Fujian Putian · Meizhou Island Travel Guide

Mazu's birthplace, a healing island Rated as one of the "Ten Most Beautiful Islands" by *Chinese National Geography*, Meizhou Island is the birthplace of Mazu culture and a rare treasure in southern Fujian, boasting both a thousand years of history and a stunning coastline! Here, you'll find the solemnity of the Mazu Ancestral Temple, known as the "Potala Palace on the Sea," the awe-inspiring spectacle of eons-old sea erosion wonders, and the romance of healing beaches and rainbow roads. Keep this guide handy and embark on your healing journey to Meizhou Island! 🌟 Must-See Attractions: A Feast of Culture and Nature Mazu Ancestral Temple The pilgrimage center for Mazu believers worldwide. The red-walled and yellow-tiled complex resembles a "Potala Palace on the Sea." Climb the 425 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the island. Participate in the morning worship ceremony, take photos in Hanfu while praying beneath the red walls, and capture breathtaking wide-angle shots in front of the Mazu statue on the mountaintop! Ewei Divine Stone Park A science fiction wonderland of sea-eroded landforms! Jagged rocks like "Flying Halberd Cave" and "Carp's Eighteen Sections" abound. At sunset, the rocks are gilded, making for stunning photos. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes; safety first! Golden Beach The reputation of "the best beach in the world" is well-deserved! Stroll barefoot on the soft golden sand, watch the sunset and the tides dance together, and even ride a horse along the waves (reservations are required during peak season). Meizhou Sound of the Tide The best place to watch the sunrise! Listen to the symphony of tides crashing against the reefs, cycle along the rainbow road, and capture stunning photos of the reefs, waves, and blue sky. Mazu Film and Television City (Ping'anli) The filming location of *Mazu*. The scene of a Song Dynasty fishing village is recreated here. Rent ancient costumes for a magical photo shoot! At night, watch the intangible cultural heritage performance of "iron flower striking," where molten iron splashes like a meteor shower! 🚢 Complete Transportation Guide: Getting to the Island & Island Hopping How to Get to the Island High-speed train + bus: Putian Station → K09/363 bus → Wenjia Wharf → ferry (CNY 125/person, including round-trip + scenic spot combined ticket, half price for students/teachers). Self-drive: Navigate to "Wenjia Wharf" parking lot, take a 15-minute ferry to the island, ferry ticket CNY 7. Ferry schedule: Summer (April–October) last ferry 21:00, winter shifts to 17:00, check the schedule in advance! Island Transportation Electric car charter: Flexible stops for photos, approx. CNY 300/day. Shared electric bikes: Scan the code with Beidou-3 to ride, about 15 km around the island, be aware of overtime fees! Bus: Tourist lines cover major attractions, CNY 2/trip. 🦀 Food Recommendations: Seafood Feast and Mazu Cultural Flavors Must-Try List Mazu Ping'an Noodles: Auspicious noodles with a rich, dark sauce, a local specialty. Seaweed Dumplings: Thin wrappers filled with fresh shrimp, delicious dipped in sauce or steamed. Seafood Platter: Shacheng oysters, steamed crabs, oyster omelets. It's more affordable to buy fresh ingredients from the farmers' market and have them cooked on the spot! Special Snacks: Spicy meat soup, Meizhou fish rice, island goat soup, unique salty and fresh flavors. Things to Avoid Be wary of "wildly high prices" at street stalls; it's recommended to find chain restaurants for processing seafood. If the taste is too salty, you can ask for less salt. Be sure to confirm the price of seafood before ordering! 💡 Itinerary Planning & Practical Tips 1-Day Itinerary Culture Route: Mazu Ancestral Temple → Tianfei's Former Residence → Golden Beach Sunset Scenery Route: Meizhou Sound of the Tide Sunrise → Ewei Divine Stone Park → Island Cycling → Lotus Pond Beach Dinner 2-Day In-Depth Itinerary Day 1: Mazu Ancestral Temple → Meizhou Sound of the Tide → Mazu Film and Television City Night Tour to see the iron flower striking Day 2: Ewei Divine Stone Park Sunrise → Rainbow Road Cycling → Jiubao Lan Beach Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps Combined tickets are more cost-effective: The CNY 125 ferry ticket includes multiple attractions, avoiding duplicate purchases. Book accommodations in advance: Seaview guesthouses near Golden Beach and Lianchi Ao are recommended, such as "Bolan Xinsu" and "Meizhou Xi'an," which offer pick-up and drop-off services. Sun protection and mosquito repellent: The UV rays are extremely strong, bring high SPF sunscreen and mosquito repellent! 📸 Photo Tips: Picture-Perfect Spots to Impress Your Friends Mazu Ancestral Temple: Silhouette prayer under the red walls and yellow tiles, panoramic shot from the top. Ewei Divine Stone Park: Frame composition at Flying Halberd Cave, silhouette shots of the reefs. Meizhou Sound of the Tide: Capture shots while riding an electric scooter on the rainbow road, backlit portraits on the sea trestle. Golden Beach: Backlit running at sunset, aerial photography of the coastline.