Sanming City, Fujian Travelogue | Encounter a Secret Wonderland, Explore Poetic Ancient Cities

🌿Day 1: Taining Ancient City - Experience the Atmosphere of a Millennium-Old City
Departing from Sanming Station, take Taining Bus No. 6 directly to this "living Ming and Qing ancient city"🌙. Winding stone-paved roads, ancient houses with upturned eaves, and the fragrance of tea wafting from the carved wooden windows of the Shangshu Mansion, it's like traveling through a time tunnel. 📸Photo Tips: The alleyways in the early morning are less crowded and picturesque, perfect for taking stunning photos in Hanfu! Ascend the city walls in the evening for a panoramic view of the city lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

Ticket Reservation: The ancient city is free to enter, but tickets are required for some attractions (such as the Shangshu Mansion). A combined ticket costs 55 yuan, and it is recommended to book in advance on Trip.com.

Food Recommendations: The Taining Tofu Banquet is a must-try! The Nuangu Bao (mushroom buns) have a soft and chewy exterior, and the fish head soup is incredibly delicious. Stay in an ancient city inn and experience sleeping on a carved wooden bed under the moonlight💤.

Tips to Avoid: Prices for handicrafts vary greatly within the scenic area, so remember to compare prices before buying!

🌿Day 2: Dajin Lake - A Picturesque Scroll of Green Waters and Red Cliffs
Drive or hire a car to Dajin Lake, known as the "Water Danxia." Take a boat trip through the red cliffs, and admire Ganlu Temple, perched on the cliffside, like a moving landscape painting🖼️! Don't miss the reflection of Ganluyan Temple and the "First Line of Sky." The aerial view is even more breathtaking.
📸Photo Tips: Light-colored dresses are recommended. The afternoon sun shimmering on the lake creates a stunning effect for photos!

Ticket Reservation: Boat ticket + admission ticket costs 158 yuan. Purchase tickets online to save time.

Food Recommendations: Enjoy freshly caught fish on the boat. Upon returning to the city, visit Shaxian East Gate Ancient Street for Q-bomb (chewy) Bian Rou (meat-filled wontons) and smooth Ban Mian (mixed noodles). You can eat your fill for just 10 yuan!🍜

Accommodation Recommendation: Jinhuwan Resort offers lake-view rooms where you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset.

Tips to Avoid: Boat trips have fixed schedules, so plan your time in advance to avoid missing the last boat.

🌿Day 3: Yuhua Cave - Explore the Underground Fairy Palace
Take Jiangle Bus No. 1 directly to "the first cave of Minshan Mountain." Inside the cave, stalagmites rise like a fantastical forest🌌, and under the illumination of lights, it resembles a crystal palace! The most stunning sight is the "Immortal's Field," with its cascading layers resembling a frozen waterfall.
📸Photo Tips: The cave is dimly lit, so bring a fill light or use your phone's flash to capture atmospheric silhouettes!

Ticket Reservation: 90 yuan (half price for students). Renting an audio guide is recommended for an immersive geological experience.

Food Recommendations: Don't miss the refreshing Jiangle Lei Cha (pounded tea) at the farmhouse restaurants outside the cave.

Accommodation Recommendation: Home Inn in the city center offers great value and is conveniently located near shopping areas.

Tips to Avoid: The steps inside the cave can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and be careful!

✨Practical Travel Guide Summary
✅ Transportation: Take the high-speed train/plane to Sanming. Use a combination of city buses and self-driving for flexibility. Hiring a car between attractions is more convenient.
✅ Essential Items: Sun hat, mosquito repellent, comfortable hiking shoes.
✅ Hidden Gems: Visit Guifeng Village in Youxi to see the "Shaiqiu" (sun-drying crops) tradition and experience ancient papermaking. Explore the 4-kilometer-long Reclining Buddha carved into the mountainside at Taojin Mountain in Shaxian.

🍁Travel Reflections
Sanming's beauty lies in the vibrant atmosphere of its ancient city, the grandeur of its Danxia landforms, and the mystery of its caves. It's a place untouched by excessive commercialization, where every corner retains its authentic charm. Save this guide and invite your friends on a spontaneous trip!💖