Taining Off-the-Beaten-Path Check-in Spots Beyond the Usual

Taining Off-the-Beaten-Path Check-in Spots Beyond the Usual
1. Overall Impression of Taining Tourism
This trip to Taining was a great surprise! As a World Natural Heritage site, Taining’s Danxia landform, clear waters, green mountains, and quaint Northern Fujian charm left a deep impression.
Complete Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Taining (Including Check-in Spots + Tips)
1. Dajin Lake (5A Scenic Area)
- Highlights: World Natural Heritage, spectacular Danxia water landscape
- Check-in Spots:
✅ Ganlu Temple (hanging temple)
✅ Chibi Peak (popular photo spot)
✅ Xiexian Tian (One-line Sky canyon)
- Ticket: 165 RMB (includes boat ride)
- Tips:
- Fixed boat schedule (last boat at 15:00)
- Must bring sunscreen + hat
- About 4 hours total, bring snacks
2. Jiulongtan (Day and Night Views)
- Highlights: Danxia canyon + magical night tour
- Check-in Spots:
✅ Night light show (starts at 19:30)
✅ Water tunnel (kayaking available during the day)
- Tickets:
- Daytime: 155 RMB (includes bamboo raft)
- Night tour: 198 RMB
- Tips:
- Night tour requires advance booking
- Wear non-slip shoes (dock is slippery)
3. Zhaixia Grand Canyon
- Highlights: textbook geological canyon
- Check-in Spots:
✅ Tongtian Stele (giant rock wall)
✅ Yanxi Lake (beautiful reflections)
- Ticket: 55 RMB
- Tips:
- Waterfalls are more spectacular after rain
- About 3 hours hiking, bring water
4. Shangqing Stream Rafting
- Highlights: "East China’s No.1 Rafting" bamboo raft tour
- Check-in Spots:
✅ Xianzi Rock (mysterious stone carvings)
✅ Carp Leaping Dragon Gate (rapids section)
- Ticket: 95 RMB (includes bamboo raft)
- Tips:
- Best in summer (water play)
- Use waterproof bag for phone
- Boatmen sing mountain songs
5. Shangshudi + Ancient City
- Highlights: Ming Dynasty official residence complex
- Check-in Spots:
✅ Shangshudi Yimen (popular red wall)
✅ Ancient city night view (lantern street)
- Ticket: 20 RMB
- Tips:
- Free entry to outer area after 17:00
- Nearby snack shops concentrated
[Eating in Taining]
- Must-try: Youjiang tofu (tender and smooth), Dajin Lake organic fish (fresh), Warm mushroom buns (seasonal)
- Snacks: Biyu rolls, Zhuangyuan rice cakes
- Restaurant recommendation: farmhouse restaurants near the ancient city
[Clothing Suggestions]
- Summer: sun-protective clothing + hat
- Rainy season: bring rain gear and sports shoes
[Staying in Taining]
Huada Hotel: in town, near ancient city, newly renovated.
Cultural and Creative Base: farther from town, but good environment and quiet.
Jinjiang Hotel: farther from town, star-rated hotel, newly renovated.
Muwei Hotel: at the National Fitness Center, good environment, quiet, convenient for fitness, also has a swimming pool.
This time we stayed at Taining Huada Hotel, which offers great value, convenient location, a style we liked, and quality breakfast, suitable for young people and families.
[Getting Around Taining]
Transportation Tips:
- Attractions are scattered, self-driving or chartering a car is more convenient (we hired a car for a day, and the driver also acted as a guide).
- After arriving at Taining High-Speed Rail Station, it’s about a 15-minute taxi ride to the county town.
[Summary & Suggestions]
- Taining is really suitable for those who love natural scenery and slow travel; 2-3 days is enough to enjoy it fully.
- Huada Hotel is a good budget choice with good location and cleanliness.
- Taining suits travelers who enjoy both nature and culture; a 2-3 day itinerary is just right.
Overall, the cost of traveling in Taining is not high, and the experience exceeded expectations!