Embarking on a three-and-a-half-day journey through Pingtan Island, Fuzhou, and Wenzhou, I was privy to a tapestry of three distinct regional cultures. However, Pingtan Island fell short of my expectations, and I would advise anyone planning a visit to temper their anticipation.
Upon arrival on the first evening, I missed the sunset but was fortunate to witness a blood moon, a rare and beautiful sight. After feasting on seafood at the night market, I promptly rented a car to explore the vast island, which is divided into northern and southern routes, requiring at least two days to fully traverse.
Braving the blustery winds, I made my way through various attractions along the northern route, including Jingsha, Xianrenjing, the Ring Road, Beibuwan, Longwangtou, and Changjiang’ao. Overall, I found Pingtan Island to be overcrowded, and the proximity to these tourist spots was rather discouraging, with the surroundings appearing unkempt and the scenery unremarkable. As I arrived at Maotouqian, I observed several bewildered young individuals by my side, echoing my own sentiments. Ironically, the areas beyond these tourist spots offered a cleaner and more refreshing island experience.
Speaking of islands, I would highly recommend Nanao Island for its pristine beaches, romantic atmosphere, authentic culture, and delicious seafood. Interested travelers can refer to my detailed travel guide for further insights.
On the second day, I awoke early to witness a breathtaking sunrise before heading to Fuzhou. My journey began at Sanfangqixiang, where I marveled at the exquisite Ming and Qing-era architecture, private gardens, and historical landmarks such as the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, the former residences of Yan Fu, Bing Xin, and Lin Juemin, as well as the exquisite Dehua porcelain and woodcarvings. This cultural immersion felt like a leap in intellectual understanding.
Afterward, I ventured to Yantai Mountain, a haven for artistic spaces, vintage shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, all offering captivating photo opportunities. I highly recommend visiting in the evening, as the atmosphere is truly enchanting.
On the third day, I embarked on a visit to Xishan Ancient Temple, a millennium-old monastery situated in the heart of the city. Each palace is grand and magnificent, with the罗汉阁 being a particular highlight. This six-story structure houses 500 Arhats, and ascending to the main hall offers a panoramic view of the entire temple. In the afternoon, I embarked on a city walk, exploring the streets of Guluxi Road, Wanchun Lane, Maiting Primary School, Maiyuan Road, and Lequn Road, soaking in the hustle and bustle of old Fuzhou life. I browsed through local art stores, admired the old buildings and villas, and visited Shicuo Church.
Finally, I boarded a high-speed train to Wenzhou, where I explored the old city, visited the Jiangnan Leather Factory, and immersed myself in the ambiance of the old commercial era. (A significant factor in choosing Wenzhou as my destination was the extremely affordable flight tickets!)
To conclude, I have compiled a list of recommended dishes that I thoroughly enjoyed during my travels, avoiding any potential culinary pitfalls. Travelers who find this information useful are encouraged to bookmark it for future reference.
【Pingtan Island】
1. For seafood, seek out locally owned restaurants in Yuyu Village, rather than those in Beigang Village.
2. For dinner, try Mao Ji Seafood Congee in the county town or venture to Haitan East Road for a night market feast.
【Fuzhou】
1. For lunch, indulge in the local delicacies of Houjie Laohua and Weirong Laohua.
2. In the evening, enjoy a homely meal at Fangfang Restaurant.
3. For a midnight snack, seek out Ruifeng Snacks’ Sandy Noodle Soup.
4. For a caffeine fix, visit Lim Cafe.
【Wenzhou】
1. At Zhengliang Seafood, don’t miss out on their signature Jiangxiesheng, a delectable dish that left me thoroughly impressed!
