Fujian's version of Phoenix Ancient Town! The ultimate 2-day 1-night guide to Changting
by Hiro - Teriyaki Chicken
Oct 21, 2025
Combining latest field experiences and local insider tips, balancing photogenic spots with cultural depth, to help you avoid crowds and travel in style:
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1. Yongding Tulou Cluster – Magical Filming Location of "Big Fish & Begonia"
Core Experiences:
• Zhencheng Building Light Show: Capture the "Four Dishes One Soup" Tianluokeng Tulou cluster under starry lights from the viewing platform at 19:30 (tripod recommended for long exposure)
• Hakka Immersion: Stay at "Tulou Prince Hotel", photograph morning cooking smoke (6:00-7:00 golden hour), try rice pounding and Hakka folk songs
Pro Tips:
✔️ Qiaofu Building top-floor window frame: Frame circular sky shots – red outfits pop
⚠️ Avoid: Over-commercialized Hongkeng Tulou Village; visit primitive Chuxi Tulou Cluster instead (¥65 ticket)
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2. Changting Ancient Town – Tang-Song Dynasty Night City, Light-and-Shadow Version of "Along the River During Qingming Festival"
Night Trilogy:
1. Lantern Walk on Song Dynasty Walls: Rent Hanfu & palace lanterns at Jichuan Gate (¥20), photograph Ting River light reflections
2. Dongshui Street Night Market: Post-21:00 duck feet snacks + grass jelly, chance upon street performers singing "Tingzhou Ballad"
3. Wolong Academy Immersive Drama: Weekly Fri/Sat 20:00 "Tingzhou Memories" live show (arrive 1hr early)
Dawn Photography:
▫️ 5:30 shoot empty flagstone streets at Diantou Street, capture morning light through arcade windows
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3. Guanzhai Mountain + Shimen Lake – Danxia Version of "Watery Kanas"
Viral Activities:
• Cliff Art Photos: "Floating" shots on glass platform, creative angles with "Root of Life"/"Gate of Life" rock formations
• Drone Spot: Longevity Pavilion aerial view of "Carp Back" peaks (permit required in restricted zones)
Efficient Route:
East Gate → Cable car up (¥60 one-way) → Carp Back → Longevity Pavilion → Shimen Lake cruise (must-do! See peak reflections)
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4. Peitian Ancient Village – "Folk Forbidden City" of Ming Dynasty Grandeur
Time-Travel Experiences:
✓ Ming-Qing Roleplay: Unlock "Imperial Exam" missions on 1km ancient street, win Hakka rice wine tasting
✓ Starlight Academy B&B: Stay at "Chutian Lodge", photograph galaxy over horse-head walls
Hands-On Bonus:
▶️ Block printing at Yanqing Hall (¥30), take home custom New Year paintings
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5. Longkong Cave – 300-Million-Year Underground Wonderland
Fantasy Photo Ops:
• Dragon Umbrella Rock: Cyberpunk silhouettes in blue-lit cave (wear fluorescent clothes)
• Underground River: Capture stalactite reflections from boat bow
Special Forces Itinerary:
Take K36 bus from Xinluo District → Early bird ticket ¥42 → Post-cave taxi (¥15) to Tiangong Mountain for sea of clouds
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6. Liangyeshan Waterfall – Immortal Drama Filming Location
Trendy Activities:
🌊 Waterfall Yoga: Arrive before 9:00 at Yunca Waterfall, poses on shallows (waterproof phone case needed)
🏕️ Glamping: Book glass cabin at "Mi Jing" campsite, photograph fireflies at night
Food Pairing:
Try bamboo tray rice rolls + pork liver with freshly ground pounded tea post-hike
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7. Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden – China's Most Beautiful Tea Field Cherry Blossoms
Off-Season Magic:
❄️ Winter Sakura Rime: January exclusive! Frosted tea fields with crystal-covered pink blossoms (requires on-site stay)
🌌 Starlight Tea Garden: Overnight at Taipin Sakura Hotel, private access to lit cherry tunnel post-21:00
⚠️ Bloom Tips: February pink / March red blossoms, avoid weekends
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8. Longjin Lake Park – Cyberpunk Urban Lounge
Hipster Guide:
• Futuristic Nights: Saturday 20:00 music fountain + drone light shows, light trails at "Rainbow Bridge"
• Industrial Ruins: West zone abandoned mining machinery + purple verbena fields, metallic outfits for mech-style photos
Local Secret:
Morning run route: 6:00 lakeside boardwalk for CBD reflections and egret sightings
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📍 Golden 3D2N Itinerary:
D1: Tulou Fantasy Day
AM: Chuxi Tulou (morning mist) → PM: Zhencheng Building costume photoshoot → Overnight Tulou Prince Hotel
D2: Geological Wonders + Ancient Town
Guanzhai Mountain cable car → Shimen Lake cruise → Drive to Changting (2hrs) → Night lantern banquet by Ting River
D3: Cherry Tea Paradise
Yongfu Sakura sunrise → Return to Longyan city → Longjin Lake nightscape finale
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💡 Native-Level Tips:
1. Transport Hack: Tulou area car rental bargaining (5-seater ¥450/day, say "Jingbao Baba recommended" for deals)
2. Dark Cuisine: Changting's "Qilin Fetus" (pigeon stuffed in pig stomach, ¥38/bowl)
3. Crowd Warning: Guanzhai Mountain midday summer heat – enter before 7:00
Photographer Packing List:
• Wide lens (tulou interiors/caves)
• Graduated ND filter (backlit danxia shots)
• Portable fill light (ancient village night photography)
Unlock Longyan's magical landscapes and vibrant culture with this guide!
Post by GG. Uma 37 | Jul 6, 2025























