Ningde is back, and my suggestion is…
🌅 Family, I recently took a trip to Ningde. There are mountains, sea, and lots of delicious food—it's truly amazing! Now, I’m sharing my travel guide with you all, guaranteed to make your trip fun and fulfilling 😎
Transportation Guide
✈️ If flying, you can first arrive at Fuzhou Changle Airport, then take the airport shuttle bus to Ningde, which takes about 1.5 hours.
🚄 Taking the high-speed train is even more convenient. Ningde Station, Fuding Station, and Xiapu Station all have direct high-speed train service. You can choose the station based on your itinerary.
🚗 If you want more freedom, driving is also an option. The Shenhai Expressway and Ningshang Expressway run through Ningde, making it easy to reach various scenic spots.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Mount Taimu → Fuding City
Morning: After arriving in Ningde, head to Mount Taimu. This is a national 5A-level scenic area and a world geopark, known as the "Fairyland on the Sea." Climb the Couple Peaks to overlook the misty, beautiful scenery, feeling like you’re in a fairyland; explore the Gourd Cave to discover unique geological formations and experience nature’s wonders.
Noon: Enjoy Fuding pork slices at a nearby restaurant. This local specialty is chewy and smooth, with a tangy and spicy flavor that’s incredibly satisfying 😋
Afternoon: Continue exploring Mount Taimu, admiring iconic spots like Jiuli Chaotian and Yixiantian, each perfect for photos and check-ins 📸
Evening: Stay overnight at a hotel in Fuding City to rest well and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Yushan Island → Xiapu Tidal Flats
Morning: Depart from Fuding to Yushan Island, one of China’s top ten most beautiful islands. The island features vast meadows and the large and small Tian Lakes, creating an unbelievably beautiful scene. You can camp by the lake to stargaze or hike the meadows to the summit of Hongji Cave to feel the charm of nature 🌄
Noon: Enjoy a seafood feast at a restaurant on Yushan Island. Freshly caught seafood with original flavors will immerse your taste buds in the ocean’s taste 🦀
Afternoon: Head to Xiapu tidal flats, an international photography hotspot. The seaweed farming bamboo poles and tidal light and shadow create the "most beautiful coastline in China." Be sure to capture the sunrise at Beiqi tidal flats and the sunset at Dongbi Village—the views are stunning and perfect for epic photos 🌅
Evening: Stay at a local guesthouse in Xiapu to experience the local customs.
Day 3: Huotong Ancient Town → Cuiping Lake
Morning: Visit Huotong Ancient Town, a famous historical and cultural town in China with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty streets. Watch the Huotong Lion Dance intangible cultural heritage performance to feel the charm of traditional culture; stroll along Wenchang Pavilion Old Street to admire ancient architecture and taste local snacks like Huotong rice cakes, which are soft and fragrant 😋
Noon: Taste local dishes in Huotong Ancient Town and soak in the town’s lively atmosphere.
Afternoon: Go to Cuiping Lake, the largest man-made lake in Fujian, with 36 islands scattered like emeralds. You can cycle around the lake to enjoy the scenery or visit the islands to watch flocks of egrets, enjoying the peace and beauty of nature 🐦
Evening: End your wonderful Ningde trip and return to your warm home.
Must-Visit Attractions
1. Mount Taimu: Strange peaks and rocks, sea of clouds, a Taoist cultural site. Be sure to climb Couple Peaks to see the sea of clouds and explore the mysteries of Gourd Cave.
2. Yushan Island: Mountains, sea, meadows, Tian Lake tea gardens, and Moon Bay Beach. A perfect place for camping and stargazing, like stepping into a fairy tale.
3. Xiapu Tidal Flats: Changing light and shadow on the tidal flats, seaweed farming racks, and sunset glow create breathtaking scenes, a paradise for photography lovers.
4. Huotong Ancient Town: 1700 meters of Ming and Qing dynasty streets, watch the making of Guangbing cakes and the Huangju water conservancy project, experiencing history and traditional culture.
5. Cuiping Lake: Fujian’s largest man-made lake with numerous islands, beautiful natural scenery, perfect for relaxation and leisure.
Local Cuisine
1. Ningde Large Yellow Croaker: Fresh and delicious, great steamed, braised, or in soup. Be sure to try the local fermented yellow croaker and steamed yellow croaker jelly.
2. Fuding Pork Slices: Made from sweet potato starch, served with yellow chili and rice vinegar, tangy and appetizing, you won’t want to stop eating.
3. She Ethnic Black Rice: Glutinous rice dyed with leaves from the Wunian tree, fragrant and nutritious, a specialty of the She ethnic group.
4. Huotong Rice Cakes: Soft texture, paired with delicious broth and side dishes, leaving a lasting impression.
5. Xiapu Razor Clams: A local seafood specialty, tender and tasty, excellent steamed or stir-fried spicy.
Accommodation Recommendations
1. High-end: Xiapu Shijianhai Guesthouse, with superb sea view rooms where you can see beautiful sunrises and sunsets; Fuding Jin Jiulong Hotel, fully equipped with attentive service.
2. Unique: Yushan Island Starry Tent, lie in the tent and watch the stars, close to nature; Huotong Ancient Town Ming and Qing Inn, quaint and charming, feel the town’s atmosphere.
3. Budget: Chain hotels in Ningde city center, convenient transportation; farmhouse inns around Baishuiyang, affordable prices and local farm dishes.
Travel Impressions
This Ningde trip truly enriched me. I experienced the grandeur of nature at Mount Taimu, the leisurely island life on Yushan Island, the stunning light and shadow art at Xiapu tidal flats, and the historical charm of Huotong Ancient Town, while tasting various delicious local foods. Ningde feels like a treasure city, with every scenery and every dish intoxicating. The people here are also very warm and hospitable, making me feel at home. If you love nature and exploring different cultures, Ningde is definitely a place worth visiting!