Nanping
People's Republic of China · Asia
About Nanping
Nanping is a third-tier prefecture-level city in northwestern Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. It borders Ningde to the east, Sanming to the south, and the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangxi to the north and west respectively. Part of the famous Wuyi Mountains range is located in this prefecture. Its population was 2,680,645 as of the 2020 census, of whom 795,448 lived in the built-up (or metro) area made up of Yanping and Jianyang urban districts.At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, the permanent population will be 2.623 million.
Nanping is a picturesque old city, located on a hill near the fall of the Jianxi Brook into the Min, and surrounded by high stone walls, which were used to prevent artillery fire. They formed a considerable obstacle to anything hostile in past conflicts. The city flower is lily.
There are towering peaks and widespread low mountains in the territory, with river valleys and small basins scattered among them. Its landscape is dominated by hills and mountains and echoes a traditional Chinese saying that describes southern China as "eight parts mountain, one part water, and one part farmland" (八山一水一分田).
Nanping travel guide
Getting there
1 Nanping North Railway Station (南平北站). (updated Dec 2025) 2 Nanpingshi Railway Station (南平站). (updated Dec 2025)
See
Wuyishan: Climb up this mountain and enjoy the view from the top. It is worth it! It takes about an hour to reach the top and half an hour to come down. Enjoy the scenic bamboo raft ride down the river. You get to see huge rocks of different shapes and sizes - some of which resemble people or animals. You will also get to see some "hanging coffins" - coffins, believed to be more than 2000 years old, placed inside large cracks in some of the gigantic rocks. These cracks are about 20-40 metres above the river. Nobody knows how the coffins got there. The ride takes about one and a half hours. Each raft comes with two rowers and can take six passengers.
Nanping Museum (南平市博物馆), 266 Makeng Road, Yanping District (延平区马坑路266号) (Bus no. 7), ☏ +86 599 8612820, [email protected]. 09:00-12:00, 14:30-17:30 (14:00-17:00 during winter), closed on Mondays. Free. (updated May 2018) 1 Nine Bend River (九曲溪). Taking a bamboo raft downstream and enjoying the stunning Danxia landforms along the way is a classic experience in Wuyishan. (updated Dec 2025) Rural Minbei and tea plantations (闽北乡村与茶园). The area surrounding Nanping is dotted with tea plantations, bamboo forests, and traditional villages, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy a slower pace of life and natural scenery. (updated Dec 2025)
Do
Bamboo rafting on Nine Bend River (九曲溪竹筏漂流). Taking a bamboo raft downstream in the Wuyishan Scenic Area is the most classic and relaxing experience. (updated Dec 2025)
Buy
Wuyi rock tea (武夷岩茶). Including Da Hong Pao, Shuixian, and Rougui. Best bought from reputable tea shops or markets. (updated Dec 2025) Bamboo products (竹制品). Handcrafted baskets, small household items, and tea accessories. (updated Dec 2025) Black tea (红茶). Such as Lapsang souchong from nearby areas. (updated Dec 2025) Local food products (闽北土特产). Dried bamboo shoots, smoked goose, pork floss, and guangbing flatbread make practical souvenirs (updated Dec 2025)
Eat
Minbei wontons (南平扁肉). A local version of Fujian wontons, known for thin wrappers and generously seasoned pork filling, often eaten with noodles. (updated Dec 2025) Guangbing (光饼). A traditional baked flatbread with a crisp exterior, sometimes stuffed with meat or pork floss. (updated Dec 2025) Dried bamboo shoot dishes (笋干系列菜). Bamboo shoots cooked with pork or noodles are a local staple (updated Dec 2025) Smoked goose (熏鹅). Especially popular around Wuyishan and Jianyang, served sliced as a cold dish. (updated Dec 2025) Rice jelly snacks (米冻). Chilled rice-based snacks seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, or chili oil, common in summer. (updated Dec 2025)
Drink & nightlife
Jasmine tea (茉莉花茶). A lightly scented tea frequently served with meals. (updated Dec 2025) Wuyi rock tea (武夷岩茶). Including Da Hong Pao, Shuixian, and Rougui. Best bought from reputable tea shops or markets. (updated Dec 2025) Black tea (红茶). Such as Lapsang souchong from nearby areas. (updated Dec 2025)
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.