Fairy City on the Sea, World's Taimu Mountain: Our First Stop in Fujian is Fuding

Taking a train from Hangzhou, heading south out of Zhejiang, we enter Fujian's northeastern gateway: Fuding.

As the first stop in Fujian, Fuding truly does not disappoint—its name, full of blessings, makes you fall in love with the city at once. Stepping off the train, the sea breeze, though warm, brings a rare coolness to this scorching summer.

Fuding is a city backed by mountains and facing the sea, a geomantically blessed location. With over 400 kilometers of coastline and rich land culture, it boasts abundant tourism resources.

“Fairy City on the Sea” Taimu Mountain, one of China’s ten most beautiful islands Dayushan Island, listening to the waves at Niulanggang, tasting delicious seafood on the food street… A four-day, three-night trip to Fuding always leaves you wanting more. No sooner had I returned home than I wanted to visit this earthly paradise again.

Before visiting Taimu Mountain, I had often admired its beauty in the social media posts of local travel-loving friends, especially during the spring season when the sea of clouds rolls in, making the name “Fairy City on the Sea” all the more fitting. So during this trip to Fuding, the sea of clouds at Taimu Mountain was what I yearned to see most. Unfortunately, the season was not right, and I only encountered a thin layer of mist clinging to the peaks. Yet even this faint mist gave me a taste of its ethereal quality and provided a reason to return.

Though I regretted not seeing the sea of clouds, the thirty-six peaks of Taimu Mountain are all magnificent; the forty-five rocks come in various shapes; the twenty-four caves are like hidden worlds. In addition, there are ten cliffs, nine springs, three streams, two ridges, one valley, and various temples and halls nestled within. Everywhere you go, the term “fairy city” is perfectly embodied.

Taimu Mountain is not very high, with most peaks between 500 and 1,000 meters above sea level. Compared to Huangshan, which is also a granite landform, climbing Taimu Mountain is not tiring. With scenery changing at every step, you can enjoy the views while hiking without feeling exhausted. In the hot summer, the mountain breeze makes it especially cool, a great place to escape the heat.

If time permits, it is best to spend two days exploring Taimu Mountain, for it offers not only bizarre and varied rocks but also cave culture, temple culture, cliff inscriptions, deep pools, and streams—an extremely rich array of attractions.

The Yipianwa Scenic Area left the deepest impression on me during my entire visit to Taimu Mountain, so much so that I revisited it early the next morning. Yipianwa Zen Temple was first built during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, over 400 years ago. It is situated on a steep cliff, with a huge rock covering the top like a tile when viewed from afar, hence its name. Behind the temple, between the cliffs of two mountains, stands a golden bronze main hall, known as the Bronze Hall, weighing 150 tons. Whether viewed from a distance or up close, it is awe-inspiring.

The Bronze Hall was built in 2010 under the supervision of artist Zhu Bingren. It covers an area of 160 square meters, is 12 meters tall, and features traditional ancient architectural structure with upturned eaves and a solemn yet varied shape. If you happen to be hungry, you can also enjoy a bowl of vegetarian noodles from the temple—delicious.

In addition to the oddly shaped rocks and historic temples, you must not miss the more than 100 cave passages of various sizes. Taimu Mountain boasts the most cave passages among all mountains in China. Among them, the most famous is Yixiantian (Thread of Sky). Such passages are common in many mountain scenic areas, but the one at Taimu Mountain is the narrowest I have ever seen. At its narrowest, even a slim person must pass sideways; larger individuals can only squeeze through with close contact with the rock walls. If you are confident about your figure, you might want to challenge yourself.

Among these hundred-plus crisscrossing cave passages, which resemble a maze, each has a name that vividly describes its features: Longtan Cave, Hulu Cave, Baima Cave, Hongxue Cave, Tongtian Cave, Sanfuyao Cave, Qixing Cave, etc. Passing through them requires using all your skills, making it very fun. The first Taimu Mountain Cave Passage Trail Running Competition in early July 2022 gave even greater significance to the cave culture of Taimu Mountain.

Furthermore, the various stone inscriptions on the rocks add more cultural legends to Taimu Mountain. By exploring carefully and savoring slowly, you can feel the traces of ancestors amid the mist, converse with the rocks, listen to the wind, and watch the sea, enjoying rare mountain-and-sea moments.

Taimu Mountain Travel Tips:

Tickets: Full price 100 yuan/person + 40 yuan/person for round-trip eco-sightseeing bus. As long as you do not leave the Taimu Mountain scenic area, the ticket remains valid, so the best time to visit is two days. There are accommodations inside the scenic area at moderate prices.

Hours: May 1–Oct 7, 07:00–17:30 (last entry 17:30); Oct 8–Apr 30 next year, 07:00–17:00 (last entry 17:00).

Transport: Taimu Mountain High-speed Railway Station is less than 6 km from the scenic area. You can take a taxi there.

Note: Camping is allowed on the summit of Taimu Mountain. If you are physically fit, you can carry a tent up the mountain all the way to the highest temple, Baiyun Temple. You can get up early to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds.

From Fuding’s Yujing Wharf, a 30-minute boat ride takes you to Dayushan Island, one of China’s ten most beautiful islands. Upon arrival, I was initially a little disappointed with the “top ten” designation, as the wharf offered no scenery.

The beauty of Dayushan Island is like a hidden gem. As the bus taking us wound along the island’s narrow roads, the scenery outside the window gradually became richer. The swaying reeds along the way seemed like enthusiastic islanders waving to welcome travelers from afar. My initial disappointment faded, replaced by a strong curiosity about this unfamiliar island.

The beauty of a sea island usually requires a blue sky to enjoy the azure sea. But Dayushan Island is different—it has not only blue sky and sea but also rare grassy seas like the Great and Small Tianhu (Heavenly Lakes). Climbing the steps by the lakes to the highest point, the vibrant green, the blue of sea and sky merging, the mirror-like freshwater lakes, and the horses faintly visible in the grass—this beauty is wilder, purer, more natural. The prestigious title of Dayushan Island in Fuding is well deserved.

On a sea island trip, you must not miss watching a sunrise or sunset. For sunrise, choosing a guesthouse with a perfect location is key, so that when you open the window, the fiery red sun and brilliant morning glow immediately greet your eyes, waking you from drowsiness. The best place to watch the sunset is Small Tianhu, and the best time is spring or autumn, so that the sun sets exactly on the horizon of the sea, rather than behind the mountain of the lake. Of course, if you encounter a spectacular fiery sunset sky in summer, that is another story.

Every summer, you must visit a sea island at least once to live up to the season. Then go to Dayushan Island in Fuding—it will definitely be a worthwhile trip!

Dayushan Island Tips:

Transport: There are two wharves to Dayushan Island: Fuding’s Yujing Wharf and Xiapu County’s Guzhen Wharf. The boat ticket from Yujing Wharf to Dayushan Island is 50 yuan per person.

Tickets: The scenic area ticket for Dayushan Island is 76 yuan.

If China were to recommend one attraction that best represents Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day), I think it would be Niulanggang. From the silver Magpie Bridge sculpture at the entrance to the statues of Niulang, Zhinu, and Old Yue Lao inside, plus the resounding name Niulanggang, you could easily claim that the story of the cowherd and the weaver girl took place here.

As for the origin of the name Niulanggang, tales of a cowherd are never absent. I will not elaborate here, but rather focus on Niulanggang itself, where rocks and sea blend. The beach at Niulanggang is a bit different from others in China—between the rocks, over time, the tides have carved angular shapes and played a pleasant “piano piece on the sea.”

Niulanggang also offers many recreational activities: a 520-meter-high zip line, full of romantic meaning and thrilling excitement, giving you the feeling of rushing toward the sea. Below the zip line, set-up tents and interesting signboards make perfect props for stylish beach photos.

On the beach, whether you jump into the sea to swim, ride a water bike, paddle a board, or simply let your children dig in the sand, the scene is full of joy. Walking along the coastal boardwalk all the way to the other side of the sea, the extremely open view gives you a sense of release from all pressure!

Niulanggang Tips:

Tickets: 40 yuan

Before coming to Fuding, I never imagined its food culture could be so rich. With over 380 local snacks, it will surely amaze you and make your mouth water. The more inland-style Fuding meat slices, Shejia black rice, Fuding pan-fried buns, and the inevitable seafood feast… If your interest is food, you will love Fuding, the capital of cuisine!

Strolling through the streets of Fuding, you see a dazzling array of snacks and food stalls. Shihu Food Street offers a complete variety of seafood, a favorite spot even for locals. Not far away, Tongshan Food Street, with its snack stalls, feels more local. Fuding’s food is generally not expensive; no matter when you feel hungry, you can find satisfying eateries everywhere.

While touring Fuding, eating your way through it will bring you full happiness!

Fuding has very convenient transportation. There are two high-speed railway stations: Fuding Station and Taimu Mountain Station. It is extremely convenient whether you are going to downtown Fuding or Taimu Mountain Scenic Area.

For those flying to Fuding, you can first fly to Wenzhou, then take a taxi or high-speed train to Fuding.

Fuding, a small city full of blessings, not only offers diverse scenery but also an overwhelming variety of food. So, when coming to Fujian, start from Fuding!

Travelogue Directory: 1. Fairy City on the Sea, Earthly Taimu Mountain 2. Dayushan Island, One of China’s Ten Most Beautiful Sea Islands 3. Niulanggang: Bring Your Beloved to Walk Hand in Hand and Go Beachcombing 4. Fuding Food 5. Fuding Transportation & Tourism Information Hotel Index Strategy Index Ticket Index Website Navigation Travel Index Cruise Index Corporate Travel Index Join & Cooperation Distribution Alliance Friendship Links Corporate Gift Card Purchase Insurance Agency Agent Cooperation Hotel Cooperation Destination & Scenic Area Cooperation More Cooperation About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Hotspots Contact Us Careers User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Announcement