Xiapu Travel Guide: A Detailed Itinerary for Your Next Trip

Forget crowded Sanya and Qingdao! Xiapu, a hidden gem in Fujian Province, offers stunning beaches, romantic sunsets, and charming fishing villages. It's the perfect seaside getaway and a must-visit destination. Check out this detailed guide to plan your Xiapu adventure! 🚗 Transportation: ✈️ By Air: Fly to Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) and take a high-speed train or bus to Xiapu. The high-speed train takes about 1.5 hours. 🚄 By High-Speed Rail: Many cities have direct high-speed trains to Xiapu Station. From Fuzhou or Xiamen, it takes about 2 hours. 🚙 Local Transportation: • Car Rental: Since the attractions are scattered, renting a car is a convenient and flexible option, allowing you to explore at your own pace. • Electric Scooter Rental: If you're staying around Dongbi Village, renting an electric scooter is a fun way to get around. 🏠 Accommodation: • Xiapu County Hotels: Located between the east and south coastlines, the county offers numerous restaurants and convenient transportation at affordable prices. Consider Xiapu Atour Hotel Wealth Center, known for its excellent breakfast and amenities, or Xiapu Putian International Hotel, which provides free transfers for sunrise viewing and popular attractions. • Dongbi Village/Gaoluo B&Bs: Greek-style seaside B&Bs are trendy, offering stunning sunrise and sunset views from your room, but they come at a higher price. Check out Sunset·San Zhai Xing Shen Minsu for breathtaking ocean sunsets or Xiapu Hua Ben Li Minsu for panoramic views of the beautiful Funing Bay. 📅 Three-Day, Two-Night Itinerary: Day 1: Beiqi Mudflats (witness the magnificent sunrise and tidal patterns) → Yangjiaxi (stroll through ancient banyan trees, experience bamboo rafting) → Xiaohao Mudflats (perfect for family seashell collecting) → Dongbi (watch the sunset at this popular village) Day 2: Beidou (enjoy the sunrise and watch fishermen set sail) → Shajiang S-Bay (photograph the unique bamboo pole formations) → Banyueli (experience the culture of the She ethnic minority) → Xuyu'ao (relax in a peaceful fishing village) Day 3: Donghai No. 1 Coastal Road (Haiweijiao - the white castle on the cliff; Dajing Beach - enjoy the free beach; Xiawei Island - explore the sea-eroded caves during low tide; Luxia Lighthouse - capture the atmosphere of the solitary lighthouse) 🍱 Food Recommendations: • Xin Mei Wei Yuan Seafood Restaurant: Local favorite! Must-try dishes include salt and pepper mantis shrimp and razor clams. • Fei Po Fei Zai Seafood Stall: Authentic local seafood at great prices. • Fuding Meat Slices: Enjoy the chewy meat slices with chili sauce and vinegar. • Sansha Classic Snacks: Savor Minnan flavors like peanut soup, oyster omelet, and chicken rolls. • Taikang Road Night Market: A foodie paradise with various snacks like razor clams, sea snails, and drunken crabs. (Not recommended for sensitive stomachs.) ❗ Travel Tips: • Check the tide times for mudflat photography, as different tides create unique scenes. • Choose restaurants with clearly marked prices. • Bring a jacket for the rainy season (April-June) and check the weather forecast before traveling during typhoon season (July-September). • Essentials: Sunscreen (strong UV rays), mosquito repellent, and a telephoto lens (70-200mm) for capturing stunning photos.