[2025 Zhangzhou Stay] Travel Guide for Yongle Smart Hotel (Zhangzhou Gucheng Branch) (Updated Mar)

Introduction to Sanping Temple Sanping Temple is located in Wenfeng Town, Pinghe County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. It is a historic Buddhist sanctuary, founded during the Tang Dynasty, with a history of over 1200 years. The temple is built on a mountain, surrounded by picturesque scenery and a pleasant climate. Sanping Temple is not only an important Buddhist activity center in southern Fujian but also a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, drawing countless visitors and devotees with its profound cultural heritage and unique natural landscapes. The name Sanping Temple originates from its geographical location, as it is situated among three peaks, hence the name "Sanping". The main deity worshipped in the temple is Sanping Patriarch (also known as Guangji Patriarch), a renowned monk from the Tang Dynasty, famous for his compassion and efforts to help people. The story of Sanping Patriarch is widely known in southern Fujian, and devotees believe he has the power to protect peace and eliminate disasters, making the temple a popular pilgrimage site. History and Culture of Sanping Temple Legend of Sanping Patriarch Sanping Patriarch, originally named Yang Yizhong, was a distinguished monk from the Tang Dynasty, revered as "Guangji Patriarch" due to his remarkable achievements in cultivation. Legend has it that he practiced at Sanping Temple and performed miracles to help the local people. After his passing, devotees built Sanping Temple in his memory and enshrined his statue in the temple. To this day, many relics related to the patriarch, such as the Patriarch Hall and the Patriarch Pagoda, are preserved in the temple. Architectural Style of the Temple Sanping Temple's architectural style combines traditional features of the Tang Dynasty and southern Fujian. The overall layout is rigorous and majestic. The temple is divided into three halls: the upper, middle, and lower halls, each dedicated to different deities. The upper hall is the main hall, enshrining Sanping Patriarch; the middle hall is the Guanyin Hall, enshrining Guanyin Bodhisattva; and the lower hall is the Heavenly Kings Hall, enshrining the Four Heavenly Kings. The carvings, murals, and inscriptions in the temple are of high artistic value, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans. Inheritance of Buddhist Culture Sanping Temple is not only a pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees but also an important center for the dissemination of Buddhist culture. The temple hosts various Buddhist activities throughout the year, such as Dharma assemblies, scripture recitations, and meditation retreats, attracting numerous devotees and visitors. Additionally, Sanping Temple has a Buddhist Culture Exhibition Hall, displaying the history, teachings, and art of Buddhism, providing visitors with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture. Travel Guide to Sanping Temple Best Time to Visit Sanping Temple is suitable for visiting all year round, but the best times are spring and autumn. In spring (March to May), the weather is mild, and the mountains are adorned with blooming flowers, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. In autumn (September to November), the sky is clear, and the temple is surrounded by picturesque red maple leaves. Additionally, the sixth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of Sanping Patriarch, and the temple holds grand temple fair activities, attracting many devotees and visitors. Transportation Guide Self-driving: From Zhangzhou City, take the G76 Xiarong Expressway, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Wenfeng Town, Pinghe County. Sanping Temple is located within the town, with convenient transportation. Public transportation: Take a bus from Zhangzhou Bus Station to Pinghe County, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Wenfeng Town, which takes about 30 minutes. Recommended Itinerary Day 1: After arriving at Sanping Temple, first visit the upper, middle, and lower halls to experience the solemnity and sanctity of Buddhist culture. Then, head to the Patriarch Hall to learn about the story and legend of Sanping Patriarch. In the afternoon, visit the Patriarch Pagoda on the mountain behind the temple, enjoy the surrounding natural scenery from a high vantage point. Day 2: Participate in the temple's morning class early in the morning to experience the tranquility and peace of Buddhist practice. Then, visit the Buddhist Culture Exhibition Hall to gain a deeper understanding of the history and art of Buddhism. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll in the tea gardens or orchards around the temple, enjoying the idyllic life. Accommodation and Dining Accommodation: There are several inns and hotels near Sanping Temple, with moderate prices and comfortable environments. It is recommended to choose accommodation close to the temple for convenient participation in temple activities in the morning and evening. Dining: The temple has a vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, which are healthy and nourishing. Additionally, local specialties in Pinghe County, such as Pinghe braised noodles and Pinghe honey pomelo, are worth trying. Notes Sanping Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary, and visitors should maintain silence and respect the temple's religious customs during their visit. Smoking, drinking, and bringing meat into the temple are prohibited. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as the temple is built on a mountain, and some sections require walking or climbing. Surrounding Attractions of Sanping Temple Pinghe Tulou Pinghe County is one of the concentrated areas of Fujian Tulou. In nearby Luxi Town and Jiufeng Town, there are several well-preserved tulou, such as Shengwu Lou and Fengzuo Juening Lou. These tulou have unique architectural styles, showcasing the profound heritage of Hakka culture and are worth visiting. Lingtong Mountain Lingtong Mountain is located in Daxi Town, Pinghe County. It is a national geological park and national forest park. The mountain is steep and scenic, especially Lingtong Rock Temple, built on a cliff, majestic and known as the "First Mountain in Southern Fujian". Jiufeng Ancient Town Jiufeng Ancient Town is a historical and cultural town in Pinghe County, preserving many ancient buildings and traditional residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The town's alleys are crisscrossed, filled with a strong historical atmosphere, making it an ideal place for photography and cultural enthusiasts. Sanping Temple in Pinghe is not only a millennium-old monastery but also a tourist destination that integrates natural scenery, historical culture, and religious beliefs. Whether you are a devout believer or a visitor who loves nature and culture, you can find peace and satisfaction here. Through this guide, we hope to provide useful references for your trip to Sanping Temple and wish you an unforgettable journey in this spiritual land.

Overview of Zhao Family Fortress Location: Zhao Family Fortress is located in Huxi She Ethnic Township, Zhangpu County, about 50 kilometers from Zhangzhou city center, with convenient transportation. Historical Background: The Zhao Family Fortress was built during the Ming Dynasty by the Zhao family to defend against Japanese pirates. The fortress has withstood hundreds of years of weathering and remains well-preserved to this day. Architectural Features: The architectural style of Zhao Family Fortress is unique, combining military defense and residential functions. The fortress houses many ancient buildings and cultural relics. How to Get to Zhao Family Fortress Self-Driving: Depart from Zhangzhou city center and drive along the G15 Shenyang-Haikou Expressway. It takes about 1 hour to reach Zhao Family Fortress. Public Transportation: Take a bus from Zhangzhou Bus Station to Zhangpu County, then transfer to local buses or taxis to reach Zhao Family Fortress. Must-Visit Attractions in Zhao Family Fortress Fortress Walls: The tall and sturdy walls of Zhao Family Fortress are exemplary ancient defensive structures. Climbing the walls offers a panoramic view of the entire fortress. Zhao Family Ancestral Hall: The ancestral hall enshrines the ancestors of the Zhao family. The building is exquisitely crafted with intricate carvings, making it a great place to learn about the Zhao family history. Ancient Residences: The fortress contains several well-preserved ancient residences that showcase the architectural style and living customs of ancient southern Fujian. Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall: The hall displays a large number of historical relics, including ancient weapons and daily utensils, providing an important window into ancient society. Recommended Activities in Zhao Family Fortress Historical and Cultural Tour: Visit various historical sites in Zhao Family Fortress to learn about the construction and defense system of ancient fortresses. Photography: The ancient buildings and natural scenery of Zhao Family Fortress are ideal for photography enthusiasts, especially during sunrise and sunset. Folk Experience: Participate in local folk activities to experience the traditional culture of southern Fujian. Food Guide in Zhao Family Fortress Local Snacks: Don't miss the specialty snacks of Zhangzhou, such as braised noodles and roasted meat dumplings. Farmhouse Cuisine: The farmhouses around Zhao Family Fortress offer authentic farmhouse dishes with fresh ingredients and delicious flavors. Accommodation Recommendations Fortress Inns: There are several inns within Zhao Family Fortress that provide a unique lodging experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the ancient fortress atmosphere. Nearby Hotels: There are various hotels around Zhao Family Fortress, ranging from budget to luxury options. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Zhao Family Fortress, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Precautions: When visiting ancient buildings, be sure to protect the cultural relics and avoid touching or damaging them. Zhao Family Fortress in Zhangzhou is a place full of historical and cultural charm. Whether you are a tourist looking to learn about ancient Chinese history or a traveler seeking cultural experiences, this place will meet your needs. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Zhao Family Fortress.

Zhangzhou Three Museums (Zhangzhou Museum, Art Museum, and Urban Exhibition Hall) are located in the High-tech Zone on the south bank of the Jiulong River. The design theme is based on the traditional Minnan architectural element 'Swallowtail Ridge,' showcasing the respect and continuation of traditional culture by the people of Zhangzhou. The three museums are arranged in a 'Pin' shape, facing Yuanshan, forming a central civic cultural square. The architectural style blends traditional and modern elements, making it a new cultural landmark in Zhangzhou. I. Zhangzhou Three Museums Travel Guide 1. Itinerary Planning Day 1: Zhangzhou Museum Morning: Arrive in Zhangzhou and head to Zhangzhou Museum. The new museum opened in September 2020, with an exhibition area of 8,600 square meters. It features several themed exhibition halls, including 'Zhangzhou Historical and Cultural Exhibition,' 'Zhangzhou Maritime Silk Road Exhibition,' 'Zhang-Taiwan Family,' and 'Zhangzhou Kiln Ceramic Art Exhibition.' Interactive Experience: Participate in dual-screen interaction, 3D naked-eye immersive cinema, multimedia interactive sensing, and other projects to experience the combination of technology and culture. Afternoon: Visit the 'Zhang-Taiwan Family' exhibition hall to learn about the cross-strait ties through the Zhang-Taiwan genealogy network and the 'Zhang-Taiwan Same Name Village' exhibit. Evening: Take a walk around the museum area and enjoy the Minnan night scenery. Day 2: Zhangzhou Art Museum Morning: Head to Zhangzhou Art Museum to appreciate paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. The museum's theme is 'Tracing Roots Through Art,' showcasing the red charm of Zhangzhou and Minnan culture. Interactive Experience: Participate in intangible cultural heritage interactive activities to experience the charm of traditional culture. Afternoon: Visit temporary exhibitions or exchange exhibitions introduced by the art museum. Evening: Go to Litchi Sea Park to enjoy the natural scenery. Day 3: Zhangzhou Urban Exhibition Hall Morning: Visit Zhangzhou Urban Exhibition Hall to learn about the city's development. The exhibition hall's theme is 'Narcissus,' connecting seven themed exhibition halls, including 'Narcissus City·Charming Zhangzhou' and 'Historical City·Ancient Zhangzhou.' Interactive Experience: Watch the 'Welcome to Zhangzhou' theme film in the preface hall to get an impression of the city. Afternoon: Visit the 'Historical City·Ancient Zhangzhou' exhibition hall to learn about Zhangzhou's thousand-year history. Evening: Take a walk around the exhibition hall area and enjoy the architectural night view. 2. Highlights Zhangzhou Museum: Historical and Cultural Exhibition: Showcasing Zhangzhou's development from prehistoric times to modern times. Zhang-Taiwan Family: Experience cross-strait ties through the genealogy network and letter interaction. Interactive Experience: 3D naked-eye immersive cinema and multimedia interactive magic mirror. Zhangzhou Art Museum: Art Exhibitions: Displaying paintings, sculptures, and other artworks, showcasing the charm of Minnan art. Intangible Cultural Heritage Interaction: Participate in interactive activities to learn about traditional culture. Zhangzhou Urban Exhibition Hall: Narcissus Theme: Connecting Zhangzhou's history, culture, and future through 'Narcissus.' City Impression: Watch theme films to understand the city's development. 3. Practical Information Address: Yuanshan Cultural Center, intersection of West Ring Road and Amber Road, High-tech Zone, Zhangzhou. Opening Hours: Zhangzhou Museum: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Zhangzhou Art Museum: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00. Zhangzhou Urban Exhibition Hall: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00. Tickets: Free, reservation required. Transportation: Take bus routes 35 or 36 to reach. II. Nearby Attractions Zhangzhou Ancient City: Experience Minnan history and culture, and taste local snacks. Litchi Sea Park: Beautiful natural scenery, suitable for leisure walks. Minnan Water Town: Experience the unique cultural atmosphere of Minnan Water Town. III. Food Recommendations Tofu Noodles: A traditional Zhangzhou delicacy, combining the tenderness of tofu with the chewiness of noodles, served with a rich broth made from pork bones and various toppings. It is a popular breakfast choice for many Zhangzhou residents. Zhangzhou Braised Noodles: Made with alkaline noodles, shredded meat, bamboo shoots, dried shrimp, and other ingredients, with a rich broth. Four Fruit Soup: A popular dessert in Zhangzhou and Minnan region, known for its cooling and refreshing properties. It includes ingredients like taro, grass jelly, red beans, lotus seeds, green beans, barley, and watermelon, served with sweet syrup, making it a must-have summer drink. Five-Spice Roll: Crispy on the outside and savory on the inside, a traditional Zhangzhou snack. Oyster Omelette: A common snack in Zhangzhou, made with oysters coated in batter and fried until golden and crispy, served with sweet and spicy sauce and pickled radish, offering a refreshing and appetizing taste.