Zhangzhou Travel Guide: 6 Visits and Counting

🌊 “Sea and waves, warmth and gentleness, to love or not to love, it's all up to you.” In the vibrant month of February, I embarked on a journey to the enchanting land of Zhangzhou, a romantic seaside escape. From gentle sea breezes and ancient alleyways to fresh, delicious cuisine, every corner of Zhangzhou exudes a unique charm. Now, I'm sharing my Zhangzhou travel guide with you, hoping you'll create beautiful memories here too~ Itinerary Day 1: Exploring the City - Morning: After arriving in Zhangzhou, head to your hotel to check in and drop off your luggage🧳. After a short rest, visit Zhangzhou Ancient City, the most historic part of Zhangzhou. Stroll along the stone-paved roads, immerse yourself in the unique charm of traditional Minnan architecture, admire the ancient arcades, and explore the unique shops along the streets🛍️. - Noon: Indulge in authentic local snacks within the ancient city, such as oyster omelets, pan-fried rice cakes, and bean curd with vermicelli, treating your taste buds to a symphony of Minnan flavors🥢. - Afternoon: Visit Zhongshan Park, a popular spot for locals to relax and unwind. The park boasts lush greenery, clear lakes, and several historical sites and cultural exhibitions, offering a deeper understanding of Zhangzhou's history and culture📜. - Evening: Continue your culinary adventure at the ancient city's night market and experience Zhangzhou's vibrant nightlife. Try Zhangzhou Braised Noodles, featuring chewy noodles in a rich broth with various braised toppings—a truly delightful dish🍜. Day 2: Romantic Seaside Moments - Morning: Head to Dongshan Island, where breathtaking ocean views await. Start at Jinluang Bay, a paradise with soft sandy beaches and azure waters🏖️. Enjoy swimming, wading, and basking in the sun's warmth on the shore. - Noon: Savor a fresh seafood feast at a seaside restaurant🦀. Indulge in crabs, shrimp, fish, and other seafood delicacies, prepared to perfection and bursting with flavor. - Afternoon: Explore the scenic Sufeng Mountain Coastal Road. Rent an e-bike and cycle along the coastline, where mountains meet the sea, creating stunning vistas. Stop at the numerous viewing platforms along the way to capture the picturesque scenery🌅. - Evening: Stay at a seaside guesthouse, fall asleep to the soothing sound of waves, and dream sweet dreams💤. Day 3: Exploring Culture and History - Morning: Visit the Fujian Tulou in Nanjing County, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the unique earthen architecture. Explore iconic structures like Huaiyuan Lou and Hegui Lou, delving into the history and culture of the tulou and appreciating the ingenuity and diligence of the Hakka people🏠. - Noon: Enjoy a local farmhouse meal near the tulou, featuring dishes like bamboo rice, braised pork with preserved vegetables, and chicken soup, savoring the authentic flavors of the countryside🍲. - Afternoon: Continue exploring the tulou cluster, admiring the architectural beauty and interacting with local residents to learn about their lifestyle and traditional culture🎭. - Evening: Return to Zhangzhou city, marking the end of a delightful journey. Photo Spots - Zhangzhou Ancient City: The ancient arcades provide a perfect backdrop for photos. Dress in retro attire and step back in time. Capture artistic shots at street corners and in front of unique shops📸. - Jinluang Bay, Dongshan Island: Take stunning photos with the ocean as your backdrop. Capture magical moments during sunrise and sunset with the golden sunlight illuminating the scene🌄. Incorporate elements like seaside reefs and shells for creative compositions. - Sufeng Mountain Coastal Road: Capture memorable shots while cycling along the coastline and overlooking the ocean from viewing platforms. Take individual portraits against the backdrop of the blue sky, sea, and mountains, or have fun with group photos🤳. - Nanjing Tulou: The unique round and square tulou buildings offer natural frames for photography. Capture the beauty of the central courtyard from within the tulou or shoot the entire structure from various angles outside, showcasing its grandeur and beauty📷. Food Recommendations - Oyster Omelet: Fresh oysters combined with eggs, starch, and vegetables, pan-fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior. Served with a special sauce, it's a culinary masterpiece😍. - Pan-fried Rice Cakes: Made with glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, these cakes are soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, with a rich aroma of rice and brown sugar🥧. - Bean Curd with Vermicelli: Silky bean curd paired with chewy vermicelli, topped with various braised ingredients and broth, offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. A popular breakfast and snack in Zhangzhou🥣. - Zhangzhou Braised Noodles: A signature dish of Zhangzhou, featuring chewy noodles in a rich broth with an assortment of braised toppings, including pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and eggs. A bowl of pure comfort food🍜. - Seafood Feast: Indulge in fresh seafood on Dongshan Island. Enjoy crabs, shrimp, fish, shellfish, and other seafood delicacies prepared in various styles, from steaming and poaching to stir-frying, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of the sea🦀. Accommodation Recommendations - Zhangzhou City: Choose accommodation near Zhangzhou Ancient City for convenient access to food and attractions. Consider guesthouses or budget hotels offering comfortable stays at reasonable prices🛏️. - Dongshan Island: For stunning ocean views, stay at a seaside guesthouse near Jinluang Bay or Maluan Bay. Many offer rooms with ocean views, allowing you to wake up to the sight and sound of the sea. Resorts with comprehensive facilities and excellent service are also available🏝️. - Nanjing Tulou: For an immersive cultural experience, stay at a guesthouse within a tulou. These guesthouses often preserve the original features of the tulou while providing modern amenities, offering a blend of tradition and comfort🏠. Things to Note - Weather: Zhangzhou enjoys moderate temperatures in February, but there can be significant temperature differences between day and night. Bring a jacket to stay warm🧥. - Sun Protection: Even in February, the sun can be strong. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection🌞. - Transportation: Renting an e-bike is a convenient way to explore Dongshan Island, but remember to follow traffic rules and wear a helmet🛵. To reach Nanjing Tulou, consider taking a bus or hiring a car. Check bus schedules and routes in advance to avoid delays🚌. - Food: Zhangzhou cuisine tends to be sweet. If you prefer less sugar, inform the restaurant staff🍬. When enjoying seafood, choose fresh ingredients to avoid stomach upset🦀. - Tickets: Some attractions, such as Nanjing Tulou, require tickets. Book online in advance to avoid queues and save time🎫. Zhangzhou, a city brimming with charm, offers endless scenic beauty and culinary delights. I hope this guide helps you embark on an unforgettable journey to Zhangzhou and experience its unique charm💕!