshuiyao Ancient Town: Discover the cluster of tulou buildings under banyan trees, a scene reminiscent of the animated film *Big Fish & Begonia*. Must-try foods: - Zhangzhou Braised Noodles: Thick braised soup with fried meat and squid. "Ah Fang Braised Noodles" is recommended. Add minced garlic and vinegar for an authentic taste. - Four Fruit Soup: A summer cooler with over a dozen ingredients drizzled with honey water. The Four Fruit Soup stall at the back gate of the park is a classic. - Tofu Pudding with Vermicelli: Savory tofu pudding with braised large intestines, a unique culinary experience. Don't miss the old shop on Cangyuan Road. --- 3. Wuyi Mountain: A Cultural Journey of Tea and Landscapes Recommended reason: A World Heritage Site accessible by high-speed rail, offering an immersive experience of rock tea culture. Recommended activities: - Nine-Bend Stream Bamboo Raft Drifting: A 2-hour journey through a picturesque landscape, accompanied by the boatman's tales of Zhu Xi's thousand-year-old anecdotes. - Rockbone Flower Fragrance Trail: A 3 km hike passing by the mother tree of Da Hong Pao tea and serene tea gardens. - Xiamei Ancient Village: The starting point of the Qing Dynasty's Tea Road, where Ming and Qing Dynasty houses hold the legends of tea merchants. Must-try foods: - Lanyu Smoked Goose: Unique smoky and spicy flavor of Wuyi Mountain. "Zhong Shifu Smoked Goose" is recommended. - Zixi Noodles: Thick rice noodles with pickled vegetables and fatty intestines, a warm and appetizing breakfast option. - Tea Banquet: Tea oil-fried river fish, Da Hong Pao tea eggs. Experience it at the Sangu Resort tea plantation. --- 4. Quanzhou: Half City of Fireworks, Half City of Immortals Recommended reason: An hour's drive from Xiamen, this "World Museum of Religions" offers a taste of Southern Fujian's ancient flavors. Recommended activities: - West Street: Indulge in centuries-old delicacies under the twin towers of Kaiyuan Temple and enjoy panoramic views of red-tiled ancient houses from the rooftop cafes. - Xunpu Village: Meet the fisherwomen adorned with hairpins and experience the "Xunpu Woman Style" as seen on Zhao Liying. - Wulin Traditional Village: Step back in time to the Republican era in a qipao amidst the cluster of Nanyang-style "foreigner houses." Must-try foods: - Misua Paste: Vinegar meat + large intestines + fried dough sticks, seasoned with pepper. Shuimen Guozai's old shop opens at 4 am. - Ginger Duck: Braised duck in a clay pot, tender and fragrant. Zhang Lin Ginger Duck's aroma fills the street. - Earthworm Jelly: A "dark cuisine" made from peanut worms, surprisingly delicious when dipped in soy sauce and mustard. --- 5. Xiapu: A Photographer's Secret Tidal Flat Paradise Recommended reason: 1.5 hours by high-speed rail from Fuzhou, this is the "most beautiful tidal flat in China," where light and shadow intertwine. Recommended activities: - Beiqi Tidal Flat: At sunrise, fishermen sail through the golden tidal flats, creating a scene as vibrant as an oil painting. - Dongbi Village: A cluster of guesthouses on the cliffs, where the sunset over fishing boats is a breathtaking sight. - Sijiao Islands: A real-life "Zelda" landscape, with lush green meadows and circling seagulls after May. Must-try foods: - Razor Clams: A Xiapu specialty, tender and sand-free, best enjoyed with scallions and oil. - Minnan Paste: A smooth and tender paste made from sweet potato flour and seafood. Try it at Laofuding Restaurant. - Kelp Sprout Cakes: Freshly baked at roadside stalls near the tidal flats, these cakes combine the aroma of kelp with a crispy crust. --- [Travel Tips] 1. Transportation: Fujian has a well-developed high-speed rail network. Renting a car is recommended for flexible exploration of less-traveled spots. 2. Accommodation: Choose seaside guesthouses in Pingtan, photography-themed inns in Dongbi, Xiapu, and tea plantations in Wuyi Mountain. 3. Season: April-June is the peak season for blue tears in Pingtan, while October-November offers the best lighting for photography during the seaweed season in Xiapu. 4. Avoid Tourist Traps: Be cautious of overpriced tea at tulou scenic areas and confirm seafood prices at food stalls before ordering. --- From mountains and seas to ancient cities, from tea aromas to bustling streets, Fujian's surrounding areas hold countless surprises waiting to be discovered. Take this guide, capture the scenery with your eyes, savor the nostalgia with your taste buds, and embark on your journey!