Putian City Travel

Putian, Fujian – the birthplace of Mazu culture, known as the "Zou Lu by the Sea". It boasts famous scenic spots such as Meizhou Island, Jiuli Lake, and Guanghua Temple, making it a tourist destination that integrates Mazu culture, religious culture, and natural landscapes.

1500+
Years of Urban History
1
5A Scenic Area Count
711
Metres above sea level (Hugong Mountain)
3.2 Million+
Permanent Resident Population

3-Day 2-Night Cultural and Landscape Tour of Putian City

Pay homage to Mazu, explore lake waterfalls, and visit ancient temples

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Meizhou Island, Jiuli Lake, Guanghua Temple, Sanqing Hall
Suitable For
Culture lovers, religious pilgrims, nature explorers, food enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥800-¥1500
01
Mazu Pilgrimage
Cultural Tour of Meizhou Island
Itinerary Highlights

Spend the whole day exploring Meizhou Island, paying homage to the Mazu Ancestral Temple, visiting the Mazu Culture Park, strolling on the Golden Beach, and experiencing the profound heritage of Mazu culture and the island scenery.

Attraction Arrangement
Mazu Ancestral Temple
The pilgrimage center for Mazu believers worldwide, first built in the Northern Song Dynasty, is a candidate for the World Cultural Heritage List, with grand and magnificent architectural scale.
Ewei Mountain Divine Stone Garden
Located at the southeastern tip of Meizhou Island, famous for its peculiar marine erosion landforms and various forms of huge rocks, it is a perfect combination of geological landscape and marine scenery.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Meizhou Island Homestays
  • Hotels around Mazu Ancestral Temple
  • Return to Putian urban area for accommodation
Food Recommendations
  • Meizhou Island Seafood Noodles
  • Mazu Peace Noodles
  • Steamed Crabs
  • Fried Oyster Cakes
Travel Tips
  • Ferry required to reach the island (ferry ticket + entrance ticket about ¥85)
  • Ancestral Temple is open for free (some exhibition halls charge fees)
  • It is recommended to respect local religious customs
  • Pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention in summer
02
Landscape Wonders
Ecological Tour of Jiuli Lake
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, head to Jiuli Lake in Xianyou County to admire the famous Nine Waterfall Group, hike on the mountain trails to experience the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature, and visit nearby Caixi Rock in the afternoon.

Attraction Arrangement
Jiuli Lake
Famous for its four wonders: lake, caves, waterfalls and rocks, especially the nine-level waterfalls. It is one of Putian's "24 Scenic Spots" and known as one of the "Three Wonders of Fujian".
Caixi Rock
Famous for its beautiful mountains and clear waters, strange rocks and steep cliffs, deep valleys and secluded caves, it is known as "Little Wuyi Mountain" and is a natural summer resort.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 1.5 hours' drive from Putian urban area to Jiuli Lake
  • Sightseeing cars available in the scenic area (¥10 per person)
  • Mountain roads are steep, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes
Ticket Information
  • Jiuli Lake: ¥70
  • Caixi Rock: ¥40
  • Parking fee: ¥10 per vehicle
Featured Experiences
  • Waterfall photography
  • Tea tasting in the mountains
  • Tasting farm-style dishes
  • Purchasing small Xianyou mahogany souvenirs
03
Ancient Temple Exploration
Cultural Visit to Putian Urban Area
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, visit the millennium-old Guanghua Temple to experience Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, visit historical sites such as Sanqing Hall and Ancient Watchtower to experience the style of ancient Putian city, and taste local snacks in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Guanghua Temple
One of the four famous Buddhist temples in Fujian, first built in the Southern Dynasties. The temple has magnificent buildings and preserves a large number of precious Buddhist cultural relics, and is a key national Buddhist temple.
Sanqing Hall
First built in the Tang Dynasty, it is the largest existing Taoist building in Fujian Province and a key national cultural relic protection unit with a unique architectural style.
Practical Information
Return Suggestions
  • About 30 minutes' drive from urban area to Putian Station
  • About 1.5 hours from Fuzhou Changle International Airport
  • It is recommended to depart for the airport/station before 4 pm in the afternoon
Food Map
  • Putian Braised Noodles
  • Fried Oysters
  • Xinghua Rice Noodles
  • Red Cake (Chi Bing)
  • Wonton Soup
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Putian Dried Longan
  • Xianyou Mahogany Small Items
  • Mazu Cultural and Creative Products
  • Xinghua Rice Noodles
  • Loquat Syrup

Must-Try Foods in Putian City

Putian Braised Noodles

A famous traditional dish in Putian, mainly made of thin noodles, served with seafood, shiitake mushrooms, shrimps and other ingredients, boiled with bone soup, with a rich and delicious taste.

Fried Oysters (Hai Li Jian)

A classic snack in Putian, made by frying fresh oysters mixed with sweet potato flour, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with special spicy sauce, with a unique flavor.

Xinghua Rice Noodles

Putian's characteristic rice noodles, as thin as hair, not mushy after long cooking, can be served in soup or fried, and is the first choice for Putian people's breakfast.

Red Cake (Chi Bing)

A traditional pastry in Putian, wrapped with fillings such as peanuts, sesame seeds and white sugar in a dough skin, rolled into strips and fried, sweet and delicious.

Putian City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • March-April: Spring blossoms, suitable for island tours
  • June-August: Rainy in summer, Jiuli Lake waterfalls have abundant water volume
  • October-November: Pleasant climate, suitable for panoramic tours
  • 23rd day of the third lunar month: Mazu's Birthday, grand celebrations on Meizhou Island
Must-Experience Activities
  • Mazu Festival Ceremony on Meizhou Island
  • Jiuli Lake Waterfall Hiking
  • Morning Class Experience at Guanghua Temple
  • Food Tour at Putian Snack Street
  • Xianyou Mahogany Culture Exploration
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥150-250
  • Accommodation: ¥200-500 per night
  • Catering: ¥100-200 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥100
  • Total: ¥800-1500
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long is suitable to visit Meizhou Island? → 1-2 days for in-depth experience is recommended
  • Is Jiuli Lake suitable for elderly tourists? → Some sections are steep, it is recommended to choose according to physical condition
  • Recommended Putian specialty souvenirs? → Dried longan, Xinghua rice noodles, mahogany small items
  • Is transportation between various attractions convenient? → Self-driving or taking tourist special lines is recommended