Putian

Putian Putian, located on the southeast coast of Fujian Province, China, is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage, and is known as the hometown of Mazu, the "goddess of peace on the sea". It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, with famous scenic spots such as Meizhou Island and Jiuli Lake, and is the birthplace of Mazu culture and a pilgrimage center for believers from all over the world. Putian is also known as the "Shoe City" and is an important footwear industry base in China, showing the perfect integration of traditional culture and modern economy.

Climate

Putian Climate chart (explanation)

Guqiaolou

Talk

Putian has its own local dialect called Puxian Min (known as Henghua in Southeast Asia), named after Putian city and the surrounding Xianyou county (albeit with slight dialectal variations between the two areas). It is not mutually intelligible with Minnan Hua, Fuzhou Hua or any other variety of Chinese. Nevertheless, non-elderly locals will be bilingual in the local dialect and Mandarin.

Get in

Position in Fujian province

By bus

25.41191 Putian Public Buses. Putian is on the main highway and on the high-speed rail line between Fuzhou and Quanzhou, or Xiamen beyond Quanzhou. It is a major town and most or all busses and trains stop there.

By rail

25.351192 Putian Railway Station. High-speed rail is the fastest way to get to Putian, Putian has a high-speed rail station - Putian station, belonging to the Fuxia high-speed rail route, from Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou and other surrounding cities. Another high-speed rail line runs inland from Putian to Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province which borders Fujian on the west.

By car

There are several expressways around Putian, including Shenhai Expressway ( G15) and Fuyin Expressway ( G70). You can take a coach to Fujian from other cities in Fujian Province.

By plane

Putian does not have its own airport, but can choose to fly to nearby Fuzhou Changle International Airport or Xiamen Takasaki International Airport. It takes about 1-2 hours to get to Putian from these two airports by car, and there is a direct airport bus to Putian or there is an option to share/rent a car. Map of Putian

See

Putian Museum, 175 Yanshou, Yanshou Village, Longqiao Subdistrict, Chengxiang District at the southern end of Shouxi Park; take bus nos. 1, 7, 12, 23, 60, 98, 99, 202 or 303), ☏ +86 594 2252299, toll-free: +86 400 1234567, admin@pt.com.09:00-17:30 (summer), 09:00-16:30 (winter, no entry in last 30 minutes, closed on Mondays, open on most public holidays except the eve of Chinese New Year. Has exhibitions on the history and culture of the Putian region. Free.
Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea, Meizhou Island, Xiuyu District in the northern part of Meizhou Island, just a few hundred meters south of the ferry docks, ☏ +86 594 5094688, mazu323@163.com.07:00-17:30. The original temple of this Goddess is on Meizhou Island in Putian. Her annual festival, in spring, brings over 100,000 visitors, including many from Taiwan and Southeast Asia, Putian also has two other Mazu temples, one downtown and the other north of the city. Worldwide, Mazu is reported to have 3,000 temples and over 100 million worshippers, mainly fishermen and sailors. Mazu worship is on the UN list of intangible cultural heritage. There are at least two Mazu temples in San Francisco's Chinatown. Entry to the temple is free but you must purchase a ¥65 ticket to visit the island. This is in addition to the ferry ticket, which costs ¥45 for a round trip. Southern Shaolin Monastery, Linshan Village, Xitianwei Town, Licheng District take bus no. 201 from Putian Railway Station, get off at Xitianwei Circle, then catch the special shuttle bus that goes to the temple, ☏ +86 594 2899371. 08:30-17:30. A reconstructed Buddhist temple built on the remains of an old Tang Dynasty temple, claimed to be connected to the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province which is one of China's most famous centers of martial arts. There is another Southern Shaolin temple in nearby Quanzhou. Free. Jiuli Lake.08:00—17:30. Jiuli Lake, located in Xianyou County, is a natural scenic area dominated by waterfalls and lakes. Nine waterfalls cascade in sequence, creating a spectacular water feature dotted with quirky rocks and dense forests. Jiuli Lake is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery, but also a summer resort for hiking and getting close to nature. Legend has it that Jiuli Lake is related to immortals, so it has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and is an important tourist attraction.¥50.
Jiuhua Temple, ☏ +86 594 819 5299. 07:00-18:00. Longhua Temple is located in Zhongshan Town, Xianyou County. The monastery was founded in the Tang Dynasty and has a long history and profound Buddhist cultural heritage. Longhua Temple is not only an important religious site but also a popular attraction for pilgrims and tourists. The building in the temple is simple and elegant, and the incense is flourishing, attracting a large number of believers and tourists to worship every year. The surrounding environment of the temple is quiet, suitable for self-cultivation and meditation, and is a good place to experience the harmony of Buddhist culture and nature.free.
Mount Taikuan, Daganshan Scenic Area, Licheng District. Daguan Mountain is famous for its towering mountains and rich natural scenery. There are winding streams and cascading waterfalls, and the scenery of the four seasons is different, especially in the spring and autumn season, the flowers are lush and the climate is pleasant. Daguan Mountain has a number of hiking trails suitable for all kinds of tourists, climbing to the top of the mountain can overlook Putian city and surrounding beautiful scenery, with a wide view. In addition, there are many historical and cultural sites and observation decks on the mountain, so visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region and enjoy a peaceful walking experience. Spring and autumn season is the best time to play, suitable for family and friends to explore. If you like nature and culture, you should definitely not miss the charm of Grand View Mountain.20-50¥.

Do

Red Star Ecological Park, ☏ +86 595 2773 8888. Located in Putian City, Hongxing Ecological Park is a park with the theme of ecological agriculture and leisure tourism. Offering an abundance of outdoor activities, such as vegetable picking, fishing and farm stays, visitors can get close to nature and experience the countryside idyllic. There are also family-friendly rides in the park, making it a great place to relax on vacation. Red Star Ecological Park promotes a green lifestyle through the concept of ecological environmental protection, while allowing visitors to experience healthy and organic food and agricultural products
Putian Wood Carving Museum, No. 156, Donghai Road, Donghai Street, Licheng District, ☏ +86 594-2635088. Putian Wood Sculpture Museum showcases a wealth of wood-carved artworks, including Buddha statues, animals and people, showcasing a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Visitors can freely visit here to learn about the history and culture of wood carving, participate in workshops to try carving, or enjoy the live wood carving demonstration. In addition, there are small shops in the museum that sell works by local artists. Free.
Putian Ceramics Museum, South Gate of Putian City, ☏ +86 594-2653188. Putian Ceramics Museum focuses on displaying Putian's rich ceramic culture and history, showcasing a variety of traditional handmade ceramics and modern ceramic works, reflecting the unique local art style. The museum introduces the development process and process characteristics of ceramics through textual explanation and multimedia display. The museum also regularly holds workshops on ceramic production, where visitors can experience the process of drawing blanks and glazing for themselves. In addition, from time to time, the museum holds exhibitions and lectures on ceramic art to enhance visitors' understanding of ceramic culture. There is also a small shop selling ceramic works by local artists, which sells characteristic handwritten letters and is a great place to learn and experience Putian ceramic culture. Free.
South Shaolin Martial Arts Show, South Shaolin Temple, Licheng District. South Shaolin Temple is one of the four major Shaolin temples in China. It has a long history, carries rich martial arts skills and enjoys a great reputation. South Shaolin martial arts performances are rich in content, usually including traditional martial arts routines such as boxing, stick, sword, etc., showing the strength and beauty of martial arts. In addition, different weapons will be used in the show, demonstrating skills and control of weapons, and some performances even include boxing and live combat, showing the practicality of martial arts. Performances come in a variety of forms, including solo and group performances, and sometimes audiences are invited to participate in interactions and experience simple martial arts movements. During the performance, martial arts instructors introduce the historical and cultural background of martial arts and increase the understanding of the audience. The performance is usually held in the South Shaolin Temple, and the environment is beautiful and the atmosphere is strong, which is suitable for viewing. The best time to watch is during holidays and specific events, such as martial arts festivals and cultural festivals, when the performance is more frequent and large, and is a wonderful experience not to be missed by martial arts enthusiasts and culture lovers. If you have a chance to visit Putian, don't miss this rich traditional culture feast!¥20-50.
East Beach, Meizhou Island. This beach is known for its delicate sandy beaches and clear waters. The sand is white and delicate, and the beach is wide and great for sunbathing and swimming. The water temperature is moderate. The East Beach also offers surfing lessons and equipment rental. Near the beach are numerous restaurants and stalls where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. There is also a dressing room and shower facilities nearby. Summer (June to September) is the best time to visit. A large number of tourists come on holidays, and the atmosphere is lively.free.

Festivals

Mazu's birthday, Meizhou Mazu Temple on Meizhou Island. The 23rd day of the third month of the lunar calendar. The celebration of Mazu's birthday is rich and colorful, and the core is a solemn sacrifice ceremony, in which devotees will worship devotionally at the Mazu Temple in Meizhou and other places to pray for peace, success and protection. As the god of the sea, the symbol of Mazu's "escort" spirit makes the parade an important part of the procession, and the statue of Mazu is carried onto floats and worshiped by believers along the street. During the festival, there are also folk performances such as Puxian opera, dragon and lion dance, and Nanyin, highlighting the local cultural characteristics. Combined with maritime culture, the fishing boat cruises show people's gratitude for the protection of Mazu. In addition, temple fairs and bazaars are bustling with activity, with offerings such as local delicacies and pingan cakes becoming the highlights of the festival, adding warmth and joy to this traditional event.
"White-Margined Spring Couplets".White-Margined Spring Couplets are a unique tradition in Putian, China. These couplets are written on white paper instead of the usual red, reflecting a local custom. They are often used during special occasions, especially for households in mourning, as red is considered unsuitable in such situations. This practice showcases the rich cultural heritage and distinctiveness of Putian's traditions.

Buy

Matsu Cultural Souvenirs. Putian is the birthplace of Matsu culture. On Meizhou Island, you can find a variety of souvenirs related to Matsu, such as statues of Matsu, incense burners and amulets.
Footwear. Putian City has a number of shoe factories, production of a variety of shoes, including affordable high-quality sneakers
Yellowstone soy sauce. This is a traditional seasoning in Putian, which has a unique flavor and is often used in local dishes.
Minamijiri Island Seafood. Putian Nanjiri Island is famous for its rich seafood such as dried oysters, seaweed, kelp and dried fish – all popular local specialties.
mahogany furniture. Xianyou is part of Putian and is known for its high-quality mahogany furniture. You can find beautifully crafted mahogany tables, chairs and bookshelves.
bamboo handicrafts. Putian bamboo technology is unique, providing baskets, mats and other bamboo products.

Shopping malls

25.3119.11 Putian Xiuyu Wanda Plaza, 99 Xidadao Road, Hutou Town, Xiuyu District.
25.41192 Zhengrong Times Square, at the intersection of Dongyuan East Road and Beida North Street in Licheng District.

Eat

Xinghua Rice Noodles. Xinghua Rice Noodles are one of Putian's most famous snacks. These fine, smooth noodles can be stir-fried or cooked in soup and are typically served with bean sprouts, vegetables, and lean meat. Sometimes seafood is added, making for a rich and flavorful dish that’s popular for breakfast or as a snack.
Putian Braised Noodles. Putian Braised Noodles are cooked in a savory broth and come with ingredients like pork belly, tofu, mushrooms, and dried shrimp. The broth is flavorful, giving each bite a comforting taste of home.
Pig Trotter Jelly. Pig Trotter Jelly is a traditional cold dish made by simmering pig trotters until they’re tender, then cooling them until they solidify into a jelly-like form. Rich in collagen, it has a smooth, delicate texture and is typically enjoyed with a dipping sauce – perfect for hot weather.
Nanjiri Island Seafood. Nanjiri Island is famous for its fresh seafood, including oysters, squid, shrimp, and crabs. Local restaurants serve a variety of seafood dishes that showcase the ocean’s freshest flavors.
Putian Braised Noodles. Putian Braised Noodles are cooked in a savory broth and come with ingredients like pork belly, tofu, mushrooms, and dried shrimp. The broth is flavorful, giving each bite a comforting taste of home.
Oyster Omelette. The Oyster Omelette is a classic Putian snack. Fresh oysters are mixed with eggs and sweet potato flour, then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside. It’s often served with a dipping sauce, blending the rich flavors of oysters and eggs.
Putian Tofu Skin. Putian Tofu Skin is well-known and usually wrapped around fillings to create tofu rolls. It can be steamed, boiled, or fried, making for a unique dish that’s often served at feasts and celebrations.
Sticky Rice Porridge. This traditional dessert is made from glutinous rice, slowly cooked to a thick, porridge-like consistency, and flavored with brown sugar, peanuts, and sesame seeds. It’s sweet, soft, and melts in your mouth, a treat that everyone enjoys.
Taro Cake. Putian Taro Cake is made with locally grown taro, combined with glutinous rice flour, tofu skin, and dried shrimp, then steamed into a soft cake. It has a rich taro flavor and is a popular snack or breakfast.
Gong Candy. Gong Candy is a traditional Putian sweet made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and brown sugar. It’s crunchy and slightly sweet, and is a popular gift during festive occasions.
Bianshi (Putian Wontons). Putian’s Bianshi is similar to wontons but with a thinner wrapper and more filling, giving it a smooth and tender texture. The filling typically consists of pork and mushrooms, and they’re usually served with a sprinkle of green onions, making this dish a popular snack.
Bian rou soup. Putian Bianrou Soup, also known as “Bianrou Yan,” is a traditional specialty dish from Putian, Fujian Province. It is renowned for its light, fresh taste and delicate preparation, with a history spanning several centuries. The key ingredient of Bianrou Soup is “Bianrou,” which is similar to wonton. It is made by finely chopping lean pork into minced meat, which is then seasoned and wrapped in a paper-thin meat wrapper. The wrapper is crafted from pork leg or tenderloin, pounded into a fine paste. This technique results in a thin, tender skin and a flavorful filling, giving the dish a smooth and delicate texture. Once the Bianrou is cooked, it is served in a clear broth, typically made by simmering pork or chicken bones to create a rich, savory flavor.

Restaurants

25.431191 Hezi Ji New-Style Fujian Cuisine, 1971 5. It blends traditional Fujian flavors with modern techniques to create innovative dishes. The name symbolizes harvest, harmony, and happiness, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on seasonal ingredients and cultural heritage. Embracing the philosophy "One Feast, Four Seasons, Eight Fujian Flavors," it aims to deliver a taste of Fujian’s traditions and the joy of fine dining.¥174.
25.41192 Yanyi Authentic Minnan Cuisine (1971 Creative Park Branch) 1971, 639, ☏ +86 17759807777. It offers traditional Minnan dishes, including Ginger Duck, Black Bean Tofu, Crispy Taro Mash, and Seaweed Rice, all popular with diners. Located in the 1971 Creative Park, the restaurant blends authentic flavors with a unique setting inspired by Putian's traditional architecture.¥80.

Drink

Red Mushroom Tea. Red Mushroom Tea is a unique beverage in Putian, made primarily from red mushrooms, along with red dates and goji berries. Red mushrooms are known as the "ruby mushrooms" for their rich nutrients and medicinal properties. This tea has a fragrant taste and is believed to help nourish and invigorate the body, making it a favorite among locals for its health benefits.
Stone Flower Jelly. Stone Flower Jelly is made from stone flower grass (also known as seaweed), and it’s typically served with honey or brown sugar syrup. With its smooth, refreshing texture and slightly sweet taste, this jelly is good for cooling down in the summer.
Sugarcane Juice. Sugarcane juice is very popular in Putian, as the local climate is ideal for growing sugarcane. Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice is naturally sweet and refreshing, providing a quick source of energy and hydration, especially during the hot summer months.
Nanjiri Kelp Tea. Nanjiri Island is known for its high-quality kelp, which locals use to make kelp tea. This tea has a subtle marine flavor and is rich in minerals and trace elements. It’s thought to help clear heat from the body and promote metabolism.
Brown Sugar Ginger Tea. Brown Sugar Ginger Tea is a traditional Putian drink that helps to warm the body and ward off cold, especially popular during winter. Made by boiling ginger slices with brown sugar, it has a spicy, warming taste and is beneficial for improving blood circulation.
Putian Mung Bean Soup. Mung Bean Soup is a classic drink for cooling down, made by boiling mung beans with rock sugar. During the summer, people in Putian often drink mung bean soup to relieve heat and stay refreshed. Its mild sweetness and cooling properties make it a great way to beat the heat.
Dried Tangerine Peel Honey Tea. Dried Tangerine Peel Honey Tea is a common household drink in Putian, made with dried tangerine peel and honey. The tangerine peel helps improve digestion, while honey adds a pleasant sweetness. It’s a healthy drink suitable for year-round consumption.
Grass Jelly Drink. Grass Jelly is also popular in Putian, typically served in small chunks with red beans, tapioca pearls, and sugar syrup, creating a refreshing drink. Known for its cooling and detoxifying properties, grass jelly is a favorite summer refreshment.
Putian Rice Wine. People in Putian often make their own traditional rice wines, like rice wine and glutinous rice wine. These wines are sweet and low in alcohol.

Bars

25.41191 Galaxy Bar/Galaxy Club,.17:00-05:00. Galaxy Bar is a well-known entertainment and party venue in Putian City. The bar features a unique "Galaxy" theme design and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, offering customers an immersive entertainment experience.
25.41192 Inntoo Bar/Music Lab, Xinglinghui Plaza in Chengxiang District. It is the first multi-functional party destination in the city. With a young and trendy theme, the bar breaks away from traditional entertainment formats, offering stylish party experiences and a unique musical atmosphere. Inntoo regularly hosts events such as performances by renowned DJs and electronic music parties, aiming to provide guests with an ultimate entertainment experience

Budget

These hotels are affordable with simple facilities, useful for short stays and backpackers.

25.41191 7 Days Inn7 Days Inn).This chain offers clean, basic accommodations suitable for backpackers and short-term travelers.
25.411192 Hanting Hotel. As a well-known budget hotel chain, Hanting provides economical accommodation with all essential amenities.
25.41193 Youth Hostels. Although options are limited, Putian has a few small youth hostels with dorm-style rooms and shared facilities, allowing guests to experience the local charm at an affordable price.

Mid-range

These hotels are affordable yet fully equipped, useful for travelers on a budget who still want a comfortable stay.

25.41194 Hilton Garden Inn Putian Airport, ☏ +86 594-2219999. Located in the city centre, this hotel offers clean and well-maintained rooms, a fitness centre and restaurant, and excellent services.250-500¥.
25.41195 Home-like Hotel. Affiliated with a popular hotel chain, it offers clean and minimalist rooms with basic amenities.150-300¥.

Specialty guesthouses

Putian also has unique guesthouses in the city or near attractions, offering a chance to experience local life.

Meizhou Island Guesthouses: Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, features many guesthouses with sea views and a chance to immerse in local culture. Staying on the island allows convenient access to the Mazu Temple and a peaceful island lifestyle.
Nanjiri Island Fishing Homestays: Nanjiri Island is known for its seafood. Visitors can stay with local fishermen, enjoy fresh seafood feasts, and participate in fishing activities, providing a unique island culture experience.

Splurge

Putian has several luxury hotels with modern facilities and high-quality service.

25.431196 Wanda Jiajie, ☏ +86 594-2109999. Located in the center of the city. It offers spacious rooms, dining options and a fitness centre.¥400-800.
25.431197 Yuhu Grand Hotel Putian, ☏ +86 594-2778888. Close to the bustling downtown five-star hotel, beautifully decorated, conference and leisure facilities, suitable for holding conferences and large-scale events. The hotel has a Chinese restaurant with local specialties and seafood.¥300-600.

Go next

Anywhere in Fujian is accessible. The major coastal cities Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Xiamen are easily reached by either the coastal highway or high-speed rail lines. Further south, both rail and road lead into Guangdong Province. The nearest major cities are Chaozhou and Shantou. Going further, one can reach Guangzhou and Shenzhen. There is also a high-speed rail connection heading inland {west) into Jiangxi Province.