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Putian (莆田 Pútián) Putian, located on the southeast coast of Fujian Province, China, is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage, and is known as the hometown of Mazu, the "goddess of peace on the sea". It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, with famous scenic spots such as Meizhou Island and Jiuli Lake, and is the birthplace of Mazu culture and a pilgrimage center for believers from all over the world. Putian is also known as the "Shoe City" and is an important footwear industry base in China, showing the perfect integration of traditional culture and modern economy.
Talk
[edit]Putian has its own local dialect called Puxian Min (known as Henghua in Southeast Asia), named after Putian city and the surrounding Xianyou county (albeit with slight dialectal variations between the two areas). It is not mutually intelligible with Minnan Hua, Fuzhou Hua or any other variety of Chinese. Nevertheless, non-elderly locals will be bilingual in the local dialect and Mandarin.
Get in
[edit]
By bus
[edit]Putian is on both the main highway and the high-speed rail line between Fuzhou and Quanzhou, or Xiamen beyond Quanzhou. It is a major town and most or all busses and trains stop there.
By rail
[edit]High-speed rail is the fastest way to get to Putian, Putian has a high-speed rail station - Putian station, belonging to the Fuxia high-speed rail route, from Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou and other surrounding cities. Another high-speed rail line runs inland from Putian to Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province which borders Fujian on the west.
By car
[edit]There are several expressways around Putian, including Shenhai Expressway (沈海高速G15) and Fuyin Expressway (福银G70). You can take a coach to Fujian from other cities in Fujian Province.
By plane
[edit]Putian does not have its own airport, but can choose to fly to nearby Fuzhou Changle International Airport or Xiamen Takasaki International Airport. It takes about 1-2 hours to get to Putian from these two airports by car, and there is a direct airport bus to Putian or there is an option to share/rent a car.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Putian
See
[edit]- 1 Putian Museum (莆田市博物馆), 175 Yanshou, Yanshou Village, Longqiao Subdistrict, Chengxiang District (城厢区龙桥街道延寿村延寿175号) (at the southern end of Shouxi Park (绶溪公园); take bus nos. 1, 7, 12, 23, 60, 98, 99, 202 or 303), ☏ +86 594 2252299, toll-free: +86 400 1234567, [email protected]. 09:00-17:30 (summer), 09:00-16:30 (winter), no entry in last 30 minutes, closed on Mondays, open on most public holidays except the eve of Chinese New Year. Has exhibitions on the history and culture of the Putian region. Free.
- 2 Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea (湄洲妈祖祖庙), Meizhou Island, Xiuyu District (秀屿区湄洲岛) (in the northern part of Meizhou Island, just a few hundred meters south of the ferry docks), ☏ +86 594 5094688, [email protected]. 07:00-17:30. The original temple of this Goddess is on Meizhou Island in Putian. Her annual festival, in spring, brings over 100,000 visitors, including many from Taiwan and Southeast Asia, Putian also has two other Mazu temples, one downtown and the other north of the city.
Worldwide, Mazu is reported to have 3,000 temples and over 100 million worshippers, mainly fishermen and sailors. Mazu worship is on the UN list of intangible cultural heritage. There are at least two Mazu temples in San Francisco's Chinatown. Entry to the temple is free but you must purchase a ¥65 ticket to visit the island. This is in addition to the ferry ticket, which costs ¥45 for a round trip.
- 3 Southern Shaolin Monastery (莆田南少林寺), Linshan Village, Xitianwei Town, Licheng District (荔城区西天尾镇林山村) (take bus no. 201 from Putian Railway Station, get off at Xitianwei Circle (西天尾圆圈), then catch the special shuttle bus that goes to the temple), ☏ +86 594 2899371. 08:30-17:30. A reconstructed Buddhist temple built on the remains of an old Tang Dynasty temple, claimed to be connected to the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province which is one of China's most famous centers of martial arts. There is another Southern Shaolin temple in nearby Quanzhou. Free.
- 4 Jiuli Lake (九鲤湖). 08:00—17:30. Jiuli Lake, located in Xianyou County, is a natural scenic area dominated by waterfalls and lakes. Nine waterfalls cascade in sequence, creating a spectacular water feature dotted with quirky rocks and dense forests. Jiuli Lake is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery, but also a summer resort for hiking and getting close to nature. Legend has it that Jiuli Lake is related to immortals, so it has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and is an important tourist attraction. 50¥.
- 5 Jiuhua Temple (九华寺), ☏ +86 594 819 5299. from7a.m. to 6p.m.. Longhua Temple is located in Zhongshan Town, Xianyou County. The monastery was founded in the Tang Dynasty and has a long history and profound Buddhist cultural heritage. Longhua Temple is not only an important religious site but also a popular attraction for pilgrims and tourists. The building in the temple is simple and elegant, and the incense is flourishing, attracting a large number of believers and tourists to worship every year. The surrounding environment of the temple is quiet, suitable for self-cultivation and meditation, and is a good place to experience the harmony of Buddhist culture and nature. free.
- 6 Taimu Mountain (太姥山), ☏ +86 593-7288001. 7:00-17:00 in winter and 6:30-17:30 in summer. Taimu Mountain is located in Ningde City, Fujian Province, not far from Putian, and is a national scenic spot famous for its strange peaks and strange stones, sea of clouds, and mountain and forest landscapes. Taimu Mountain is rich in geological landforms, such as mysterious stone caves, steep cliffs and unique rock formations. It also contains a strong Taoist culture and is the habitat of ancient monks. Visitors can hike in the mountains and enjoy the magnificent natural scenery while feeling the mystical atmosphere of history and religion. 140CNY.
- 7 Eastern Pole Island (东极岛), Dongji Township. Located in the southeast sea of Putian City, Dongji Island is a beautiful small island known for its clear sea water and delicate sandy beaches, making it a great place for swimming and sunbathing. The island is rich in natural scenery, including hills and vegetation, suitable for hiking, and visitors can stroll through nature and enjoy a peaceful environment. free.
- 8 Mount Taikuan (大观山), Daganshan Scenic Area, Licheng District. Daguan Mountain is famous for its towering mountains and rich natural scenery. There are winding streams and cascading waterfalls, and the scenery of the four seasons is different, especially in the spring and autumn season, the flowers are lush and the climate is pleasant. Daguan Mountain has a number of hiking trails suitable for all kinds of tourists, climbing to the top of the mountain can overlook Putian city and surrounding beautiful scenery, with a wide view. In addition, there are many historical and cultural sites and observation decks on the mountain, so visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region and enjoy a peaceful walking experience. Spring and autumn season is the best time to play, suitable for family and friends to explore. If you like nature and culture, you should definitely not miss the charm of Grand View Mountain. 20-50¥.
Do
[edit]- 1 Red Star Ecological Park (红星生态园), ☏ +86 595 2773 8888. Located in Putian City, Hongxing Ecological Park is a park with the theme of ecological agriculture and leisure tourism. Offering an abundance of outdoor activities, such as vegetable picking, fishing and farm stays, visitors can get close to nature and experience the countryside idyllic. There are also family-friendly rides in the park, making it a great place to relax on vacation. Red Star Ecological Park promotes a green lifestyle through the concept of ecological environmental protection, while allowing visitors to experience healthy and organic food and agricultural products
- 2 Putian Wood Carving Museum (莆田木雕博物馆), No. 156, Donghai Road, Donghai Street, Licheng District, ☏ +86 594-2635088. Putian Wood Sculpture Museum showcases a wealth of wood-carved artworks, including Buddha statues, animals and people, showcasing a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Visitors can freely visit here to learn about the history and culture of wood carving, participate in workshops to try carving, or enjoy the live wood carving demonstration. In addition, there are small shops in the museum that sell works by local artists. Free.
- 3 Putian Ceramics Museum (莆田陶瓷博物馆), South Gate of Putian City, ☏ +86 594-2653188. Putian Ceramics Museum focuses on displaying Putian's rich ceramic culture and history, showcasing a variety of traditional handmade ceramics and modern ceramic works, reflecting the unique local art style. The museum introduces the development process and process characteristics of ceramics through textual explanation and multimedia display. The museum also regularly holds workshops on ceramic production, where visitors can experience the process of drawing blanks and glazing for themselves. In addition, from time to time, the museum holds exhibitions and lectures on ceramic art to enhance visitors' understanding of ceramic culture. There is also a small shop selling ceramic works by local artists, which sells characteristic handwritten letters and is a great place to learn and experience Putian ceramic culture. Free.
- 4 Matsu Cultural Festival (妈祖文化节), Matsu Temple, Meizhou Island, Putian City, Fujian Province. The Matsu Cultural Festival is an important annual event on Meizhou Island, attracting a large number of believers and tourists. During the festival, participants can participate in temple fairs, sacrifice to Matsu, and buy traditional snacks and handicrafts. At the same time, wonderful cultural performances such as local opera, dragon dance and lion dance have added a warm atmosphere to the festival. In addition, the Matsu parade symbolically prayed to the sea, as well as lectures on Matsu culture and art exhibitions, allowing visitors to deeply understand Matsu's legends and beliefs. Here, you can also taste rich local food, participate in community interactions, and feel the strong folk culture. Matsu Cultural Festival is a great opportunity to understand and experience Putian local culture.
- 5 South Shaolin Martial Arts Show (南少林武术表演), South Shaolin Temple, Licheng District. Located in Putian City, South Shaolin Temple is one of the four major Shaolin temples in China. It has a long history, carries rich martial arts skills and enjoys a great reputation. South Shaolin martial arts performances are rich in content, usually including traditional martial arts routines such as boxing, stick, sword, etc., showing the strength and beauty of martial arts. In addition, different weapons will be used in the show, demonstrating skills and control of weapons, and some performances even include boxing and live combat, showing the practicality of martial arts. Performances come in a variety of forms, including solo and group performances, and sometimes audiences are invited to participate in interactions and experience simple martial arts movements. During the performance, martial arts instructors introduce the historical and cultural background of martial arts and increase the understanding of the audience. The performance is usually held in the South Shaolin Temple, and the environment is beautiful and the atmosphere is strong, which is suitable for viewing. The best time to watch is during holidays and specific events, such as martial arts festivals and cultural festivals, when the performance is more frequent and large, and is a wonderful experience not to be missed by martial arts enthusiasts and culture lovers. If you have a chance to visit Putian, don't miss this rich traditional culture feast! 20-50¥.
- 6 East Beach (东海滩), Meizhou Island. This beach is known for its delicate sandy beaches and clear waters. The sand is white and delicate, and the beach is wide and great for sunbathing and swimming. The water temperature is moderate. The East Beach also offers surfing lessons and equipment rental. Near the beach are numerous restaurants and stalls where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. There is also a dressing room and shower facilities nearby. Summer (June to September) is the best time to visit. A large number of tourists come on holidays, and the atmosphere is lively. free.
Festivals
[edit]- 7 Mazu's birthday (妈祖诞辰), Meizhou Mazu Temple on Meizhou Island in Putian. The 23rd day of the third month of the lunar calendar.The celebration of Mazu's birthday is rich and colorful, and the core is a solemn sacrifice ceremony, in which devotees will worship devotionally at the Mazu Temple in Meizhou and other places to pray for peace, success and protection. As the god of the sea, the symbol of Mazu's "escort" spirit makes the parade an important part of the procession, and the statue of Mazu is carried onto floats and worshiped by believers along the street. During the festival, there are also folk performances such as Puxian opera, dragon and lion dance, and Nanyin, highlighting the local cultural characteristics. Combined with maritime culture, the fishing boat cruises show people's gratitude for the protection of Mazu. In addition, temple fairs and bazaars are bustling with activity, with offerings such as local delicacies and pingan cakes becoming the highlights of the festival, adding warmth and joy to this traditional event.
- 8 Mazu's ascension to heaven (妈祖升天日). On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, this day is considered one of the important anniversaries in the Mazu faith. As the "protector of the sea", Mazu's ascension is seen as a symbol of her transcendence of mortals and becoming a god, and the event on this day is particularly solemn and grand.
Buy
[edit]- Matsu Cultural Souvenirs (妈祖文化纪念品). Putian is the birthplace of Matsu culture. On Meizhou Island, you can find a variety of souvenirs related to Matsu, such as statues of Matsu, incense burners and amulets.
- Footwear (莆田鞋业). Putian City has a number of shoe factories, production of a variety of shoes, including affordable high-quality sneakers
- Yellowstone soy sauce (黄石酱油). This is a traditional seasoning in Putian, which has a unique flavor and is often used in local dishes.
- Minamijiri Island Seafood (南尻岛海鲜). Putian Nanjiri Island is famous for its rich seafood such as dried oysters, seaweed, kelp and dried fish – all popular local specialties.
- mahogany furniture (仙佑红木家具). Xianyou is part of Putian and is known for its high-quality mahogany furniture. You can find beautifully crafted mahogany tables, chairs and bookshelves.
- bamboo handicrafts (竹工艺品). Putian bamboo technology is unique, providing baskets, mats and other bamboo products.
Eat
[edit]- Xinghua Rice Noodles (兴化米粉). Xinghua Rice Noodles are one of Putian's most famous snacks. These fine, smooth noodles can be stir-fried or cooked in soup and are typically served with bean sprouts, vegetables, and lean meat. Sometimes seafood is added, making for a rich and flavorful dish that’s popular for breakfast or as a snack.
- Putian Braised Noodles (莆田卤面). Putian Braised Noodles are cooked in a savory broth and come with ingredients like pork belly, tofu, mushrooms, and dried shrimp. The broth is flavorful, giving each bite a comforting taste of home.
- Pig Trotter Jelly (猪蹄冻). Pig Trotter Jelly is a traditional cold dish made by simmering pig trotters until they’re tender, then cooling them until they solidify into a jelly-like form. Rich in collagen, it has a smooth, delicate texture and is typically enjoyed with a dipping sauce – perfect for hot weather.
- Nanjiri Island Seafood (南尻岛海鲜). Nanjiri Island is famous for its fresh seafood, including oysters, squid, shrimp, and crabs. Local restaurants serve a variety of seafood dishes that showcase the ocean’s freshest flavors.
- Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎). The Oyster Omelette is a classic Putian snack. Fresh oysters are mixed with eggs and sweet potato flour, then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside. It’s often served with a dipping sauce, blending the rich flavors of oysters and eggs.
- Putian Tofu Skin (莆田豆腐皮). Putian Tofu Skin is well-known and usually wrapped around fillings to create tofu rolls. It can be steamed, boiled, or fried, making for a unique dish that’s often served at feasts and celebrations.
- Sticky Rice Porridge (糯米粥). This traditional dessert is made from glutinous rice, slowly cooked to a thick, porridge-like consistency, and flavored with brown sugar, peanuts, and sesame seeds. It’s sweet, soft, and melts in your mouth, a treat that everyone enjoys.
- Taro Cake (芋头糕). Putian Taro Cake is made with locally grown taro, combined with glutinous rice flour, tofu skin, and dried shrimp, then steamed into a soft cake. It has a rich taro flavor and is a popular snack or breakfast.
- Gong Candy (宫糖). Gong Candy is a traditional Putian sweet made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and brown sugar. It’s crunchy and slightly sweet, and is a popular gift during festive occasions.
- Bianshi (Putian Wontons) (扁食（莆田馄饨）). Putian’s Bianshi is similar to wontons but with a thinner wrapper and more filling, giving it a smooth and tender texture. The filling typically consists of pork and mushrooms, and they’re usually served with a sprinkle of green onions, making this dish a popular snack.
- Bian rou soup (扁肉汤). Putian Bianrou Soup, also known as “Bianrou Yan,” is a traditional specialty dish from Putian, Fujian Province. It is renowned for its light, fresh taste and delicate preparation, with a history spanning several centuries.
The key ingredient of Bianrou Soup is “Bianrou,” which is similar to wonton. It is made by finely chopping lean pork into minced meat, which is then seasoned and wrapped in a paper-thin meat wrapper. The wrapper is crafted from pork leg or tenderloin, pounded into a fine paste. This technique results in a thin, tender skin and a flavorful filling, giving the dish a smooth and delicate texture. Once the Bianrou is cooked, it is served in a clear broth, typically made by simmering pork or chicken bones to create a rich, savory flavor.
Additional ingredients such as mushrooms, dried shrimp, and chopped scallions are often added to enhance the flavor. When served, diners can also add vinegar or pepper to their taste, further elevating the dish’s freshness and aroma.
Putian Bianrou Soup is not only a delicious local snack but also a must-have dish during holidays or family banquets in Putian, representing the region’s rich culinary heritage and unique local flavors. - Duotou clams (哆头蛏). Duotou Clams are a specialty seafood dish from the coastal region of Putian, Fujian Province, known for their rich flavor and high nutritional value. The name “Duotou” refers to the clams’ large size and thick flesh, making them a popular choice among locals. These clams are abundant in the coastal waters of Putian, and their meat is particularly tender and juicy, especially during the summer and autumn seasons.
Duotou clams can be prepared in various ways, with steaming, making soup, and stir-frying being the most common methods. For steaming, the fresh clams are cleaned and steamed with ginger, scallions, and minimal seasoning to preserve their natural briny sweetness. In soups, Duotou clams create a rich, umami broth that is often paired with tofu, mushrooms, and other ingredients for a silky, flavorful seafood soup. Stir-frying usually involves garlic, chili, and other spices, resulting in a savory and slightly spicy dish.
In addition to their delicious taste, Duotou clams are packed with protein, minerals, and trace elements, making them a nutritious food that can help boost immunity and promote overall health. This dish is not only a staple in everyday meals but also frequently served at banquets, representing the unique seafood culture of Putian.
For seafood lovers, Putian Duotou Clams are a must-try delicacy.
Drink
[edit]- Red Mushroom Tea (红菇茶). Red Mushroom Tea is a unique beverage in Putian, made primarily from red mushrooms, along with red dates and goji berries. Red mushrooms are known as the "ruby mushrooms" for their rich nutrients and medicinal properties. This tea has a fragrant taste and is believed to help nourish and invigorate the body, making it a favorite among locals for its health benefits.
- Stone Flower Jelly (石花果冻). Stone Flower Jelly is made from stone flower grass (also known as seaweed), and it’s typically served with honey or brown sugar syrup. With its smooth, refreshing texture and slightly sweet taste, this jelly is good for cooling down in the summer.
- Sugarcane Juice (甘蔗汁). Sugarcane juice is very popular in Putian, as the local climate is ideal for growing sugarcane. Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice is naturally sweet and refreshing, providing a quick source of energy and hydration, especially during the hot summer months.
- Nanjiri Kelp Tea (南尻海带茶). Nanjiri Island is known for its high-quality kelp, which locals use to make kelp tea. This tea has a subtle marine flavor and is rich in minerals and trace elements. It’s thought to help clear heat from the body and promote metabolism.
- Brown Sugar Ginger Tea (红糖姜茶). Brown Sugar Ginger Tea is a traditional Putian drink that helps to warm the body and ward off cold, especially popular during winter. Made by boiling ginger slices with brown sugar, it has a spicy, warming taste and is beneficial for improving blood circulation.
- Putian Mung Bean Soup (莆田绿豆汤). Mung Bean Soup is a classic drink for cooling down, made by boiling mung beans with rock sugar. During the summer, people in Putian often drink mung bean soup to relieve heat and stay refreshed. Its mild sweetness and cooling properties make it a great way to beat the heat.
- Dried Tangerine Peel Honey Tea (陈皮蜂蜜茶). Dried Tangerine Peel Honey Tea is a common household drink in Putian, made with dried tangerine peel and honey. The tangerine peel helps improve digestion, while honey adds a pleasant sweetness. It’s a healthy drink suitable for year-round consumption.
- Grass Jelly Drink (仙草饮料). Grass Jelly is also popular in Putian, typically served in small chunks with red beans, tapioca pearls, and sugar syrup, creating a refreshing drink. Known for its cooling and detoxifying properties, grass jelly is a favorite summer refreshment.
- Putian Rice Wine (莆田米酒). People in Putian often make their own traditional rice wines, like rice wine and glutinous rice wine. These wines are sweet and low in alcohol.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]These hotels are affordable with simple facilities, useful for short stays and backpackers.
- 7 Days Inn: Located in central areas with convenient access, this chain offers clean, basic accommodations suitable for backpackers and short-term travelers.
- Hanting Hotel: As a well-known budget hotel chain, Hanting provides economical accommodation with all essential amenities, making it a great choice for travelers on a budget.
Youth Hostels
[edit]Youth hostels are a great choice for solo travelers or friends traveling together, offering an opportunity to meet other visitors and experience local culture.
- Putian Youth Hostels: Although options are limited, Putian has a few small youth hostels with dorm-style rooms and shared facilities, allowing guests to experience the local charm at an affordable price.
Mid-range
[edit]These hotels are affordable yet fully equipped, useful for travelers on a budget who still want a comfortable stay.
- Hilton Garden Inn Putian Airport (莆田希尔顿欢朋酒店), ☏ +86 594-2219999. Located in the city centre, this hotel offers clean and well-maintained rooms, a fitness centre and restaurant, and excellent services. 250-500¥.
- Home-like Hotel (如家酒店). Affiliated with a popular hotel chain, it offers clean and minimalist rooms with basic amenities. 150-300¥.
Specialty Guesthouses
[edit]Putian also has unique guesthouses located in the city or near attractions, offering a chance to experience local life.
- Meizhou Island Guesthouses: Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, features many guesthouses with sea views and a chance to immerse in local culture. Staying on the island allows convenient access to the Mazu Temple and a peaceful island lifestyle.
- Nanjiri Island Fishing Homestays: Nanjiri Island is known for its seafood. Visitors can stay with local fishermen, enjoy fresh seafood feasts, and participate in fishing activities, providing a unique island culture experience.
Splurge
[edit]Putian has several luxury hotels with modern facilities and high-quality service.
- Wanda Jiajie, Putian Province (莆田万达嘉界), ☏ +86 594-2109999. Located in the center of the city. It offers spacious rooms, dining options and a fitness centre. 400-800¥.
- Yuhu Grand Hotel Putian (莆田玉湖大饭店), ☏ +86 594-2778888. Close to the bustling downtown five-star hotel, beautifully decorated, conference and leisure facilities, suitable for holding conferences and large-scale events. The hotel has a Chinese restaurant with local specialties and seafood. 300-600CNY.
Go next
[edit]Anywhere in Fujian is accessible. The major coastal cities Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Xiamen are easily reached by either the coastal highway or high-speed rail lines.
Further south, both rail and road lead into Guangdong Province. The nearest major cities are Chaozhou and Shantou. Going further, one can reach Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
There is also a high-speed rail connection heading inland {west) into Jiangxi Province.