Sun Chasing Trip to Xiapu, Fujian (Includes Detailed Itinerary and Suggestions)

Sun Chasing Trip to Xiapu, Fujian (Part 1)

Day 1: Dongbi Village, Xiapu - Stay at Dongbi Village - Ningde Four Seasons Seascape Homestay

One day in August 2020, we set off from Xiamen and drove to Dongbi Village in Xiapu, a total of 418 kilometers. We ate and drank along the way, and it took 6 hours.

Dongbi Village is a small fishing village facing the sea and built along the mountain. Here you can watch the sunset while standing on the roadside, sitting on the balcony, or lying in bed. We stayed at a small homestay run by a middle-aged couple, located on a small slope in Dongbi Village. In the sea-facing rooms, you can see the sunset from the bed.

We arrived at the homestay at 4 PM. We thought we could see the sunset that day, but it was cloudy... However, the sea under the dark clouds had a unique charm.

Below is the view of the Dongbi sea at night, taken from the homestay balcony:

Dinner was at a small shop nearby. Our family of four adults and one child spent just over 100 yuan, and it was settled.

Day 2: Huazhu and Xiao Hao in Xiapu - Stay at Dongbi Village - Ningde Four Seasons Seascape Homestay

Morning plan: Watch sunrise at Huazhu.

Originally planned to depart at 5:00 to Huazhu for sunrise, but the kids refused to get up, plus we took a wrong road. We didn't see the sunrise, only saw the 'Fuyao Islands' under the sunlight.

From where we stayed to Huazhu Village is 6 km, about 15-20 minutes by car. We navigated to 'Huazhu Sunrise Photography Home', which is a bit far from the viewing point. After arriving, we learned that a new homestay 'Xiapu Haiqinxuan Homestay' had opened nearby (right next to the Huazhu Village Committee). The viewing point is opposite the village committee. Once you get out of the car, park as soon as you see a spot, then walk to the viewing platform.

Huazhu is the best place to view the panoramic 'Fuyao Islands', especially at sunrise, which is most magnificent.

After watching the sunrise, you can take a stroll at the ancient town pier of Sansha Town.

Breakfast: On the way back from the pier, you'll pass a market area with breakfast shops. Choose one with many locals to experience the most authentic Sansha cuisine.

After breakfast, those with time and energy can visit Liuyun Cave / Liuyun Zen Temple. From our homestay, turn left and walk 720 meters to Liuyun Zen Temple, about 10 minutes on foot. Tour time about one hour.

It was too hot, so we didn't go. We returned to the homestay around 9 AM to brew tea and chat.

Lunch: The homestay owner went to the market early in the morning to buy seafood and processed it for us. It was delicious and incredibly cheap.

Those who don't get seasick can go fishing at sea. Have the accommodation owner contact a fishing boat operator in advance. Depending on the weather and price, if the group is small, see if you can join a shared boat.

Afternoon plan: Watch sunset at Xiao Hao Village.

We napped until 4 PM, then went to Xiao Hao Beach. From our homestay to Xiao Hao Beach is 5.7 km, an 8-minute drive.

Xiao Hao Village: Mainly for photographing sunset, front-lit and back-lit sandy tidal flats, and scenes of sea farming, catching fish fry, etc. The beach is small with few people. Our main activity was the kids catching small crabs.

At sunset, people often hire local villagers for staged photo shoots. We were lucky and encountered one.

Dinner: We made congee with leftover seafood from lunch. It was refreshing.

Day 3: Huazhu - Yushan Island, stay at Yushan Island - Fuding Yulü Summer Resort

Morning plan: Watch sunrise at Huazhu, then head to Yushan Island.

We set off at 5:00 again to see the sunrise, but it was a bit cloudy, so we still didn't see it...

Breakfast: Still ate at the market from Sansha Pier to Dongbi Village. After eating, we went directly to Sansha Ancient Town Pier to take a boat to Yushan Island.

Problems with the itinerary arrangement over these two days: When I first planned this trip, I thought Dongbi Village was located between Huazhu Village and Xiao Hao Village, and staying in Dongbi would reduce back-and-forth travel. That turned out to be wrong. My suggestion for those who want to go: stay near the sunrise spot so that those who want to see sunrise can easily do so, while those who don't can sleep in.

My itinerary requires returning to the hotel to rest at noon; I typically stay two nights in one place, a slow pace. Stay tuned for the rest of the trip.

Written on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 (22nd day of the first lunar month)