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Explore the traditional architecture of Shenhu Town, visit the local markets, and take in the beautiful countryside views. You can also enjoy the local cuisine, especially seafood, and walk through the peaceful town to experience the daily life of its residents.
Shenhu Town is a town under the jurisdiction of Jinjiang City, Fujian Province. Located in the southeastern part of Jinjiang City, it enjoys a unique geographical location, surrounded by the sea on three sides and a mountain on one side. Its picturesque scenery and picturesque landscape have earned it the nickname "Golden Lion Standing on the Sea." The town covers an area of 33.46 square kilometers and administers 19 administrative villages (communities). The registered population is 48,000, with over 40,000 overseas Chinese and over 42,000 migrant workers. Notable scenic spots and historical sites include the "Bishan Plank Road," an ancient Shenhu-Shenhu connection route; the "Yancuo'an Mountain Sand Dune Site," a site of Paleolithic human activity; the "Yandun Mountain Beacon Tower," a Ming Dynasty site used to resist Japanese pirates; the "Baoquan Temple," a sacred site for Taiwanese compatriots to worship their ancestors; the "Undersea Ancient Forest Site," a national marine nature reserve; and the "Watertight Bulkhead Fuzhou Ship Manufacturing Technique," a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor, Chen Fangcai's watertight bulkhead shipbuilding technique.
Shenhu was built in the sixth year of the Kaiyuan reign of the Tang Dynasty (718 AD), and was then called Bishanli. It was called Bishanli in the Tang Dynasty, Xiangeli in the Song Dynasty, and officially used in the Yuan Dynasty. In the 20th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, a patrol inspection office was established, with a ninth-rank official appointed. A city wall and smoke towers (beacon towers) were built, and a seventh-rank military commander and a fifth-rank commander were stationed there. This system continued into the Qing Dynasty. In the Song Dynasty, it belonged to Anren Township and was under the jurisdiction of Xiangeli. It was part of the 15th and 16th districts during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1936, during the Republic of China, it was part of the Fifth District.
The subtropical monsoon climate has an average annual temperature of 20.0°C and an average annual precipitation of 965 mm, with occasional frost. Typhoons and storms are the main natural disasters. Formerly known as "Hujiang," it is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The terrain slopes from southeast to northwest, forming a coastal area. Peaks include Rushan and Yandunshan. The main stream is Hulou Creek, which originates from the lake, flows through Huashan and Huahai, and empties into Shenhu Bay. The coastline is a winding 16-kilometer-long coastline with numerous harbors and reefs.
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Shenhu Town is known for its rich cultural heritage, dating back to ancient times. It was historically a thriving hub for trade, particularly in marine goods. The town's traditional Fujianese architecture and picturesque surroundings make it a popular destination for those seeking to explore both history and nature.
Shenhu Town is located in the Quanzhou area of Fujian. It can be accessed by taxi or bus from Quanzhou city center. The town is not served by metro, but a drive of about 30-45 minutes from the city will get you there comfortably.
Shenhu Town is an open-air attraction with no specific opening hours. It is best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends.
There is generally no entrance fee for Shenhu Town itself, as it is an open town. However, certain specific attractions or cultural sites within the town may charge a small entry fee. Tickets, if required, can usually be purchased onsite.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most parts of Shenhu Town. For specific events or festivals, it is advisable to check if any pre-booking is required.
It will take about 2-3 hours to explore the main attractions of Shenhu Town, including the markets, historical sites, and the countryside views. If you plan to visit more in-depth cultural sites or take a longer stroll, you may spend half a day.
The main highlights of Shenhu Town include its traditional Fujianese architecture, the old town center, the local seafood markets, and the surrounding natural landscapes. The village's peaceful environment offers a great chance for photography and cultural exploration.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. However, English-speaking guides may not always be available, so it is helpful to arrange a tour in advance if you require one in English.
The best photography spots include the traditional streets with their old houses, the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and the bustling local markets. The town’s waterways also provide scenic photo opportunities.
Start your visit by walking through the town’s central market, then explore the traditional streets and houses. Take a walk along the surrounding countryside paths for scenic views, and if interested, visit the local temples or cultural sites. End the trip with a visit to the waterfront for some relaxation and photography.
There are no light shows or night tours in Shenhu Town. The town is best visited during daylight hours to experience its traditional atmosphere and explore the local culture.
Shenhu Town is relatively quiet, especially during weekdays. Weekends and holidays can bring more visitors, so if you prefer a peaceful experience, visiting on a weekday is recommended.
There are basic facilities available in Shenhu Town, including public toilets and local shops selling souvenirs and snacks. Several small restaurants offer local Fujianese food, especially seafood dishes.
Shenhu Town is mostly accessible to elderly and children, though some areas may have uneven surfaces or narrow streets. Disabled access may be limited in certain parts of the town, especially in older historical sections.
Cash is commonly accepted, but mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely used. Credit cards are less commonly accepted in smaller shops and local eateries.
There are several local restaurants in Shenhu Town offering Fujianese specialties, such as seafood dishes. Nearby cafes serve tea and light refreshments. The food in the area is fresh and focuses on local flavors.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in most local restaurants, as many dishes feature vegetables, tofu, and rice. Halal food options are limited, but there may be a few places offering halal food in the broader Quanzhou area.
There are various hotels and guesthouses in Quanzhou, which is about a 30-minute drive from Shenhu Town. In Shenhu itself, accommodations may be more limited to small guesthouses and inns.
Nearby attractions include the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Kaiyuan Temple, and the West Lake Park in Quanzhou. These sites can be combined with a visit to Shenhu Town for a day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops in Shenhu Town offering traditional handicrafts such as wooden carvings, local textiles, and food products like dried seafood. You can also find small souvenirs like postcards and keychains.
Taxi or private car is the best option to continue your trip to nearby attractions or back to Quanzhou city. Public buses are also available but may take longer to reach your next destination.
