Fujian's Little Wuzhen! I Feel Like I've Arrived in a Jiangnan Water Town!

Hougang Ancient Street, located at No. 50 Hougang Road, Shima Town, Longhai District, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, is a historic street that recreates the prosperity of ancient Yuegang in Zhangzhou over 500 years ago. Once the birthplace of Shima Ancient Town, this area was bustling with merchant ships and lined with shops, becoming a melting pot of diverse cultures due to frequent foreign exchanges. Here, you'll find the Ming Dynasty Buddhist temple Wufu Temple, the Taoist Xuantian Shangdi Temple, the Confucian Jinjiang Academy, and a Catholic church. 🎈3-Day Itinerary - Day 1: Start your morning by entering the ancient street through Wufu Temple, crossing Wuban Bridge to admire the river scenery and ancient bridge charm. Visit Jinjiang Academy to experience cultural heritage. Enjoy local delicacies for lunch in the ancient street. In the afternoon, explore Shima Theater and Storytelling House to experience the unique charm of Minnan culture. In the evening, admire the stunning night views of the ancient street under dazzling lights and catch a riverside performance. - Day 2: In the morning, visit "Dafu Di" to appreciate Minnan's three carvings and explore "Fanzi Lou" to discover the beauty of blended Chinese and Western architectural styles. Spend the afternoon at a characteristic café or tea house in the ancient street, enjoying leisurely moments while observing local life. Join in the evening's folk activities or cultural performances. - Day 3: Enjoy free time in the morning—continue taking photos in the ancient street or visit nearby specialty shops for souvenirs. Prepare for your return trip after lunch. 🚗Transportation Guide - Public Transport: From Zhangzhou, take a bus to Longhai at Zhangzhou Bus Station, then transfer to a local bus to Hougang Ancient Street in Shima Town. - Self-Driving: About a 1-hour drive from Xiamen. Navigate to "Hougang Ancient Street, Shima Town, Longhai District." Parking is available. 🍜Local Delicacies - Shuanggaorun: Soft and glutinous, sweet but not cloying, with a rich rice aroma. - Dongmei Cake: Sweet and delicious, melts in your mouth—a traditional Minnan pastry. - Mitaimu: Smooth and chewy, served with broth and side dishes for a delicious flavor. - Satay Noodles: Rich satay taste with chewy noodles, customizable with various toppings. - Baishui Gongtang: Crispy and sweet, packed with peanut fragrance. 🏨Accommodation Suggestions - Jinjiang Inn: Longhai's first Ming-style hot spring hotel, conveniently located within the ancient street, offering a historic ambiance and relaxing hot springs. - Shanghao Huating Hotel: Located just over 1 km from the ancient street, with convenient transportation, ample parking, and diverse room types. 💰Estimated Costs - Transportation: Around ¥50 for round-trip public transport; self-driving costs (from Xiamen) about ¥100 for fuel and tolls, plus ¥20 for parking. - Accommodation: Jinjiang Inn costs ¥300-500/night; Shanghao Huating Hotel ¥100-300/night. - Food: Approximately ¥50-100 per person per day, totaling ¥150-300 for three days. 👣Travelers Say: "Hougang Ancient Street is incredibly photogenic—walking in Hanfu feels like time travel." "The snacks here are authentic and affordable." "The light show and riverside performances at night are amazing, with an unbeatable atmosphere." Have you encountered any interesting performances at Hougang Ancient Street? Share your experiences in the comments!