Putian

Understand

Putian boasts a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period. Established as a county in 589 AD during the Sui Dynasty, it flourished in the Tang and Song dynasties, earning titles like "Land of Culture and Literature" and "Zou Lu of the Seaside." The city is also the birthplace of Mazu culture, which spread to Southeast Asia. Today, Putian is known for its shoe industry and recognized as a cultural hub blending tradition with modernity, with Mazu culture listed as intangible cultural heritage.

Population Putian City is characterized by its plains and coastal terrain. According to the Seventh National Population Census (2020), the permanent population of Putian is approximately 3.151 million. The city has a relatively large young and middle-aged population, which aligns with its economic development characteristics. The birth rate has declined, and the trend of population aging has become more evident. However, overall, Putian remains a relatively youthful city in terms of its population.

Districts and counties Chengxiang District is the central urban area of Putian City and serves as the political, cultural, and educational hub of the city.It is rich in historical and cultural heritage, featuring famous landmarks such as the South Shaolin Temple. Hanjiang District Hanjiang District is the transportation hub of Putian and one of the city's rapidly developing areas. It has a well-developed industrial sector, primarily focused on light industry, textiles, and food processing. In addition, agriculture in Hanjiang is also prominent, particularly rice cultivation and aquaculture. Licheng District is the economic core of Putian City, featuring numerous large-scale commercial centers and upscale residential areas. Xiuyu District is located in the southeastern part of Putian City and serves as the city’s port economic zone, situated near Meizhou Bay with a thriving port economy. The district is characterized by its fisheries and marine industries, boasting abundant seafood resources. Xiuyu is also renowned for Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu culture and a significant tourist destination. Xianyou Count is the only county in Putian, renowned for its "fairyland tourism" and traditional craftsmanship. It is a famous production base for classical handcrafted furniture in China, known for its rosewood carving and furniture making. Additionally, Xianyou boasts picturesque landscapes and abundant ecological tourism resources.

Climate

January-February: Winter in Putian is mild, with average temperatures ranging between 10-16°C. There are occasional d

Getting there

By bus 1 Putian Public Buses (莆田公共汽车). 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. (updated Nov 2024)

By rail 2 Putian Railway Station (莆田高铁站). 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. (updated Nov 2024)

By car There are several expressways around Putian, including Shenhai Expressway (沈海高速G15) and Fuyin Expressway (福银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.

See

1 Putian Museum (莆田市博物馆), 175 Yanshou, Yanshou Village, Longqiao Subdistrict, Chengxiang District (城厢区龙桥街道延寿村延寿175号) (at the southern end of Shouxi Park (绶溪公园); take bus nos. 1, 7, 12, 23, 60, 98, 99, 202 or 303), ☏ +86 594 2252299, toll-free: +86 400 1234567, [email protected]. 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. (updated Sep 2021) 2 Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea (湄洲妈祖祖庙), Meizhou Island, Xiuyu District (秀屿区湄洲岛) (in the northern part of Meizhou Island, just a few hundred meters south of the ferry docks), ☏ +86 594 5094688, [email protected]. 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. 3 Southern Shaolin Monastery (莆田南少林寺), Linshan Village, Xitianwei Town, Licheng District (荔城区西天尾镇林山村) (take bus no. 201 from Putian Railway Station, get off at Xitianwei Circle (西天尾圆圈), 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. (updated Dec 2017) 4 Jiuli Lake (九鲤湖). 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. (updated Oct 2024) 5 Jiuhua Temple (九华寺), ☏ +86 594 819 5299. 07:00-18:0

Do

1 Red Star Ecological Park (红星生态园), ☏ +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 (updated Oct 2024) 2 Putian Wood Carving Museum (莆田木雕博物馆), 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. (updated Oct 2024) 3 Putian Ceramics Museum (莆田陶瓷博物馆), 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. (updated Oct 2024) 4 South Shaolin Martial Arts Show (南少林武术表演), 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

Buy

Matsu Cultural Souvenirs (妈祖文化纪念品). 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. (updated Oct 2024) Footwear (莆田鞋业). Putian City has a number of shoe factories, production of a variety of shoes, including affordable high-quality sneakers (updated Oct 2024) Yellowstone soy sauce (黄石酱油). This is a traditional seasoning in Putian, which has a unique flavor and is often used in local dishes. (updated Oct 2024) Minamijiri Island Seafood (南尻岛海鲜). Putian Nanjiri Island is famous for its rich seafood such as dried oysters, seaweed, kelp and dried fish – all popular local specialties. (updated Oct 2024) mahogany furniture (仙佑红木家具). Xianyou is part of Putian and is known for its high-quality mahogany furniture. You can find beautifully crafted mahogany tables, chairs and bookshelves. (updated Oct 2024) bamboo handicrafts (竹工艺品). Putian bamboo technology is unique, providing baskets, mats and other bamboo products. (updated Oct 2024)

Shopping malls 1 Putian Xiuyu Wanda Plaza (莆田秀屿万达广场), 99 Xidadao Road, Hutou Town, Xiuyu District. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Zhengrong Times Square (正荣时代广场), at the intersection of Dongyuan East Road and Beida North Street in Licheng District 荔城区东园路与北大路交汇处. (updated Nov 2024)

Eat

Xinghua Rice Noodles (兴化米粉). 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 (莆田卤面). 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 (猪蹄冻). 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 (南尻岛海鲜). 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 (莆田卤面). 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 (蚵仔煎). 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 (莆田豆腐皮). 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 (糯米粥). 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 (芋头糕). 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 (宫糖). 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) (扁食（莆田馄饨）). Putian’s Bianshi is similar to wontons but with a thinne

Drink & nightlife

Red Mushroom Tea (红菇茶). 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 (石花果冻). 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 (甘蔗汁). 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 (南尻海带茶). 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 (红糖姜茶). 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 (莆田绿豆汤). 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 (陈皮蜂蜜茶). 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 (仙草饮料). 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 (莆田米酒). 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 1 Galaxy Bar/Galaxy Club (银河酒吧), 福建省莆田市城厢区星领汇广场. 17

Sleep

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

1 7 Days Inn (7 Days Inn). This chain offers clean, basic accommodations suitable for backpackers and short-term travelers. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Hanting Hotel (汉庭酒店). As a well-known budget hotel chain, Hanting provides economical accommodation with all essential amenities. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Youth Hostels (莆田青年旅社). 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. (updated Nov 2024)

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

4 Hilton Garden Inn Putian Airport (莆田希尔顿欢朋酒店), ☏ +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¥. (updated Oct 2024) 5 Home-like Hotel (如家酒店). Affiliated with a popular hotel chain, it offers clean and minimalist rooms with basic amenities. 150-300¥. (updated Oct 2024)

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.

6 Wanda Jiajie (莆田万达嘉界), ☏ +86 594-2109999. Located in the center of the city. It offers spacious rooms, dining options and a fitness centre. ¥400-800. (updated Oct 2024) 7 Yuhu Grand Hotel Putian (莆田玉湖大饭店), ☏ +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. (updated Oct 2024)

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.