Why should you visit Zhangzhou at least once?! Because...

The following is an in-depth travel guide that combines Zhangzhou's natural scenery, historical culture, and culinary experiences, covering must-see attractions, transportation recommendations, itinerary planning, and precautions to help you unlock the unique charm of this ancient southern Fujian city. --- ### **I. Best Time to Travel** - **Spring and Autumn (March–May, September–November)**: The climate is mild, suitable for outdoor activities, the seafood on Dongshan Island is plump, and there are fewer tourists in the Tulou scenic area. - **Winter (December–February)**: The temperature is 7–10°C, suitable for escaping the cold, and the ancient city of Zhangzhou has a strong atmosphere of daily life. --- ### **II. Transportation Guide** 1. **External Transportation** - **Airplane**: Zhangzhou has no airport. You can fly to Xiamen Gaoqi Airport and transfer to a bullet train (approx. 40 minutes) or bus (approx. 1.5 hours) to Zhangzhou. - **High-speed train**: Zhangzhou Station, Nanjing Station (near the Tulou scenic area), and Yunxiao Station (near Dongshan Island) are the main hubs. 2. **Internal Transportation** - **Tulou Scenic Area**: There are tourist buses outside Nanjing Railway Station that go directly to Yunshuiyao (CNY 25/person, 1.5-hour drive), or you can charter a car (approx. CNY 40/person). - **Dongshan Island**: After getting off at Yunxiao Station, transfer to a bus to Tongling Town (40-minute drive). It is recommended to rent an electric car (approx. CNY 80/day) or drive yourself on the island. - **City bus**: The fare is CNY 1–4, covering major attractions such as the ancient city of Zhangzhou and Yundong Rock. --- ### **III. Recommended Must-See Attractions** **1. Integration of Nature and Culture: Tulou and Ancient Villages** - **Yunshuiyao Ancient Town**: Stroll along the ancient road from a thousand years ago and the century-old banyan tree groves, and explore the filming location of the movie *Yunshuiyao* and the Huigui Mansion (the "Noah's Ark" built on a swamp). - **Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster**: Overlook the panoramic view of "Four Dishes and One Soup." It is recommended to take pictures at the viewing platform at sunrise to experience the same light and shadow as in the movie *Big Fish & Begonia*. - **Yuchang Building**: The 600-year-old "leaning building." At night, you can capture the magical picture of the starry sky and the Tulou reflecting each other. **2. Coastal Scenery: Dongshan Island and Volcanic Island** - **Dongshan Island**: Check in at Nanmen Bay Colorful Fishing Village (filming location of *The Left Ear*), Fengdong Stone Scenic Area (the No. 1 Strange Stone in the World), and Maluan Bay's soft sandy beach (free sunbathing). - **Volcanic Island**: Explore the 1.4 million basalt stone pillar clusters, take pictures of the oil painting scene of reefs and sunset in the evening, and experience the fun of catching the sea. **3. Ancient City and Urban Fireworks** - **Ancient City of Zhangzhou**: A living ancient city with a history of 1,300 years. Stroll along the arcade street of Taiwan Road, taste Four Fruit Soup and Lo Mein, and enjoy the intangible cultural heritage performance of Glove Puppetry. - **Ancient Streets of the Ming and Qing Dynasties**: Uncommercialized old streets where you can feel the life of southern Fujian. It is recommended to take pictures of the bluestone road and the old shop plaques. --- ### **IV. Food Map** 1. **Must-Eat Snacks** - **Lo Mein**: Pork bone soup with five-spice rolls and fried pork chops. The Fucheng Old Shop is recommended. - **Four Fruit Soup**: Honey water base + ten kinds of ingredients. It is a summer heat relief artifact. The stalls on Qingnian Road in the ancient city are the most authentic. - **Oyster Omelet**: Fried on a hot plate and served with sweet and spicy sauce. It is a must-order at the night market. 2. **Seafood Feast** - **Dongshan Island Nanmen Bay Night Market**: Blanched small tubes, assorted fish in soy sauce, and garlic prawns, all freshly caught and cooked. - **Zhangzhou Port Food Stalls**: Grouper, abalone, and mantis shrimp. You can eat until you are full for an average of CNY 50 per person. --- ### **V. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Tulou Scenic Area**: Yunshuiyao Man Shi Guang Inn (renovated from an old house, experience Hakka life). - **Ancient City of Zhangzhou**: C&D Hotel Zhangzhou Yuanshan (southern Fujian style design, near the ancient city). - **Dongshan Island**: Nanmen Bay Homestay (sea view balcony, walk to the beach). --- ### **VI. Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cultural Experience** 1. **Glove Puppetry**: There are free performances at the Zhangzhou Ancient City Puppet Art Museum on weekends, and you can participate in interactive experiences. 2. **Tulou Construction Technology**: In the Nanjing Tulou Scenic Area, you can try rammed earth walls and bamboo weaving techniques to make miniature Tulou models. 3. **Woodblock New Year Pictures**: Appreciate traditional New Year pictures such as "Celestial Master Warding off Evil" in the ancient city's intangible cultural heritage exhibition hall, and learn about the production process of mineral pigments. --- ### **VII. Itinerary Planning (3 Days and 2 Nights)** **Day 1: Tulou Exploration** - Morning: Yunshuiyao Ancient Town (Huigui Mansion, Ancient Banyan Tree Groves) - Afternoon: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster Viewing Platform to watch the sunset - Overnight: Yunshuiyao Inn **Day 2: Seaside Leisure** - Morning: Dongshan Island Fengdong Stone Scenic Area, Nanmen Bay - Afternoon: Maluan Bay beach swimming, catching the sea - Overnight: Nanmen Bay Seaview Homestay **Day 3: In-depth Tour of the Ancient City** - Morning: Ancient City of Zhangzhou (Taiwan Road, Puppet Show) - Afternoon: Yundong Rock Mountain Climbing (overlooking the panoramic view of the city) - Evening: Dinner at the ancient city snack street and return trip --- ### **VIII. Precautions** 1. **Sun and Rain Protection**: Zhangzhou has strong ultraviolet rays and frequent showers in summer. Carry sunscreen and a rain umbrella with you. 2. **Anti-Pickpocketing and Anti-Theft**: The ancient city and Tulou scenic area are crowded. Keep your backpack in front of you and keep your valuables close to your body.