Liu'ao Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Liu'ao with our comprehensive travel guide including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Liu’ao

Located in South Fujian, Liu’ao is a quaint coastal town that offers a perfect blend of scenic natural beauty, culturally significant landmarks, and outdoor adventures. The serene beaches, lush green forests, and a myriad of attractions make Liu’ao an ideal destination for those seeking a laid-back vacation amidst nature.

List of Places to Visit in Liu’ao

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fushan Temple: A historic temple that dates back to the Tang Dynasty, Fushan Temple is one of the most famous attractions in Liu’ao. The temple is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.

  • Liu’ao Fortress: Built in the Ming Dynasty, the Liu’ao Fortress is a historical landmark that offers stunning panoramic views of the town and the sea. The fortress is now a museum that showcases the town’s history and culture.

Natural Attractions of Liu’ao: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Liu’ao Bay: A picturesque bay that offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding hills. Visitors can go for a swim, relax on the beach, or take a boat ride to explore the bay.

  • Jiaoye Forest Park: Located on the outskirts of Liu’ao, Jiaoye Forest Park is a nature reserve that boasts lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Liu’ao

  • Taoyuan Mountain: A popular hiking trail that is known for its stunning views of the town and the sea. The trail is moderately difficult and takes around 2-3 hours to complete.

  • The Coastal Bike Trail: A scenic bike trail that runs along the coast of Liu’ao. The trail offers stunning views of the sea and the town and is perfect for those who want to explore the town on two wheels.

Best Things to Do in Liu’ao: Activities and Tours

  • Fishing: Liu’ao is known for its abundant seafood, and visitors can go on a fishing tour to catch their own fish and enjoy a seafood feast.

  • Boat Tour: Visitors can explore the town and its surroundings on a boat tour that offers stunning views of the sea and the coastline.

Week-Long Itinerary for Liu’ao

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit to Fushan Temple and Liu’ao Fortress Museum
Day 2 Hiking at Taoyuan Mountain and visit to Liu’ao Bay
Day 3 Day trip to Jiaoye Forest Park
Day 4 Biking along the Coastal Bike Trail
Day 5 Fishing tour and seafood feast
Day 6 Boat tour of Liu’ao and its surroundings
Day 7 Relax at the beach and enjoy local cuisine and souvenirs shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Liu’ao

Must-Try Dishes

  • Liu’ao Seafood: Fresh seafood is a specialty in Liu’ao. Visitors can taste a variety of seafood dishes such as steamed fish, braised shellfish, and seafood noodles.

  • Fried Rice Cake: A local delicacy made from ground rice that is stuffed with meat, vegetables, and spices and fried until crisp.

Local Beverages

  • Lychee Wine: Made from locally grown lychees, this sweet and fruity wine is a popular drink in Liu’ao.

  • Fujian Tea: The region is known for its tea production, and visitors can taste a variety of teas including oolong, black, and green tea.

Where to Stay in Liu’ao: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Liu’ao Bayview Hotel: Located on the beach with stunning views of the sea, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation and modern amenities.

  • Liu’ao Yijin Hotel: A budget-friendly option that offers clean rooms and is located in the town center.

  • Liu’ao Limao Hostel: A charming hostel that is known for its traditional architecture and warm hospitality.

What to Buy in Liu’ao: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tea: Visitors can buy locally produced teas such as oolong, black, and green tea.

  • Seafood: Fresh seafood such as dried squid, shrimp, and fish are popular souvenirs that visitors can bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Liu’ao

  • The people of Liu’ao are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. Visitors can expect to be welcomed with open arms and treated with utmost respect.

  • The region has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, customs, and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Liu’ao

The best time to visit Liu’ao is from April to November when the weather is pleasant and the town is bustling with activity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Liu’ao

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Try the local cuisine and tea.

Don’t:

  • Dispose of trash in public places.

  • Disturb the local wildlife or damage natural landmarks.

Safety and Health

Safety in Liu’ao

Liu’ao is a safe town, and visitors can enjoy their stay without any major safety concerns. However, it is important to take basic precautions such as keeping valuables safe and being aware of the surroundings at all times.

Health in Liu’ao

Liu’ao has good healthcare facilities, and visitors can access medical care if needed. It is advisable to carry basic medications and a first aid kit when traveling to Liu’ao.

Getting to Liu’ao: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Liu’ao

  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport: Located 170 km from Liu’ao, this is the nearest international airport that connects Liu’ao to major cities in Asia.

  • Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport: Located 120 km from Liu’ao, this airport serves domestic flights to major cities in China.

Bus Stations Near Liu’ao

  • Zhangpu Bus Station: Located 20 km from Liu’ao, this bus station serves buses to major cities in Fujian province.

  • Quanzhou Bus Station: Located 120 km from Liu’ao, this bus station serves buses to major cities in China.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Liu’ao from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Liu’ao

Visitors can explore Liu’ao on foot, bike or by taxi. Bikes can be rented from local vendors, and taxis can be hailed from major landmarks and transportation hubs in the town.

Where to Go Next from Liu’ao: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Xiamen: A bustling port city that offers a perfect blend of historic landmarks, modern architecture, and scenic natural beauty.

  • Quanzhou: A historical town that is known for its ancient temples, monasteries and maritime heritage.

Conclusion

With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor adventures, Liu’ao is a destination that has something for everyone. From scenic hiking trails and picturesque beaches to delicious seafood and warm hospitality, Liu’ao is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to China.

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