A 72-Hour Guide to Fuding: Tea Picking, Mountain Climbing, Island Hopping, Camping, and Culinary Delights

Mountains and seas embrace here, tea fragrance drifts afar, and cuisine gathers... This is Fuding. With scenery, poetry, and distant dreams, good mountains, good waters, and good fortune! Take you through 72 hours in the 'Fairy Capital on the Sea' and 'Food Landmark'—Fuding: pick white tea, climb immortal mountains, tour islands, savor delicacies, go rafting and camping... a refreshing summer! Fuding's food, fun, and accommodations—this guide has you covered!

On days when travel isn't possible, I love drinking tea at home, especially the pure and smooth white tea. Brewing a pot of aged white tea, the subtle sweetness lingers on the palate, like a gentle breeze from afar that refreshes the soul. A seemingly ordinary tea leaf holds the stories of distant mountains and seas.

When I first came to Fuding, I discovered that it is the hometown of white tea, one of China's six famous teas, known as the 'gem of teas' and my personal favorite. Besides white tea, Fuding's scenery and cuisine are equally captivating and enchanting.

I. Millennium Tea Fragrance in Fuding—Exploring the Thousand-Mu White Tea Garden

We visited the Green Snow Sprout Manor at the foot of Taimu Mountain, which hides about 1,500 mu of tea gardens. 'Tasting tea in a cup is ultimately shallow; to truly know its flavor, you must experience it personally.' Donning bamboo hats and carrying tea baskets, we climbed the hills with a few friends—each bud and leaf exuding fragrance, each person and basket busy with picking. Only in Fuding, the hometown of white tea, did I realize: every tea leaf and bud is hard-earned. Though tea picking is laborious, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the harvest.

After picking, we returned to the manor to taste tea. A skilled tea master brewed White Hair Silver Needle for us, with plump buds that offered a sweet and refreshing taste. It is said that by grade, White Hair Silver Needle ranks as first-class among white teas. Second is White Peony, and third is Gongmei and Shoumei. Personally, I think tasting tea is like life: a thousand people, a thousand teas; a thousand teas, a thousand flavors. There's no need for grading—just feel it with your heart.

Notably, the Bailin production area near Taimu Mountain was a famous tea export base as early as the Qing Dynasty. The 'Bailin Gongfu' black tea produced here was once exported worldwide. Fuding's Diantou Town is the local white tea distribution center, and it also hosts the largest tea flower trading market in eastern Fujian. The blend of tea and floral fragrances is incredibly romantic.

Detailed address: Fangjia Village, Taimushan Town, Fuding City, about 850 meters southwest of the Taimu Mountain Scenic Area.

Tips:

1. Visiting the tea garden in spring also allows you to see cherry blossoms, when the scenery is most beautiful and the tea is at its best, with floral and tea aromas blending.

2. When experiencing tea picking, take personal protection, bring mosquito repellent spray, and apply sunscreen.

3. Aerial photography of the tea garden is beautiful; if you have a drone, give it a try.

II. Infinite Scenery in Fuding—A Dreamlike Visit to Taimu Mountain

'The sky hangs over Tiantai, its power outshining the Five Sacred Peaks; though Tiantai is 48,000 zhang high, it bows southeastward.' Li Bai's poem 'Dreaming of a Visit to Tiantai Mountain' has made Fuding's Taimu Mountain famous for over a thousand years. Years ago, when I came to Fujian for photography, I missed Taimu Mountain. This time, I was fortunate to follow in the poet's footsteps and visit the legendary 'Fairy Capital on the Sea.'

Taimu Mountain faces the sea on three sides and backs onto a mountain, with its main peak at 917.3 meters above sea level. Though not very tall, it is full of fairy-like aura—dangerous peaks, strange rocks, intriguing caves, and misty illusions. Here you can witness the stunning blend of mountains and sea and experience the broad-mindedness of ancient literati. It is the first must-visit stop on a trip to Fuding.

Notably, on Taimu Mountain, there is a bronze hall wedged between cliffs. Legend has it that this is where the immortals of the East Sea gather, hence the name 'Fairy Capital on the Sea,' with a celestial palace vibe. It is said that short videos filmed here have gone viral not only across China but also abroad—don't miss your chance to shine!

The Taimu Mountain Scenic Area is vast, with main attractions including the Fairy Capital Observation Deck, Jiuli Lake, Southern Heavenly Gate, General Rock, Yipianwa Zen Temple, Sea Viewing Boardwalk, Taimu Mountain Dinosaur Park, Pingxing Temple, Heart of Taimu, Yingxian Terrace, Yixian Tian, Xiangshan Temple, and the Goddess Matron Statue Square, among others. To thoroughly explore takes at least 3 to 4 days. My personal recommendation is the awe-inspiring suspended bronze temple.

Detailed address: Taimushan Town, Fuding City, Ningde City, Fujian Province.

Hours: 7:00–17:00.

Transportation: Fuding Station to Taimushan Station by bullet train takes 10 minutes, ticket price 7 RMB/person.

Ticket price: Online adult ticket + round-trip scenic area bus: 130 RMB/person; college student ticket + round-trip bus: 90 RMB/person.

Tips:

1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for mountain climbing; a backpack is best.

2. Taimu Mountain is large with many routes; one day is not enough. Decide on a route before ascending.

3. In summer, definitely use sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

4. Bring a bottle of mineral water or sports drink in your bag.

5. The scenic area uses real-name registration; bring your ID.

6. Huludong Cave is only suitable for young people; not recommended for the elderly.

III. Fairy Island in Fuding—The Pearl of the Sea: Yushan Island

This is where the land ends and the sea begins! An island in the sea, a lake on the island, and endless grasslands by the lake... This is Yushan Island in Fuding, rated as one of 'China's Ten Most Beautiful Islands' by National Geographic.

Though I grew up by the sea, I was captivated by Yushan Island's 'half grassland, half sea' scene. Colorful mudflats, vast meadows, towering reefs, lush vegetation, islands within the sea, lakes within islands, and grass by the lakes—you can watch sunrise and sunset and savor fresh seafood... Yushan Island truly deserves the name 'Fairy Island'!

If you're visiting Yushan Island for the first time like me, I recommend experiencing these places:

Mazu Village—a small village preserving its original character. It is the core settlement of the island. The tiny village exudes warmth and vitality, making it the first stop after disembarking.

Tianhu Lake—a lake in the middle of the sea. As its name suggests, it seems to descend from heaven. The lake is clear, surrounded by expansive pastures. Layers of green spread out gently—a true lake and grassland in the sky. If lucky, you can witness spectacular rolling clouds and fiery sunset clouds.

Moon Bay—the only beach on the island. Water lovers must not miss Moon Bay. The feeling of having an entire beach to yourself is simply amazing! But remember to apply sunscreen!

Best spot for island sunrise viewing—the Glass Observation Deck. Photography enthusiasts can capture stunning shots here. Wear solid-colored clothing and a straw hat for comic-like photos in no time.

Since Yushan Island is not fully developed, don't expect too much from accommodation. Choose clean places with good scenery, showers, and air conditioning. Currently, there are many guesthouses on the island. For those who like a literary and fresh style, choose 'Fish and Bird Inn'; for first-line sea views and sunrise, choose 'Sea Sky Lake Manor,' which offers beautiful sunrises visible from the hotel's observation deck, along with abundant seafood and breakfast.

We stayed at the 'Fish and Bird Inn,' which has a strong artistic atmosphere. It is renovated from a traditional local residence, with outer walls eroded by sea breezes, bearing the mottled marks of time—very island-specific. The inn has two floors: the first floor houses a book bar, tea room, and front desk; the second floor has eight rooms, exquisite and elegant.

Every corner of the inn is thoughtfully decorated, artistic, and meaningful. The front yard is filled with succulents, and there is a small café beside the yard. In the center of the yard is a large wooden table—perfect for enjoying coffee, delicious food, and a little drink with family and friends on cool summer nights... so pleasant!

The inn is close to the best spots for watching sunrise and sunset on the island but farther from the beach. If you want to go to the beach, you can ask the owner to arrange a car. The inn has many cats—very clingy and comforting—you can pet them freely!

Sansha Wharf—Yushan Island:

To island: 9:30/12:00/14:00; Leave island: 7:00/13:30/14:00

Yujing Wharf—Yushan Island:

To island: 9:30/10:30/11:30/14:00/16:00; Leave island: 7:00/8:00/13:20/15:00

Ferry ticket: 85 RMB/person round trip

Admission: Tianhu Lake Scenic Area ticket + transportation 476 RMB/person

Tips:

1. In summer, protect yourself from sun and mosquitoes.

2. The island often has misty fairyland conditions, most likely in early morning.

3. Must-see spots: Tianhu Lake Scenic Area, Moon Bay Scenic Area, Dongjiao Village, etc.

IV. Heavenly Flavors on the Tongue—Fuding's Food Street: Taste 378 Types of Snacks

It is said that 'Fuding is for eating,' and it's no exaggeration! According to incomplete statistics, Fuding has over 300 snacks, 23 of which have been awarded 'China Famous Snacks,' and 59 rated as 'Fujian Famous Snacks.' No wonder this small city was selected as China's first 'Food Landmark City.'

When traveling to a place, besides enjoying the scenery, the highlight always falls on food. Every region has its unique flavors. As a tourist, if you want to taste Fuding's specialty foods in the shortest time, don't miss—Fuding Tongshan Food Street.

Tongshan Food Street can be called Fuding's 'food landmark,' an old street full of life. At night, almost every shop along the street is packed. The food street buzzes with noise and lights. Countless snack shops tempt the taste buds of visitors from all over. It is said that there are as many as 378 types of snacks on this street! Even a stomach with a T of memory can't eat enough!

Must-eat Fuding foods: Fuding Meat Slices, Honey Chicken Wings, Jiuwen Buns, Diantou Rice Noodle Soup, She Ethnic Black Rice, Taro Cake, Sea Stone Jelly, Potstickers, Pork Meat, Chicken Frame, Wu's Pan-Fried Buns, Wheel Cakes, Beef Balls, Pearl Xiao Long Bao, Zheng's Fried Cake, etc.

Fuding Meat Slices: You must try Fuding Meat Slices—they represent Fuding snacks. Served with yellow chili, rice vinegar, and cilantro, they are bouncy and smooth—truly a delicacy! Besides meat slices, you can also try Fuding fish slices.

Pan-Fried Buns: Crispy on the outside, with juicy pork and scallion filling—eat them hot for full satisfaction.

Honey Chicken Wings: The wings are firm and sweet-scented; I can eat three in one go.

Detailed address: West Yuan Road and Longxi South Road on both sides of Longshan Stream in Fuding.

Fuding, backed by mountains and facing the sea, has long been rich in seafood. Seafood is an essential dish on every Fuding family's table. Fuding people have their own unique way of preparing seafood. As a tourist, to taste authentic Fuding seafood, head to Shihu Seafood Street!

Shihu Seafood Street has many specialty restaurants. Locals recommend Old Fuding Seafood Restaurant, Lao Er, and Yirong Seafood Food Stalls, among others. My friends and I chose Yirong Seafood Food Stall. The dishes are very characteristic, the seafood extremely fresh, and many seafood items are rare elsewhere. You can also taste Fuding specialties: Drunken Crab, Drunken Shrimp, Frosted Taro, etc.

Drunken Crab and Drunken Shrimp: Fresh crabs or small shrimp marinated in advance with mustard, yellow chili, small red pepper, cilantro, etc., offering a layered sour, spicy, salty, and sweet taste that keeps you eating.

Secret Recipe Pork Knuckle: Unique sauce and bouncy texture, very popular among diners; sells out early every night.

Sea Fish: Many varieties; wild small yellow croaker is popular, also hairtail, grouper, etc. Simply steamed, any fish is delicious.

Other seafood: Choose seasonal seafood according to preference, such as blue swimmer crab, small octopus, etc.

Detailed address: Shihu Community, Fuding City, Shihu Seafood Street.

Transportation: Drive directly to Shihu Seafood Street or Yirong Seafood Food Stall; park by the roadside nearby.

Tips:

1. People with weak stomachs should avoid raw seafood.

2. Yirong, Old Fuding, and Lao Er on this street are all good choices.

V. Refreshing Summer Fun in Fuding—Visit the Water Play Paradise Niulanggang

When traveling to the seaside in summer, how can you miss out on playing in the water? In Fuding, besides climbing immortal mountains, picking white tea, touring islands, eating snacks, and tasting seafood... don't miss the niche summer resort Niulanggang. Niulanggang faces Yushan Island across the sea, a quiet and beautiful bay.

Here you'll find fine sandy beaches, a picturesque lighthouse, long boardwalks—you can swim, camp, raft, ride a roller coaster, go beach off-roading, take speedboat rides... whatever you can imagine. The beach sand is fine and clean, perfect for children. Whether you walk barefoot in the water or stroll collecting shells, it's very healing.

Niulanggang has many unique reefs by the sea, great for photos. Blue sky and white clouds with the lighthouse also make good shots. There is a pavilion on the reef for sea views—the angle is stunning, capturing mountains, sea, and reefs in one grand scene.

Notably, there is a Tide Sound Cave at Niulanggang; at low tide, you can capture a 'Holy Elephant Heavenly Gate' effect. Every photo is a masterpiece—don't miss it if you love photography!

Detailed address: Niulanggang Village, Taimushan Town, Fuding City.

Transportation: Self-driving friends can navigate directly to Niulanggang Seaside Scenic Area. Bullet train to Taimushan Station, then bus to Niulanggang.

Ticket: 40 RMB/person (cheaper online); rafting: 80 RMB/person.

Tips:

1. If you plan to swim or do water activities, prepare swimwear, beach shoes, sunglasses, towels, etc. If bringing children, bring digging tools, tents, etc.

2. In summer, take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures.

This summer, you must visit Fuding! See the blend of sea and mountains, listen to the wind and rain, taste millennium-old white tea, seek delicious flavors, hold hands, and blow away the mist. 72 hours in Fuding: pick white tea, climb immortal mountains, tour islands, taste cuisine, raft and camp—enjoy a refreshing summer! Set off with your beloved now!!