Xiapu Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions of Xiapu with this ultimate travel guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food scene, and more.


Introduction to Xiapu

Located in East Fujian, Xiapu is a beautiful coastal town that is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, rich culture, and friendly locals. The town is situated on the eastern coast of China, overlooking the East China Sea, and is surrounded by mountains and valleys.

List of Places to Visit in Xiapu

Xiapu is a town rich in cultural and natural attractions, where visiting the traditional fishing villages and enjoying the unique landscapes are a must-do while in the area. Some of the places to visit are listed below:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Xiapu Musuem: This museum showcases the history of the town, the local fishery culture and the photographic art of tieban, a traditional photographic technique.
  • Bi Shan Temple: Located in the mountains, this ancient temple is a great place to explore the Taoist culture and enjoy serene views of the surroundings.

Natural Attractions of Xiapu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mudflat Scenery: Xiapu is known for its beautiful mudflat scenery, which includes mudflats, seaweed, and rocks that are exposed during low tide. The best places to enjoy this view are Xiaohao, Beiqi, and Zhengzhai.
  • Dong Bi Mountain: Located on the east of Xiapu, this mountain is an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers as it is surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and scenic views.
  • Yantian Scenic Spot: This spot is perfect for beach lovers as it features a beautiful sandy beach, crystal-clear waters and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Xiapu

  • Bi Shan Temple: A hiking trail that takes you through the mountains and forests to reach the ancient Bi Shan Temple.
  • Dong Bi Mountain Trail: This trail starts from Dong Bi Mountain and takes you through the forest and the countryside.
  • Cycling Through Mudflat Scenery: A scenic cycling route that takes you through the beautiful mudflat scenery of Xiapu.

Best Things to Do in Xiapu: Activities and Tours

  • Fishing at Chongshan Bay: Join the local fishermen in a fishing adventure in Chongshan Bay and learn their traditional fishing techniques.
  • Tieban Photography: Learn to take photographs using the traditional photographic technique of tieban, which is still practiced in Xiapu.
  • Camping in Dong Bi Mountain: Spend a night in the wilderness of the Dong Bi Mountain and experience the serenity of nature.

Week-Long Itinerary for Xiapu

Day Activity
1 Visit Xiapu Museum, explore Tieban photography
2 Hike to Bi Shan Temple
3 Visit Yantian Scenic Spot
4 Cycling through mudflat scenery
5 Beach day at Chongshan Bay
6 Camping at Dong Bi Mountain
7 Depart from Xiapu

Food and Drink Scene of Xiapu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tangchen Fish Stew: A traditional fish stew that is cooked with garlic, ginger, and green onion.
  • Huanghua Chicken: A fragrant and flavorful chicken dish that is marinated with a special sauce and cooked with honey, garlic, and ginger.
  • Xiaohao Seaweed: A unique seaweed dish that is locally sourced and prepared with a special seasoning.

Local Beverages

  • Xiapu Wulong Tea: A locally produced tea that is rich in flavor and has a refreshing taste.
  • Qiandao Lake Beer: A draft beer that is brewed in Qiandao Lake and is known for its unique taste.

Where to Stay in Xiapu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Xiapu Jinjiang Hyatt Hotel: A luxury hotel that offers beautiful views and comfortable accommodations.
  • Xiapu No.1 Guesthouse: This guesthouse offers affordable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Xiapu Kaimeng International Hotel: A hotel that is conveniently located in the town center and offers modern amenities.

What to Buy in Xiapu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Xiapu Tieban Photography: Bring home unique and beautiful photographs taken using the traditional photographic technique of tieban.
  • Xiapu Seaweed: A great souvenir to bring home to savor the taste of the local seaweed.
  • Wulong Tea: Buy packets of Wulong Tea, which is locally produced and has a refreshing taste.

Local Culture and Customs of Xiapu

The people of Xiapu are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The town is rich in culture and customs, and visitors are expected to respect the local traditions and practices. Some of the customs that are widely observed in Xiapu are offering tea as a sign of respect, and greeting the elders and seniors first.

Best Time to Visit Xiapu

The best time to visit Xiapu is between March and October, when the weather is warm and dry. However, the mudflat scenery is best seen during low tide, which means that visitors need to plan their trip according to the tidal schedules.

Do’s and Don’ts of Xiapu

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the traditional food and beverages of Xiapu.
  • Learn the tieban photographic technique from the locals.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.
  • Litter in the natural attractions or the town.
  • Take photographs of locals without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Xiapu

Xiapu is a safe place to visit, but visitors are advised to take basic safety precautions such as keeping their valuables safe and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Xiapu

Visitors to Xiapu are advised to drink only bottled water, as tap water may not be clean for drinking. Visitors should also carry sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.

Getting to Xiapu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Xiapu

The nearest airports to Xiapu are the Fuzhou and Xiamen airports, which are both located approximately three hours away.

Bus Stations Near Xiapu

Visitors can take a bus from Fuzhou or Xiamen to reach Xiapu, which takes approximately three hours.

Other Options

Another option is to take a train to Fuzhou or Xiamen and then take a bus from there to Xiapu.

How to Get Around in Xiapu

The easiest way to get around Xiapu is by hiring a cab, which is the most convenient mode of transportation. However, visitors can also rent a bike or use a public bus to navigate the town.

Where to Go Next from Xiapu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Wuyishan: A scenic mountain range that is rich in cultural and natural attractions.
  • Xiamen: A beautiful coastal city that is known for its more modern attractions.
  • Quanzhou: Known as a melting pot of different cultures, this city is rich in history and ancient architecture.

Conclusion

Xiapu is a beautiful town that offers visitors a unique experience of traditional fishing villages and natural sceneries. With a rich culture, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine, it is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the best of East Fujian.