Travel on the Quzhou-Ningde Railway | Follow This Travel Guide to Explore the Mountains and Seas of Ningde!

In eastern Fujian, there is a city nestled between mountains and sea, a gathering of beautiful mountains and waters. This peaceful and prosperous city is called Ningde. After the Quzhou-Ningde Railway opened, this city with blue sea and sky opened its arms further to the world. Before the official launch of the Quzhou-Ningde Railway, we embarked on a soul-stirring journey through the mountains and seas of Ningde, recording the beauty and stories of stations along the way. With cameras and footsteps, we unveiled the mysterious veil of the mountain and sea scenery along the railway.

Day 1: Pingnan Baishuiyang

Day 2: Pingnan Yuanyangxi (Mandarin Duck Creek) - Zhouning Jiulongji - Zhouning Liyuxi (Koi Fish Creek)

Day 3: Xiapu Dajing Beach - Beiqitian Tidal Flats

Day 4: Xiapu Huazhu Village - Ningde Jiaocheng District Huotong Ancient Town

Day 5: Ningde Jiaocheng District Sandu'ao Daimu Island Scenic Area

Day 1: Pingnan Baishuiyang

If you're not ready to say goodbye to summer, come with us to Pingnan's 'Ten-mile Water Street' Baishuiyang for the final summer celebration. The flat rocky riverbed is one solid piece, clean and without gravel, water ankle-deep, the surface shimmering with white light.

Day 2: Pingnan Yuanyangxi, Zhouning Liyuxi and Jiulongji

Downstream of Baishuiyang is the hometown of mandarin ducks, named Yuanyangxi because thousands of mandarin ducks come here from the north to spend winter each year. On the second morning, we arrived at Yuanyangxi. The water surface was misty, and surrounded by mountains, a turquoise pool awaited. We wished to linger here as summer slipped away. Bidding farewell to Pingnan, we encountered the grotesque Jiulongji. Legend has it that nine dragons once gathered and swam in the lower reaches of Dongyangxi in Zhouning County, hence the name Jiulongji. Here you can find exotic flowers and fruits, steep cliffs, and many rare animals. The waterfall group of Jiulongji is breathtaking, like a thousand troops charging, with sounds of tigers roaring and dragons chanting, resembling the Milky Way falling from the heavens.

The second hidden gem in Zhouning is Liyuxi, a creek that has flowed from the foothills of Ziyun Mountain for eight hundred years. Originating from the foothills of Ziyun Mountain at an elevation of 1,448 meters, Liyuxi gathers dozens of mountain streams. Thousands of large colorful koi fish swim leisurely in the creek, competing for food, their colored scales shimmering. Strolling by the creek, people and fish share joy. Liyuxi is a model of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Day 3: Xiapu Dajing Beach, Beiqitian Tidal Flats

People from Zhejiang often say, 'North to Qingdao, south to Dajing.' How could we miss Dajing when in Ningde? Located on the southeast coast of Xiapu County, the Dajing Scenic Area is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea to the east. The residents mainly rely on fishing and agriculture, simple and honest. Dajing Beach is 3,000 meters long and over 200 meters wide. Although the seawater is not very clear (it is said that around the 15th of each month, the water is murky due to spring tides; if you want to see clear water, avoid this time), the sand is fine and soft, silent when touched, leaving no trace when walked on. Walking on the beach washed by the sea is super comfortable. It's a great place for summer. Wearing flip-flops and shorts is common. You can ride jet skis, lie on the beach soaking up the sun, or charter a boat to fish and eat seafood.

If you come to Ningde and don't visit Xiapu Beiqitian Tidal Flats, it would be a regret. From Dajing Beach to Beiqitian Tidal Flats, the car passes rows of square fishing nets supported by thousands of bamboo poles, stretching for miles, picturesque and crowded with photography enthusiasts. This is one of 'China's 80 most worthy photographic spots' and one of the 22 top photography destinations. Most famous are the tiger-skin patterns on the tidal flats, and the countless poles, people, and boats on the sea. Along the road, there is a small slope that is the best place to watch the sunrise. Climb up and you can see the entire sea. On clear days, some people even go as early as 3:30 AM to claim a spot! If you want to see the sunrise, you can stay at nearby homestays; there are many options and you don't need to wake up so early.

Day 4: Xiapu Huazhu Village, Ningde Jiaocheng District Huotong Ancient Town

Continuing the journey to Huazhu, watching sunrise and sunset by the sea in Huazhu Village is a much-anticipated scene for many photography enthusiasts visiting Xiapu. The sun lies quietly on the horizon, shifting from crimson to deep yellow, then dazzlingly bright. If there are clouds in the sky, you can also see brilliant morning glow, colorful and ever-changing.

Huotong Ancient Town Scenic Area is located in the northwest of Jiaocheng District. Stepping into the lush ancient town, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting fine light and shadow. Outside the forest park, there is a hidden world. The old street in Huotong Xiajie, built in Ming and Qing styles, is dotted with various historical sites. On the street, the wonderful performance of Huotong Line Lions drew rounds of applause from the audience. The line lions come to life under the pull of strings, performing even difficult moves with ease.

On the final day, we visited Sandu'ao Daimu Island Scenic Area, which showcases the beauty of Sandu'ao. Guo Moruo once wrote a poem here: 'Sandu's fine port is unparalleled in the world, deep and wide like a heavenly lake.' Arriving at Sandu'ao feels like stepping into a fairy tale world. Ancient and magical legends, strange rocks scattered across the island, full of interest, all captivated our eyes. Daimu Island is located within Sandu'ao, one of the most unique and representative islands in terms of landscape resources, long a tourist attraction in eastern Fujian. On the island, we climbed the steps, enjoying the view from high above the 'floating fishing city.' Looking out, the fishing houses are connected, stretching for tens of kilometers, like a city floating on the sea.

After five days, we finally glimpsed the mountain and sea beauty of Ningde. If you want to hold on to summer, go to Baishuiyang, find that white brilliance in the sparkling waters. If you want to explore unknown hidden places, go to the grotesque Jiulongji and encounter the magical waterfall group. If you want to find the source of 'clear water', go to the tranquil Liyuxi, cup a handful of clear water, and wash away the fatigue of travel... Take this Quzhou-Ningde train and unlock more secrets of Ningde. I want to hear your stories about Ningde.

Ningde is not only beautiful with scenery, but also has mouth-watering specialties: rice-burned rabbit, loach noodles, large yellow croaker, black egg cake, pressed duck, and various seafood that satisfy your appetite - Qidu crab, mantis shrimp, razor clams, mud cockles... Xiapu county is full of food stalls, affordable and delicious. Enjoy beautiful scenery and good food along the way, feel the joy of the journey!

For accommodation, we recommend staying at characteristic homestays with good indoor environment and great experience, offering anytime views. For example, homestays near Xiapu tidal flats are more expensive than budget hotels. We stayed at a Japanese-style minimalist homestay 'Wang Chaoxi' (Tide Watching) located on the mountainside by the sea, half mountain and half sea, with a wide view, an excellent spot for watching the sea, sunrise, and sunset. The rooftop terrace also has an infinity pool connecting with the distant sea and sky, a great place for photos. Other well-located homestays include 'Yunman Guanhai Holiday Homestay', 'Rongshanju', 'Shijianhai'... You can check the details yourself; prices fluctuate during holidays.

For those who want to go to Xiapu or Huazhu to watch sunrise and sunset, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance. Only go when the weather is good, otherwise you'll miss out.