A Small City with Low Costs Just 2 Hours by High-Speed Rail

Pre-Trip Preparation

- **Documents**: Bring your ID card and other possible documents such as student ID, senior citizen card, etc.
- **Clothing**: Pack summer clothes, along with a light jacket and long pants to stay warm during cooler mornings and evenings.
- **Daily Essentials**: Toiletries, skincare products, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, umbrella or raincoat, etc.
- **Medications**: Prepare cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, and insect repellent.
- **Other Items**: Phone, camera, charger, power bank, and some cash.

**Transportation Guide**

- **External Transport**: First, arrive in Fuzhou, then drive to Pingnan (about 2 hours). Alternatively, take a high-speed train to Pingnan Station and transfer to tourist shuttles for attractions.
- **Local Transport**: Renting a car or hiring a private vehicle is recommended for flexibility. For public transport, consult your homestay host for local bus schedules.

**Attractions**

- **Baishuiyang Scenic Area**: Features an 80,000-square-meter flat riverbed with shallow, clear water—perfect for natural wave pools, rafting, and water fights in summer.
- **Yuanyangxi (Mandarin Duck Stream)**: The only mandarin duck reserve, home to Baizhangji Waterfall and Water Curtain Cave. Hike along the boardwalk to spot playful monkeys.
- **Shuangxi Ancient Town**: A 1,000-year-old town with well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture. Stroll cobblestone streets and experience traditional woodcarving and Pingnan rice wine brewing.
- **Longtan Ancient Town**: Known for its stilt houses and Ming-Qing buildings, this rustic town is now an artsy hub with local craftsmen.
- **Qiancheng Bridge & Wan'an Bridge**: Two ancient wooden arch bridges from the Song Dynasty, built without nails. Scenic spots for villagers to relax and trade.

**Accommodation Recommendations**

- **Luxury**: Vienna International Hotel (Pingnan Guobao Avenue Branch) – rich breakfast, convenient parking.
- **Budget-Friendly**: Pingnan Kaistone Business Hotel, Pingnan Tianranju Inn – well-equipped and accessible.
- **Unique Homestays**: *Yixiyun* in Tangkou Village (with a viral slide and outdoor café) or *Banrixian* (a breezy courtyard for camping).

**Food Recommendations**

- **Mishao Tu (Smoked Rabbit)**: A local specialty—smoked then cooked for a unique flavor.
- **Hancao Fengan (Cold Herb Noodles)**: Smooth texture with a fragrant aroma.
- **Stir-Fried Bamboo Shoots**: Fresh and tender local bamboo shoots.
- **High-Mountain Vegetables**: Crisp, sweet, and organic.

**Itinerary Suggestions**

- **3-Day Trip**: Day 1 – Baishuiyang water activities; Day 2 – Yuanyangxi in the morning, Shuangxi Ancient Town in the afternoon; Day 3 – Qiancheng/Wan'an Bridges and Longtan Ancient Town.
- **5-Day Trip**: Extend with Day 4 – Xiadi Village’s Pioneer Bookstore; Day 5 – Jitou Village’s Farming & Reading Museum.