Putian is an enchanting city where the mountains meet the sea, home to lush parks, tumbling waterfalls and a sizzling street-food scene. It's a gateway to Meizhou Island, known for its historic temples and sandy beaches.

Things to do

Don’t miss Meizhou Island, believed to be the home of Mazu, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea. The island is anchored by Mazu Temple, a magnificent place of worship dating back to the Song dynasty. Stroll around the grounds, admire the colourful pagodas and enjoy sparkling sea views. Visit Ewei Stone Park, where frogs, turtles and other animals have been carved into the rocks.

Putian is dotted with historic landmarks like the gilded Putian Meifeng Temple, which is strung with lanterns and guarded by a pair of fearsome lions. The Tianhou Ancestral House of Xianliang Port is known for its ornate wooden carvings and traditional ceremonies.

The Putian Guqiao Gate offers a glimpse at the city's ancient roots. It's over 1,000 years old and was inspired by Beijing's imperial fortifications. Street-food stalls are strung out along the foot of the gate and serve up local delicacies, such as peanut soup, fish balls and oyster omelettes.

Jiuli Lake Scenic Area is one of Fujian's most beautiful regions. It's dotted with shimmering lakes and hidden caves. Don't miss the Jiuji Waterfalls, which cascade down a lush cliffside and into an emerald pool. You can also see ancient stone inscriptions and Taoist temples.

Getting around

Putian is easy to get around on foot, while local buses and taxis are also available. Shuttle buses run throughout Meizhou Island. Putian is located 100 kilometres from Fuzhou, with buses making the trip in two hours. Bullet trains run to Xiamen in one hour.