Fuding Suffering is Over, Really Don't Recommend Coming in June
by OliverChamberlains
Jun 19, 2025
A 2-day, 1-night self-driving tour guide for Fuding & Xiapu, costing 500 RMB per person, focusing on "spending less, experiencing more" (Chill & Relaxed Edition).
Core Idea: Spend money where it counts (accommodation, seafood), prioritize free attractions, chase sunset mudflats, and enjoy the freedom of self-driving.
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Itinerary Overview & Budget Estimate
· Accommodation: 75-100 RMB per person (Choose an economy guesthouse or budget hotel, total cost for one night around 150-200 RMB)
· Dining: 200 RMB per person (4 main meals, taste authentic snacks and one seafood meal)
· Fuel/Parking: 100 RMB per person (Short distance between the two locations, controllable fuel and parking costs)
· Miscellaneous: 100 RMB per person (Snacks, drinks, etc.)
· Total: Approximately 500 RMB/person
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Day 1: Fuding · Savoring Flavors at the Foot of Mount Taimu
Morning: Depart from Xiamen/Fuzhou → Fuding
· Drive to Fuding, approximately 2.5-3 hours (from Fuzhou).
· [Money-saving Tip]: Prepare water and snacks before departure to reduce spending at service areas.
Noon: Arrive in Fuding, have lunch
· Core Experience: Taste Fuding snacks, a true "culinary journey."
· Recommended Food (Lunch):
· [Must-try] Fuding Rou Pian (meat slices): Find a restaurant popular with locals. A bowl of chewy meat slices with mixed noodles costs no more than 20 RMB per person.
· [Optional] Beef balls, honey-glazed chicken wings: Both are local specialties; order small portions of several to try.
· Estimated Cost: 25-30 RMB per person.
Afternoon: Stroll at the foot of Mount Taimu → Head to Xiapu
· [Chill & Relaxed Approach]: Do not enter the Mount Taimu scenic area (tickets are expensive and time-consuming). Instead, choose to wander around Yuhu Temple or Taimu Mountain Town at the foot of the mountain, admire the unique mountain scenery from afar, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
· Itinerary: Around 3 PM, drive to Xiapu, approximately 1 hour.
Evening: Arrive in Xiapu, chase the sunset
· Core Experience: Free mudflat sunset viewing spots.
· Recommended Locations (choose one of two):
1. Xiaohao Beach: A classic mudflat photography spot. When the light is good, the mudflats reflect colorful hues.
2. Dongbi Village: Located on higher ground, offering panoramic views of the bay, fishing boats, and seaweed farming racks. The sunset view is spectacular.
· [Key Money-saving Tip]: These viewing spots are free; you only need to pay a small parking fee.
Night: Dinner & Accommodation in Xiapu County
· Dinner: Head to a seafood stall or stir-fry restaurant in Xiapu County. No need to go to large restaurants near scenic spots; find a popular one in the county town, order some seasonal seafood and stir-fries. You can eat well for 60-80 RMB per person.
· Accommodation: Book an economy hotel or guesthouse in Xiapu County in advance to save money.
· Estimated Cost: Dinner 70 RMB per person + Accommodation 75 RMB per person = 145 RMB.
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Day 2: Xiapu · Experience the Charm of the Mudflats → Return Journey
Morning: Leisurely Options (choose one of two)
· Option A (Classic Route): Beiqi Mudflats
· This is one of "China's 80 Most Beautiful Places to Photograph," especially famous for sunrise. But even without watching the sunrise, the mudflats, working boats, and light and shadow in the morning are very charming.
· [Note]: Requires an early start and timing according to the tide. Free entry, parking fee applies.
· Option B (Easy Route): Shajiang S-Bay
· You can see countless bamboo poles arranged in an "S" shape on the mudflats, an iconic scene of Xiapu.
· [Note]: The best viewing spot requires entering a villager's photography building, which might charge around 20 RMB for "upstairs access." This would be the main ticket expense for the day. If you don't think it's worth it, you can still view from nearby.
Noon: Taste Xiapu's Specialty Lunch
· You can try local seafood noodles, oyster omelets, etc., for 30-40 RMB per person.
Afternoon: Relaxed Return Journey
· After lunch, you can buy some Xiapu dried seafood products as souvenirs (spend as needed, control your budget).
· Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed drive back, concluding your pleasant weekend trip.
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Money-saving & Chill Tips
1. Tickets: This guide cleverly avoids large paid scenic areas like Mount Taimu, focusing on free viewing platforms and public beaches.
2. Dining: Explore small alleys and look for places where locals eat. Snacks and food stalls are the soul of local cuisine and a great way to save money.
3. Transportation: Sharing fuel and toll costs among four people in one car is the most cost-effective.
4. Go with the flow: Bad weather? Just visit a seafood market or have tea at a seaside teahouse. The meaning of travel is to relax, not just to check off attractions.
Wishing you and your companions a budget-friendly and enjoyable self-driving trip!
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