Reverse Tourism Experiment: How to Avoid 99% of Tourists and Take Cinematic Photos in Xiapu

Are the popular scenic spots crowded during the May Day holiday? Why not try reverse tourism and come to Xiapu to experience the tranquil island scenery! Xiapu, known as "the most beautiful mudflat in China," has a long coastline, unique fishing village culture, and stunning light and shadow changes. During the May Day holiday, it is relatively less crowded, making it an excellent choice to avoid the crowds.

📅 Best time to visit
May: The light and shadow on Xiapu mudflats are excellent, with the strongest color gradation at sunrise and sunset, a must-see for photography enthusiasts.
- Recommended time slots per day:
- Sunrise (5:00–6:30): Beiqi Mudflat, Huazhu Village
- Sunset (17:30–18:30): Dongbi Village, Xiaohao Mudflat
- Avoid rainy days: The beauty of Xiapu depends heavily on sunlight. The mudflats are gray when the weather is bad, so it is recommended to check the weather forecast in advance.

🚗 Transportation
1. How to get to Xiapu?
- High-speed train: Fuzhou/Wenzhou → Xiapu Station (1.5–2 hours). Take a taxi or rent a car after exiting the station (self-driving is recommended).
- Self-driving: About 2.5 hours from Fuzhou/Wenzhou, with good road conditions and convenient parking.
- Plane: The nearest airport is Fuzhou Changle Airport. Transfer to a high-speed train or rent a car to get there.

2. Internal transportation in Xiapu
- Chartered/shared car: The scenic spots are scattered and public transportation is inconvenient. It is recommended to charter a car (approx. CNY 300–500/day) or rent an electric bike (CNY 50–80/day).
- Bus: Some scenic spots have shuttle buses (such as Beiqi and Sansha), but there are few buses, so it is not recommended.

💰 Ticket prices (latest in 2024)
Most attractions in Xiapu are free! Only a few charge fees:
- Yangjiaxi Scenic Area (Internet-famous banyan tree photography spot): CNY 50 (can be bargained, CNY 30 in the off-season).
- Dajing Beach: Free (but washing and parking may be charged).
- Other mudflats (Beiqi, Xiaohao, Dongbi, etc.): All free!

⚡ Tips to avoid pitfalls
1. Don't blindly follow Internet-famous spots: For example, the "old farmer leading a cow" photo op in Yangjiaxi is expensive and heavily commercialized. Natural scenery is more authentic.
2. Choose seafood stalls carefully: Seafood restaurants near scenic spots are prone to overcharging. It is recommended to go to restaurants in the county or recommended by locals (recommended below).
3. Don't wear slippers on the mudflats: The mudflats are muddy and slippery after the tide recedes. Wear non-slip shoes or rain boots.
4. Avoid noon during the May Day holiday: The light is too strong from 10:00–15:00, and the photo effect is poor. It is recommended to go out early in the morning or in the evening.

🍜 Food recommendations (locals often go to)
Xiapu is a seafood paradise! Here are a few recommendations that won't disappoint:
- Shejian Shang de Haixian (Tai Kang Road): High cost performance. Recommended: razor clams, mussels, and kelp seedlings.
- A Zhong Seafood Restaurant (Sansha Town): The locals' favorite. The braised small yellow croaker and fried sea melon seeds are amazing!
- Xiapu Fish Balls: Any shop on the street is delicious, QQ, springy, fresh, and tender.
- Sweet Potato Cup (snack): A Xiapu specialty. There are sweet and savory flavors, which are good for breakfast.

🏨 Hotel recommendations (affordable + high cost performance)
Accommodation in Xiapu is not expensive. It is recommended to book 1–2 weeks in advance for the May Day holiday!
- Economy:
- Xiapu Chenxi International Hotel (near Beiqi Mudflat, CNY 200–300/night).
- Xiapu Yunman Seaview Homestay (Dongbi Village seaview room, CNY 400–600/night).
- High-end:
- Xiapu Shijianhai Homestay** (Internet-famous spot, recommended if your budget is sufficient).

📌 3-day, 2-night itinerary recommendation (lazy version)
Day 1: Beiqi Mudflat (sunrise) → Shajiang S Bay → Dongbi Village (sunset)
Day 2: Huazhu Village (sunrise) → Yangjiaxi (optional) → Xiaohao Mudflat (sunset)
Day 3: Dajing Beach (leisure) → Return trip

💡 Ultimate tips
1. Bring a drone: Aerial photography of Xiapu's mudflats can show the panoramic beauty!
2. Wear bright clothes: Red and yellow look better in photos on the mudflats.
3. Bargain: Xiapu people are used to bargaining for chartered cars, seafood, and even homestays. Don't be shy!

Don't want to be crowded during the May Day holiday? Xiapu is definitely an off-the-beaten-path and stunning choice! Hurry up and arrange it! 🌊📸