Fujian’s Rio de Janeiro! Ultimate Guide to the Stunning Mountain and Sea Views at Qiguan Peak, Free Photo Spots for Life’s Best Shots

No need to travel all the way to South America—get the same breathtaking Rio de Janeiro-style shots right in Lianjiang, Fuzhou, Fujian

Have you ever been amazed by that iconic photo of Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro? Actually, you don’t have to go to South America. Hidden in Lianjiang County, Fuzhou, Fujian, is a stunning secret spot known as "Fujian’s Rio"—Qiguan Peak.

This recently popular internet-famous check-in spot attracts countless photography enthusiasts and travelers with its magnificent mountain and sea scenery and unique fishing village charm. Today, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to exploring Qiguan Peak and teach you how to easily capture amazing "life photos"!

🌄 Why Choose Qiguan Peak?

Qiguan Peak is the main peak of Baiyun Mountain in Fuzhou, standing at about 400 meters above sea level. It’s named for its resemblance to a battle flag. The most captivating view here is from the summit, overlooking the spectacular Qida Village, fishing rafts, and the bay below—reminiscent of the classic perspective of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city.

Endless blue sea, neatly arranged fishing rafts forming a marine farm, densely packed stone houses in the fishing village, islands scattered in the sea, a clear crescent-shaped bay at the foot of the mountain, and wind turbines along the ridgeline—all combine to create a truly magnificent landscape where sea and sky blend and mountains meet the ocean.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Qiguan Peak is open year-round and free to enter, but choosing the right time to visit is very important:

· Season: Spring and autumn are the most suitable seasons; take care to avoid heat in summer. Avoid rainy or foggy days as visibility will be greatly reduced.
· Weather: Always choose a sunny day. Only when the sun is shining brightly will the sea appear deep blue, making your photos look better. On cloudy or foggy days, the summit may offer no view at all.
· Time of day: 1 PM to 3 PM is the best time for photos. The light is optimal, and sunlight on your face makes photos look their best. After 3 PM, shadows may partially cover your shots. Early morning (5:00–7:00 AM) is also good for watching the sunrise.

🚗 Transportation Guide

Getting to Qiguan Peak

· Self-driving (recommended): Navigate to "Qiguan Peak" or "Baiyun Temple." It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Fuzhou. Driving is the most convenient option as local public transport is limited.
· Public transport:
· Take the high-speed train to "Lianjiang Station."
· From the station, take a taxi or carpool to Qiguan Peak (about 40 RMB per person).
· Alternatively, taxi to Lianjiang Bus Station, then take the bus from Lianjiang to Qida (7:30 AM–5:30 PM, about 1 hour per trip), and get off at the entrance of Qida Village.

Ways to Climb the Mountain

Once you reach the foot of Qiguan Peak, there are three ways to ascend:

1. Full hike (recommended for those with good stamina): Start climbing the stone steps next to the parking lot at the foot. You’ll climb over 1,800 steps, taking about 40–60 minutes to reach the summit. The advantage is enjoying beautiful sea and mountain views along the way; the downside is it’s physically demanding.
2. Partial drive: Navigate to "Baiyun Temple." You might be able to drive further up, but roadwork may restrict access. If open, you can drive to a city wall marked "Qida Qiguan Peak," then walk about 20–30 minutes to the summit.
3. Local vehicles: At the foot of the mountain, locals may offer rides up for about 20 RMB per person. Their vehicles can reach the archway of the city wall at Qiguan Peak, then it’s about a 20-minute walk to the summit. This is a good option if you want to save energy.

📸 Photo Tips

Best Photo Spots

· Internet-famous giant rock: At the summit, there’s a rock that juts out over the cliff—this is the classic photo spot. Standing on it with arms outstretched, you can mimic the iconic Rio de Janeiro photo. Although it looks risky, there’s a wide area beneath the rock, so it’s relatively safe (but be cautious on windy days).
· Viewing pavilion: The pavilion at the summit is also a great photo spot, offering panoramic views of the fishing village, colorful stone houses, fishing rafts, and islands.
· Multiple viewing platforms: There are several viewing platforms at the summit connected by stone steps. Explore them to find your favorite angle.

Photography Tips

· Use a wide-angle lens: Capture more of the mountain and sea scenery for a more dramatic photo.
· Pay attention to lighting: The best light is from 1 PM to 3 PM, with ample light on your face.
· Wear bright clothing: Bright colors stand out against the blue and green background.
· Safety first: Don’t take risks by getting too close to edges; many areas have no guardrails.

🍜 Food and Accommodation Recommendations

Food Recommendations

Qida Village and surrounding areas specialize in seafood. Recommended dishes include:

· Freshly made fish balls, oyster omelets, steamed abalone (Qida is known as the "Abalone Town")
· Fish noodles, pan-fried clams, and other authentic seafood snacks
· Local street stalls at the village entrance, about 50 RMB per person
· Ask about prices before ordering and choose places with clear pricing

Accommodation Options

Accommodation in Qida Village is limited; recommended options include:

· Dinghaiwan Ruolin Hotel: Offers sea-view rooms and a private beach, about 500 RMB per night.
· Lianjiang County town: Budget hotels starting at 150 RMB, convenient for exploring nearby attractions the next day.
· Local homestays: Such as "Rio Homestay," located at the foot of Qiguan Peak in Qida Village.

⛰ Nearby Attractions

If you have more time, consider combining Qiguan Peak with nearby attractions:

· One-day itinerary: Qiguan Peak (morning) → seafood lunch in Qida Village → Gushi Village/Pingliuwei Geological Park (afternoon for cooling off) → return trip.
· Two-day itinerary:
· Day 1: Qiguan Peak + Qida Fishing Village → stay at Dinghaiwan;
· Day 2: Pingliuwei Park → Huangqi Beach for tide pooling → Lianjiang town for fish ball snacks.
· Nearby attractions:
· Pingliuwei Geological Park: Volcanic rock formations, reef rocks perfect for Instagram shots (entrance fee 30 RMB).
· Gushi Village: Cliffside fishing village with lawn camping, quiet and less crowded.
· Dinghaiwan: Free beach swimming.
· Beijiaobi Geological Park: Walk the boardwalk leading to the sea, full of atmosphere.

⚠️ Important Notes

1. Safety first: The summit is windy and some areas have no guardrails. Do not climb steep rocks or leave designated paths.
2. Dress appropriately: Wear non-slip, comfortable shoes; bring a windbreaker as it can be windy at the top.
3. Bring supplies: Carry enough water and food; there are some unmanned vending points along the way where you can scan to buy drinks.
4. Sun and heat protection: In summer, take sun protection measures and bring electrolyte drinks and herbal remedies to prevent heatstroke.
5. Environmental awareness: Do not litter; keep the scenic area clean.
6. Avoid peak times: Weekends are crowded; it’s best to arrive before 7 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds.

💎 Summary

Qiguan Peak, a hidden gem in Fujian, offers magnificent mountain and sea views and the unique charm of "Fujian’s Rio." It’s definitely worth a visit. Best of all, it’s currently free to enter! However, there are rumors that a fee may be introduced after roadwork is completed, so if you want to go, don’t wait too long.

Whether you want to capture a stunning "life photo" for your social media or simply experience the breathtaking fusion of mountain and sea, Qiguan Peak will meet your expectations. Just pick a sunny day, bring your camera and good mood, and set off!

Do you have plans to visit Qiguan Peak soon? Or have you already been? Feel free to share your experiences or questions in the comments!