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Zhenhai Dike, formerly known as Dongjia Dike, is located in Huangshi Town, Licheng District. It winds across the estuary of Mulan Creek on the southern shore of Xinghua Bay, stretching 6 kilometers. During the Yuanhe period of the Tang Dynasty, Pei Ciyuan, the Fujian Provincial Governor, constructed the dike to protect against tidal currents and reclaim farmland. Rebuilt repeatedly throughout history, it is the oldest and largest seawall in Fujian Province, protecting over 200,000 mu of fertile farmland in the Nanyang Plain of Xinghua. Legend has it that when the Zhenhai Dike stood, the Nanyang Plain enjoyed three harvests a year, a land of fish and rice; when it collapsed, the Nanyang Plain became overgrown with cattails, a marshy waterside village. This demonstrates its significance and importance.
The Zhenhai Dike, built to protect against tidal waves and reclaim farmland, has benefited the people for generations. It has benefited 225,000 mu (approximately 250,000 mu) of farmland and 69 villages in the four towns of Huangshi, Xindu, Hushi, and Beigao. It has weathered many vicissitudes of life, standing for over 1,200 years. As Putian's oldest and most significant ancient structure, it is designated a provincial-level cultural relic protection site. In May 2006, it was designated a national key cultural relic protection site by the State Council.
The Zhenhai Dike was built in 806 AD by Pei Ciyuan, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang. It was constructed by adding a 3.4-kilometer stone dike to the earthen dike at the northeast corner of the Nanyang Reclamation Area in Putian, which was most vulnerable to erosion by wind and tide. It stretches from Dongjia Village in Huangshi Town to Zhelang Village. A memorial hall stands on the dike's bank, rebuilt during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty by Chen Chiyang, a local resident, after the dike's repairs. The hall commemorates nine successive dike builders and features stone carvings documenting the deeds of over 400 individuals who contributed to the dike's succession.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Zhenhai Dike.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Zhenhai Dike is a historic dike built to protect the area from flooding. Its construction is significant as it reflects the ancient Chinese engineering methods used in flood control, contributing to the prosperity of the region for centuries.
Zhenhai Dike is located in Putian, Fujian Province. It can be reached by taxi, or by public bus from the central area of Putian. Walking from nearby hotels is also possible if they are located in the vicinity.
The dike is open year-round, and the best times to visit are during the cooler months (autumn and spring) when the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities. Morning visits tend to be quieter than afternoons.
The entrance to Zhenhai Dike is free of charge, as it is a public outdoor attraction. There are no online ticket sales required for entry.
No advance booking is required as the dike is open to the public and free to visit.
Exploring Zhenhai Dike can take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you take your time walking along the dike, enjoying the views, and visiting nearby points of interest.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and can be arranged upon arrival. Audio guides are not commonly offered, but guides can provide in-depth information about the dike's history and significance.
Begin your visit at the entrance of the dike, walk along the top to take in the scenic views, and stop at key points of interest along the way. Explore the surrounding area to experience the local culture and history before concluding your visit.
Currently, there are no light shows or special tours available at night. The site is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the views and surroundings.
Weekends and holidays tend to be more crowded, so visiting on a weekday, especially in the early morning, is recommended for a quieter experience.
The dike has accessible paths for elderly and disabled visitors, though some areas may be more challenging due to the terrain. It is recommended to take a leisurely pace if you're traveling with young children or elderly companions.
Cash is generally accepted for purchases at food stalls, though mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in the area.
Vegetarian food options are available at most restaurants in the area, though halal options may be limited. It’s best to check local restaurants for availability of vegan or halal meals.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the dike selling traditional Chinese crafts, local artwork, and Fujianese snacks and teas.
