From the fishing port at dawn to the cliffside ancient village, enjoy the "Fujian version of Santorini" for just 500 yuan per person

Who says Ningde is just a neglected corner on the map? As a local travel blogger who has long explored the secret spots of eastern Fujian, today I’ll take you into the mountain and sea wonder certified by National Geographic—Ningde! With just over 1000 yuan and one day, complete a high-appearance, fast-paced, no-routine mountain and sea adventure—no leave needed, no overnight stay, a same-day round trip by self-driving within the province. From the sunrise light and shadow on the tidal flats of Xiapu to the alpine meadows of Yushan Island, then explore China’s most beautiful island ancient village. What you eat is fresh seafood, what you capture is poetry and the distant horizon!

📍Suitable for: Photography enthusiasts / Couples on dates / Families with children / Nature lovers
💰Total budget: 1000 yuan (for two people, 500 yuan per person)

🚗Transportation｜About 500 yuan
✅ Self-driving round trip (starting from Fuzhou as an example): Shenhai Expressway → Xiapu section ≈ fuel + tolls 380 yuan
✅ Xiapu County → Sansha Town → Dongbi Village shuttle/taxi ≈ 120 yuan
📌Tips: About 1.5 hours from Fuzhou to the core area of Xiapu, excellent road conditions

🎫Tickets & Experiences｜About 200 yuan (affordable attractions, great value experiences)
✅ [Dongbi Village Viewing Platform] Free! Watch the sunset glow spread over the fishing rafts, like a spilled golden palette
✅ [Beiqi Tidal Flats] Photography paradise, stunning morning light and shadow — free admission!
✅ [Yushan Island Ferry Ticket] Optional if time allows (round trip about 120 yuan/person), but for a one-day trip, focus on the main Xiapu route
✅ Niche experience: Old fisherman teaches net weaving + taste freshly caught small silver shrimp ≈ 50 yuan/person × 2 = 100 yuan

🏨Accommodation｜0 yuan (same-day round trip, no overnight stay!)
✔️ Precisely planned route, save money for “eating and shooting”

🍜Dining｜About 300 yuan (the highlight! This is Ningde’s seafood secret!)
✅ Lunch: Local seafood stall in Sansha Town →
🔥Must order: Seaweed fried rice + oyster omelet + boiled mantis shrimp + fish ball soup ≈ 240 yuan
✅ Afternoon tea: Dongbi Village café for a “sea breeze latte” + handmade seaweed biscuit ≈ 60 yuan
✅ Snacks supply: Xiapu dried seaweed, kelp strips, fish sauce, mud clam canned food… ≈ 100 yuan
📌Tips: Don’t miss the “Xiapu Six Fresh” — seaweed, kelp, mudskipper, razor clam, yellow croaker, mud clam!

🎯Itinerary｜Complete the “mountain and sea light and shadow” golden route in 1 day

⏰ 5:30 AM｜Departure
Self-drive from Fuzhou/Putian, head straight to Xiapu
7:00 AM Arrive at [Beiqi Tidal Flats] to wait for sunrise!
Shoot fishing boat silhouettes, bamboo pole reflections, and people working on the shore—every moment is a masterpiece

⏰ 8:30 AM｜Slow time in the fishing village
Drive to [Sansha Town] or [Dongbi Village]
Stroll along the cliff walkway, check in at the popular guesthouse cluster, architectural style reminiscent of “Santorini”

⏰ 10:00 AM｜Authentic seafood feast
Find a local-favorite stall, freshly caught and cooked, transparent pricing
Seaweed fried rice must have egg, oyster omelet crispy outside and tender inside, paired with garlic soy sauce is amazing!

⏰ 12:30 PM｜In-depth experience
Step into a fisherman's courtyard, watch the old man repair fishing nets, listen to the tide’s stories
Or daydream at a seaside café, sipping a “salty latte”

⏰ 2:00 PM｜Ancient village exploration
Stop by [Banyueli She Ethnic Ancient Village] (30 yuan/person ticket, optional)
Centuries-old Dragon Palace, ancestral hall, bluestone alleys, experience ethnic minority culture

⏰ 4:30 PM｜Bonus before return
On the way back, stop at [Gaoluo Beach] (free)
Step on fine sand, pick up shells, give the kids a “gift from the sea”

📌Local advice:
✔️ Check the tide for Beiqi sunrise! At low tide, bamboo poles are most exposed, making photos spectacular
✔️ Dongbi Village light is softest after 6 PM, perfect for couple silhouette shots
✔️ Xiapu seaweed is freshest in the current season, vacuum-packed and easy to carry, great for gifts

Spend 1000 yuan and gain:
A golden tidal flat, a table of fresh seafood, and the realization that “home is this beautiful.”

Ningde is not noisy, but it tells you with sea breeze, fishing lights, and seaweed fields:
The true beauty of Fujian is not far away, but in the moment you’re willing to get up early.