Where to go for photography in Southern Fujian? Uncovering those niche but still wonderful photography destinations
I recently visited Fujian, so I'm sharing these off-the-beaten-path yet captivating photo spots! Photography enthusiasts, take note!
NO.1 Alishan in mainland China - Yongfu Tea Cherry Garden
Why is it called the Alishan of mainland China?
Alishan, as we all know, is a famous tourist attraction in Taiwan. Located at an altitude of 2,216 meters, at 23 degrees 31 minutes north latitude and 120 degrees 48 minutes east longitude, it lies east of Taiwan's highest peak, Mount Yushan. Thanks to its mild climate, the mountain remains refreshing even in midsummer, and its lush forests make it an ideal summer resort in Taiwan. And what about Yongfu? Yongfu Town, located east of Longyan City, is surrounded by mountains and offers a vast expanse of flat land. At an altitude of 755 meters, it boasts picturesque scenery and a pleasant climate. It is the southernmost alpine basin in Fujian Province, with a buildable plain area of 50 square kilometers. Known as the "Alpine Garden" and "Little Lushan," it is also a popular summer resort in Fujian.
Is it simply because of these two similarities that it is called the "Alishan of mainland China"?
No, no, no, if you really think so, then you're too young and too simple.
So what's the main thing that unites them all?
That's right, it's our subtitle—Cherry Blossom Garden.
Without further ado, let's take a look at some beautiful photos of Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden.
As pictured above, aren't you stunned? Every cherry blossom season in Alishan, Taiwan, brings a breathtaking display of blossoms blanketing the mountains. The cherry blossoms of Yongfu equally captivate us with their beauty. Speaking of cherry blossoms, it's worth mentioning Yongfu's tea plantations, also invested in by Taiwanese businessmen. They produce China's highest-quality high-mountain cloud tea, and a relaxing cup of tea at the tea plantations is truly captivating! Is there anything more relaxing than enjoying tea and cherry blossoms?
There aren't many tea gardens in China that pair cherry blossoms with each other. The most famous is the tea and cherry blossom garden in Wuliang Mountain, Dali. However, as its fame grows, so too does the Wuliang Mountain cherry blossoms attract a large number of tourists. The huge crowds during the cherry blossom season each year are a headache for photographers. The cherry blossom season in Wuliang Mountain is short, making it difficult to predict the weather when visiting. Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden perfectly solves this problem.
Yongfu boasts over 2,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of concentrated cherry blossom plantings, including the Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden and the Taipin Cherry Tea Garden. The gardens boast approximately 150,000 cherry trees, including the famous varieties of Hikan cherry, China red cherry, Yunnan cherry, Somei Yoshino cherry, Mudan cherry, and Fujian mountain cherry. From mid-January to March, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the mountains and plains of Yongfu are ablaze with vibrant blossoms. Not only is the blooming season long and diverse, but transportation is also crucial. Yongfu is within a two-hour drive of Quanzhou, Xiamen, and Zhangzhou, the "Southern Fujian Golden Triangle," making it a convenient location for photographers who prefer to avoid long journeys. Furthermore, due to its relatively low profile and relatively unknown location, photographing here is a breeze, compared to more popular destinations packed with tourists.
NO.2 Tulou – a unique building built deep in the mountains
Mention tulou, and the first thing that comes to mind is probably "World Heritage." Yes, besides World Heritage, what else is there?
For travelers, Fujian's tulou are certainly not a niche attraction; however, for photography circles across China, tulou are definitely a niche attraction.
In Fujian, Xiapu is a well-known and long-standing landmark among photography circles. Known as the best place to photograph Fujian, Xiapu is known for its many titles, including "China's Most Beautiful Tidal Flats." Therefore, even the World Heritage-listed tulou are overshadowed by Xiapu's halo. However, tulou, known as a wonder of architecture, are unique in their style. Whether photographed from the aerial, sideways, or from above, different angles create a different effect, making them even more appealing to those who deeply appreciate ancient architecture.
1. Yunshui Ballad
I would like to sincerely recommend Yunshuiyao, formerly known as Changjiao, located in Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City. It is a scenic spot within the "Fujian Tulou" UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and is rated 5A nationally. It boasts beautiful mountains and rivers and a rich cultural heritage. The village's long, winding paths, century-old banyan trees, magical tulou buildings, and the tranquil mountains and clear waters all evoke a sense of transcendence. In late 2005, the film "Yunshuiyao," adapted from Zhang Kehui's screenplay "Searching," based on his own life experiences and those of several Taiwanese compatriots, was filmed here. Therefore, Yunshuiyao is one of the busiest tulou destinations. If you visit, be sure to choose the right time to photograph it, such as on weekdays or early in the morning, when it's least crowded. The ancient village, with its ancient banyan trees, flowing streams, waterwheels, and the perfect amount of sunlight, creates a breathtaking scene. Simply click and capture the moment forever!
2. Tianluokeng Tulou
Besides the Yunshuiyao Tulou, the most famous is the Tianluokeng Tulou, also known as the "Four Dishes and One Soup" Tulou. The Tulou complex is located on the hillside of Huqiu Mountain at an altitude of 787.8 meters, 60 kilometers from Nanjing County. It consists of the square Buyun Tower, the circular Zhenchang Tower, Ruiyun Tower, Hechang Tower, and the oval Wenchang Tower. All are well-preserved. Tianluokeng Tulou is a Tulou.
The iconic Tulou building is a must-see when visiting Fujian. Of course, photographers, besides capturing it in a serious way, are sure to come up with many new ways to capture it, such as creating fireworks above the building, or using digital cameras' multiple exposures and small apertures to capture unique Tulou images.
3. Meilin Tulou Cluster
Meilin Village in Meilin Town, Nanjing, gets its name from the plum blossoms that line the banks of Meixi River. According to records, plum trees once lined the banks and within the village. Every December, the blossoms bloomed, filling the air with fragrance that spread for miles, hence the name Meilin. In 2009, Meilin Village was named a "Chinese Scenic Village." Why recommend Meilin? Besides its quaint charm, it's also, crucially, uncommercialized. Compared to the famed Yunshuiyao and Tianluokeng Tulou, with their entrance fees often reaching hundreds of yuan, Meilin is surprisingly low-key and pristine. Just 6 kilometers from Yunshuiyao, Meilin, like Yunshuiyao, is nestled between mountains and water. When the plum blossoms are in full bloom, taking in the fragrance and strolling along the streamside path is a truly captivating experience!
4. Merlin's "Walking Water"
Besides plum blossom season, Meilin also celebrates another important festival: the birthday of Mazu. Meilin Village, located in a remote mountainous area of Nanjing County, is home to a large Taiwanese community. Legend has it that in ancient times, many locals traveled across the sea to Taiwan and Southeast Asia to seek a living. Those left behind would "invite" Mazu, revered by coastal fishermen, back to their hometowns and build a Tianhou Temple to enshrine her, hoping to bless their loved ones abroad and express their longing for her. Consequently, local folk activities have been held around Mazu's birthday for over 300 years. This is why, despite Meilin Village not being near the sea, Mazu is still worshipped there. During this time, photographers from around the world flock to capture this important custom. For photography enthusiasts, don't miss this opportunity!
5. Tulou in Taxia Village
Tasha Village, located in the western part of Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, is a renowned overseas Chinese hometown in Zhangzhou and one of the first 15 designated scenic villages in China. Known as the "Zhouzhuang of Southern Fujian," its tulou (earthen buildings) are evenly distributed along the riverbank. They come in a variety of shapes, including the familiar square and circular, apron-shaped, and L-shaped. Most unique are the single-courtyard, earthenware, and brick-and-wood structures reminiscent of the Zhejiang and Hangzhou water villages, creating a fascinating landscape of large buildings interspersed with smaller ones, with varying heights. Its unique shape and style have earned it the nickname "Tasha Village's mythical mountain architecture from a bird's eye view." Local Fujian photographers have combined the tulou with dragon and lion dances to create captivating images of the region.
NO3. Fujian's extraordinary women - Hui'an women/crab women
1. Hui'an women
When it comes to Fujian's fishing women, the most famous are the Hui'an women,Xunpu women, and Meizhou women.Hui'an women refer to a unique group of women from the Huidong Peninsula coast of Hui'an County, Quanzhou, Fujian. They are renowned both domestically and internationally for their unique attire and hardworking spirit. Hui'an women, more narrowly defined as Huidong women, are primarily found in the four towns of Chongwu, Shanxia, Jingfeng, and Xiaoqi in eastern Hui'an, Fujian. They are authentic Han Chinese.A doggerel poem, surviving from the early years of the Liberation, vividly captures the characteristics of the Huidong women's traditional attire: "Feudal head, democratic belly, thrifty clothes, wasteful pants." When visiting Fujian, a must-see is capturing the Hui'an women at work. Whether carrying stones or shouldering loads, they embody the demeanor of hardworking Han Chinese women!
2. Hui'an Temple Fair
The temple fair is a folk festival in the Hui'an area and an important ritual to pray for good weather. A key part of the procession is the sedan chair parade. This is a grand event in the village and town, and it is also an important festival for Hui women to gather. On the day of the temple fair, Hui women wear the most important clothes in their lives. The older generation of Hui women will wear the Hui women's clothes they wore at their wedding to participate in the temple fair activities. According to local customs, men carry the prince's sedan chair, and women carry the Mazu sedan chair or the goddess sedan chair. This is a sign of respect for the gods, and wherever they go, the gods will protect them. It is also a sign of respect and recognition for Hui women in the local area. Men hold up the outside world, and women hold up the family's home. These two pieces of sky, combined into one, are called beauty and happiness.
3.Xunpu Girl
Xunpu women are one of Fujian's three great fishing women, alongside Hui'an women and Meizhou women. They preserve a unique traditional folk culture. They are hardworking and beautiful, and they still maintain the matriarchal custom of walking marriage. Living in Xunpu Village, Donghai Town, Fengze District, Quanzhou, Fujian, Xunpu women often adorn their heads with beautiful headdresses and live in unique houses (made of oyster shells), representing a treasure trove of traditional folk culture. The headdresses of Xunpu women are very colorful. Regardless of age, they tie their long hair into a big bun. Then they use hemp thread to lace buds or newly bloomed flowers, such as Michelia, magnolia, jasmine, etc., together with other small flowers, to form a hairpin flower ring. Around the bun, there are up to three small rings of alternating colors. An ivory chopstick is inserted horizontally in the bun, and jade hairpins and silver combs are also inserted, making the long black hair look bright and dazzling.
NO4. Terracotta Warriors at Sea – Baitangwan Hexagonal Volcanic Rock
The Baitangwan volcanic rock formations, also known as the Longjiao Ancient Crater in the National Geopark, are shaped like a trumpet-shaped opening, with a diameter of approximately 50 meters at the top and a depth of 3 meters at the bottom. At high tide, the sea submerges the bottom, and the entire crater is only visible at low tide. The volcano has experienced 15 eruptions, and the eruption materials visible today are approximately 24.6 million years old. Its eruption mechanism is complete, its layers are clearly defined, and the crater is well-preserved, earning it the nickname "a rare ancient volcano museum" and "Terracotta Army" by geologists. Photographing the Baitangwan hexagonal volcanic rock formations requires careful timing, especially for capturing the sunrise and sunset slow-motion photography. The three days before and after the first and sixteenth day of each lunar month are the best times to view and photograph the volcanic rock formations. At this time, the sunrise and the hexagonal prisms create a seamless image, a favorite moment for landscape photographers. Be sure to check the dates carefully if you're planning a visit!
NO.5 Yongchun Incense Making – A Century of Craftsmanship
Yongchun bamboo incense boasts a long history, crafted using hundreds of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and following ancient methods. The production process involves over a dozen steps, including applying the base, applying the inner powder, spinning the incense, drying the incense, and dyeing the incense base. While seemingly simple, it requires expert skill. As one of China's four major incense production centers, it's on par with Xinhui in Guangdong, Xiang'an in Xiamen, and the ancient city of Hebei. The various styles and colors of incense are incredibly diverse. The post-production drying process is particularly striking, with the various incense sticks spread out across the courtyard, creating a vibrant display of fragrance and vibrant colors, comparable to the autumn sun-drying scene at Huangling in Wuyuan. It's a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts!
NO6. Xiangzhi Fishing Port – Where Seafood Meets Culture
Xiangzhi Fishing Port is Fujian's largest fishing hub. During the fishing moratorium, fishing boats quietly anchor in the harbor. Standing high above, one can gaze out into the distance, watching the hundreds, even thousands, of fishing boats drifting out in a continuous stream. Every year, upon the end of the moratorium, on the opening day of the Fishing Festival, to the accompaniment of firecrackers, gongs, and drums, a mighty procession of fishing boats sets out for the deep ocean. The most exciting moment is when the fishing boats return, and the dock transforms into a bustling fish market. Baskets and carts of catch are shipped out, passing through the market and onto everyone's table. Once the market gets busy, the workers working around the clock and the abundant seafood offer excellent photographic material!
A word of caution: While the catch at the fishing port looks fresh and delicious, those unfamiliar with the fishing industry should be sure to wear a mask when taking photos there. The perpetual fishy odor from the port is quite strong, and it can be overwhelming for most people! Remember this!
NO7. Drying persimmons in southern Fujian – Quanzhou Persimmon Village
With the arrival of autumn, the drying of persimmons in the sun in Huangling, Wuyuan, becomes a popular destination for photography. However, in Quanzhou, Fujian, there's a destination comparable to Huangling: the persimmon-drying scene at Quanzhou Persimmon Village. During persimmon harvest season, the rooftop courtyards of Quanzhou Persimmon Village are filled with persimmons drying. As the persimmon hometown of Quanzhou, this time of year is a prime draw for photography enthusiasts! Bamboo sieves woven with bamboo strips, filled with crimson persimmons, set against a blue sky, create a festive and joyful scene of harvest and drying!
NO8. Daimei Ancient Village – An ancient village nestled in the water
Daimei Ancient Village is located on the banks of the Nanxi River in Jiulong River, two kilometers from the Zhangzhou Port exit of the Shenhai Expressway. Surrounded by Jilong Mountain, Damao Mountain, and Eshan Mountain, the village is surrounded by water and dotted with ancient banyan trees. It is the largest and best-preserved ancient residential complex in Longhai City and is known as the "First Village in Southern Fujian." It has been designated as a National Famous Historical and Cultural Village in the sixth batch and a National Traditional Village in China in the third batch. Its rich history and grand scale are evident in its neatly arranged buildings, with a juxtaposition of old and new. Its hip-and-gable, swallowtail-ridged roof style is a representative architectural style of Southern Fujian.
Most ancestral houses are typical Southern Fujian courtyard houses (two courtyards and four bays), constructed with wooden frames and woven bamboo walls covered in paper ash. An inland river winds around the village like a long jade belt. From the air, the entire village appears to float above the river, creating a unique landscape of "green water surrounding the village and jade belt encircling the community." This makes Daimei a veritable "Zhouzhuang of Southern Fujian".
