It truly lives up to its title as one of "China's Eight Most Beautiful Coastlines" certified by Chinese National Geography!

Here’s a travel guide to Quanzhou’s most stunning coastal routes, combining UNESCO World Heritage sites, seaside scenery, and local culture. Covering both classic and off-the-beaten-path experiences, this guide will help you efficiently explore the "Eight Most Beautiful Coastlines in China" as certified by Chinese National Geography 🌊:

🌟 Core Route: Hui'an—Taishang Investment Zone—Shishi Golden Triangle

🚗 Recommended Transport: Self-drive (newly upgraded National Highway 228 offers excellent coastal views) or private car hire

⏰ Suggested Duration: 2-3 days

🔥 Highlight Section: Chongwu to Xiutu Coastline (one of China’s Eight Most Beautiful Coastlines)

📍 Detailed Stops & Must-Visit Spots

1️⃣ Hui'an County: Fishing Village Charm + Cliffside Sea Views

- **Chongwu Ancient City**: A Ming Dynasty stone fortress. Climb the city walls for panoramic views of Half Moon Bay and Xisha Bay. Best visited early morning to avoid crowds 📸
- **Hui’an Women’s Cultural Village**: Watch traditional Hui’an women’s performances and experience fishing village life (try clam digging at Boji Bay)
- **Xiaozuo Windmill Island**: White windmills + rocky coastline, stunning at sunset (navigate to "Xiaozuo Dongshan Village")

**Hidden Gems**:
- **Wenhai Cultural Park**: Cliffside café with floor-to-ceiling windows facing turquoise seas—perfect for relaxing
- **Jingfeng Temple**: A thousand-year-old temple offering mountain-top views of two seas merging

2️⃣ Taishang Investment Zone: Artsy Beaches + Family Fun

- **Yusha Bay**: Dubbed "Quanzhou’s Aranya," featuring a lone metal whale sculpture, beachfront cafés, and a trendy vibe
- **Moon Bay**: Crescent-shaped shallow beach ideal for swimming and kite-flying, with full amenities
- **Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Resort**:
- **Overseas Chinese Town Ocean Kingdom**: ¥280/person, featuring beluga shows and a water park
- **Zheng He Treasure Ship Hotel**: Ship-themed design, perfect for families

**Hidden Gems**:
- **Guishan Bay**: Rocky tidal zones reveal shellfish during low tide—great for beachcombing
- **Floating Stone Hideaway**: A 6,000㎡ seaside rest stop with charging stations and ocean-view lounges

3️⃣ Shishi City: Buddhist Sanctuary + Wild Coastlines

- **Luojia Temple**: A sea temple built on reefs, appearing to float at high tide (best light after 4 PM)
- **Golden Coast**: Hongta Bay (rare shallow waters in Fujian), Guanyin Mountain (ancient wind-eroded rocks), and Five-Nose Lighthouse
- **Liusheng Pagoda & Shihu Dock**: UNESCO World Heritage sites—a Song Dynasty navigation tower + ancient port steeped in history

**Hidden Gems**:
- **Jinjiang Tangdong Village**: A unique "antennae" sandbar stretching into the sea—breathtaking for drone shots (navigate to "Tangdong Beach")
- **Xiangzhi Fishing Port**: One of Fujian’s top five fishing harbors, with a spectacular fleet of anchored boats

🍜 Unmissable Coastal Cuisine

- **Chongwu Fish Rolls**: Springy and flavorful, a must-try specialty
- **Seafood Feast**:
- Taishang Zone: Ta Ku blue crabs (red roe crab), Baiqi razor clam soup
- Shishi: Pan-fried green crab, Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Banquet (gourmet ancient dishes revived)
- **Snack Lovers**: Sea worm jelly (Jinjiang), "Fist Meat" dumplings, taro balls (Yongning, Shishi)

🏡 Accommodation Picks: Sea Views + Value

| Area | Recommended Stays | Highlights |
|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Chongwu | **Juruo·Chongwu Ancient Dock Homestay** | Colorful Hobbit houses + pet-friendly zone |
| Taishang Zone | **Jianshan Reef Villa / Zheng He Treasure Ship Hotel** | Design-forward, near OCT Ocean Kingdom |
| Shishi | **Juruo Golden Coast Homestay / Wenhai Micro-Resort** | Direct views of Luojia Temple, Instagram-worthy |

⚠️ Pro Tips

- **Sun Protection**: Strong UV rays—pack hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
- **Avoid Crowds**:
- Visit Chongwu Ancient City before 7 AM to dodge tour groups
- Explore Luojia Temple after 4 PM for softer light and fewer visitors
- **Transport Notes**:
- The newly upgraded National Highway 228 between Hui’an and Taishang offers a smooth drive
- Rent e-bikes to bypass Golden Coast traffic in peak season
- **Secret Photo Spots**:
- Rocks near Windmill Island’s lighthouse (sunset)
- Second-floor window seat at Wenhai Café (ocean views + coffee)

💡 1-Day Itinerary Suggestion:

**Morning**: Chongwu Ancient City → Hui’an Women’s Cultural Village → Xiaozuo Windmill Island
**Afternoon**: Yusha Bay → Luojia Temple → Golden Coast sunset chase

Quanzhou’s coastline captivates with its azure waters and golden sands, while whispers of its 1,000-year maritime heritage linger in the air. Pick a sunny day, and let the salty breeze—carrying the floral scent of Xunpu women’s hairpins—cool your summer heat 🌅!