Optimization Suggestions for a 2-Day 1-Night Budget Trip to Xiapu, Fujian

📍 Itinerary Highlights Optimization

1. Beiqi Tidal Flat Sunrise Photography Tips: It is recommended to bring a tripod + ND filter, arrive at the viewing platform 1 hour before sunrise, and use a telephoto lens (70-200mm) to compress the sense of space, capturing the stunning lines of the seaweed racks matrix.
2. New Sunset Spot at Dongbi Village: The viewing platform on the hill behind the village (20 RMB entrance fee) offers a panoramic view of fishing boats returning to port. Arrive 40 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot.
3. Hidden Activities on Xiawei Island: At low tide (after 4:00 PM), you can enter the sea erosion cave. The "one-line sky" view inside the cave requires bending to pass through. It is recommended to bring a waterproof phone case to capture reflections.

💰 Budget Control Tips

• Transportation: Carpooling can be replaced by direct shuttle buses in the scenic area (Beiqi-Dongbi 2 RMB/person, Xiaohao-Xiawei Island 5 RMB/person), saving a total of 60 RMB on transportation.
• Accommodation: Hostel beds cost 50 RMB/night (e.g., Xiapu Chenxi Guesthouse), saving 100 RMB but requiring early rising to secure photo spots.
• Food: "Apo Seafood Noodles" in Sansha Town costs 15 RMB for a filling meal, saving 35 RMB compared to the night market.

⚠️ In-Depth Pitfall Avoidance Guide

1. Photography Equipment: Renting a tripod in the scenic area costs 30 RMB/day; bringing your own is more cost-effective (recommend storing it in the guesthouse in advance).
2. Tide Traps: The opening times of the sea erosion cave on Xiawei Island vary daily; use the "Global Tide" app to check real-time data.
3. Hidden Fees: There is a 5 RMB/person fee charged by villagers on the trail to Lvxia Lighthouse; you can bypass this by walking along the left reef area for free access.
4. Food Pitfalls: For seafood stalls with "market price" items, ask the unit price in advance. A common trick is 15 RMB per liang (50g) but actually weighing 3 liang (150g) and charging 45 RMB.

📸 Lesser-Known Photo Spots Recommendation

• Yangjiaxi Banyan and Maple Park: Morning fog photography (6:00-7:30 AM) requires paying 20 RMB to an elderly farmer to lead cattle into the frame.
• Yushan Island Tianhu: Aerial meadow views (requires renting a fisherman's small boat for 30 RMB/15 minutes).
• Shaojiang S Bay: Best light and shadow after 3 PM, can capture a "Chinese Rio de Janeiro" vibe.

🍜 Food Upgrade Plan

• Must-try at Taikang Road Night Market: Razor clam omelet (10 RMB), kelp sprout fish ball soup (8 RMB).
• Hidden delicacies in Sansha Town: Sweet potato cup (3 RMB) + Fuding pork slices (10 RMB) combo meal.
• Warning: Be cautious buying "wild large yellow croaker," which is actually farmed yellow drum; 50 RMB per jin (500g) is more reasonable.

🚗 Transportation Connection Plan

• High-speed rail station → Beiqi: Carpool 20 RMB/person (departing at 5 AM).
• Xiawei Island return: It is recommended to contact the guesthouse before 4:30 PM to arrange pick-up (30 RMB/car).
• Island transportation: Rent an electric scooter for 40 RMB/day (60% cheaper than taxis).

🌅 Photography Schedule

Date Beiqi Sunrise Dongbi Sunset Moonrise Time
August 21 5:15-5:30 AM 5:50-6:10 PM 7:45 PM
August 22 5:10-5:25 AM 5:45-6:05 PM 8:30 PM

Recommended Items to Bring: Waterproof shoe covers (essential for tidal flats), polarizing filter (to enhance tidal flat reflections), drone (must be registered with the scenic area in advance).

This itinerary ensures core experiences while achieving a 360 RMB budget travel goal through precise time management and localized spending strategies. Photography enthusiasts can increase their budget by 100-200 RMB to rent professional equipment to improve photo quality.