Xiapu has not only the Beichi Tidal Flats, but also the Nanqi Tidal Flats, offering you a different landscape.
Nanqi, another village of Songshan, is also where the broader Songshan Natural Village is located, yet it remains relatively unknown compared to the famous Beichi Tidal Flats.
This time, we drove to Nanqi to explore its unique landscape between the mountains and the sea.
"A Museum in the Guesthouse"
Arriving at a place, seeing its present, I also want to know its past – the Songshan Marine History and Culture Museum on the second floor of Xiapu Wanghailou Guesthouse.
Pushing open the antique-style wooden window, a heavy sense of history rushes in. Old maps, vintage photographs, and yellowed, worn fishing gear have been collected piece by piece by the guesthouse owner, all to preserve the exclusive memories of the fishing families.
"Mazu's Temporary Palace Through Time"
Stepping onto uneven stone steps, passing by towering banyan trees, and entering through the solemn main gate, I came face to face with an ancient temple that has endured for over a millennium. Built during the Song dynasty, its faded walls and mottled murals tell of its history. The all-wooden structure is fragile yet elegant, aging with the years, but faith continues unbroken, passed down from generation to generation.
"Sunset Seawall"
Following the coastal path, I reached a long seawall just as the sun was setting. The orange-red sunlight spilled over the sea and the embankment, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep blue water. The late autumn sea breeze was quite chilly, carrying a faint scent of brine. I picked up a seashell, put it to my ear, and listened – it was the sound of the waves.
"Seafood on the Rooftop"
We ended the trip with a seafood feast on the guesthouse rooftop. The tidal flats' specialties: razor clams, small but incredibly fresh blue crabs, oysters, mantis shrimp, and a plate of Xiapu's signature fried rice noodles, accompanied by a bottle of beer. This could well be called the ultimate gout-inducing set meal, but who can resist its irresistible allure?
On the top-floor sky garden of Xiapu Wanghailou Guesthouse, you can enjoy views of both the Beichi and Nanqi seascapes while having breakfast in a comfortable setting. In the evening, listen to music as you lie in a rocking chair gazing at the stars, sit on stone stools chatting and laughing, or stand on the observation deck enjoying the sea breeze.
Spring comes, summer goes, autumn harvests, winter stores,
From the first light of dawn to the boundless twilight,
The eternal sunrise and sunset,
The ever-refreshing human culture,
Which one do you prefer?
