Longyan, a year-round travel destination.

🌅In this enchanting March, with spring in the air, I packed my bags and headed to Longyan for a long-awaited trip. This city, a blend of Hakka culture and the spirit of the Red Revolution, is like a hidden gem in western Fujian, radiating a unique charm. Now, I'm sharing my Longyan travel guide with you. Let's explore this treasure city together! 📍Itinerary Day 1: Longyan Museum → Yongding Tulou Cluster (Chengqi Lou → Zhencheng Lou) → Chuxi Tulou Cluster → Zhongshan Road Night Market Morning: After arriving in Longyan, head to the Longyan Museum to delve into the city's history and culture, and experience the passage of time through ancient artifacts. Afternoon: Travel to the Yongding Tulou Cluster and visit Chengqi Lou, known as the "King of Tulou," to marvel at its massive scale and unique architectural style. Then, step into Zhencheng Lou to admire the blend of Chinese and Western architectural art. Afterward, proceed to the Chuxi Tulou Cluster, where the tulou buildings are scattered picturesquely, exuding a rustic charm. Evening: Head to Zhongshan Road Night Market for a culinary journey, savoring various local snacks and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Longyan. Day 2: Longyan Cave → Gutian Conference Site → Changting Ancient City (Jichuan Gate → Wolong Academy) → Changting Diantou Street Night Market Morning: Explore the mystical Longyan Cave, an underground karst cave, and admire nature's masterpieces, experiencing the unique charm of the "Guilin in a Cave." Afternoon: Visit the Gutian Conference Site, tracing the footsteps of the Red Revolution, commemorating revolutionary heroes, and immersing yourself in Red culture. Evening: Arrive at Changting Ancient City, ascend Jichuan Gate for a panoramic view of the ancient city at night, stroll through Wolong Academy to soak in the cultural atmosphere, and then savor delicious food at Changting Diantou Street Night Market, experiencing the city's nightlife. Day 3: Guanzhi Mountain (Shimen Lake Boat Tour → Carp Back) → Return Trip Morning: Climb Guanzhi Mountain, take a boat tour on Shimen Lake, admire the Danxia landscape along the banks, and marvel at the wondrous sights of the "Root of Life" and the "Gate of Life." Ascend Carp Back for a breathtaking view of Guanzhi Mountain. Afternoon: Embark on your return journey, filled with wonderful memories. 📍Must-See Attractions 1. Yongding Tulou: A World Cultural Heritage Site and a 5A scenic spot, famous for its round and square tulou buildings. The unique architectural style blends defense and family culture, transporting visitors back in time. 2. Guanzhi Mountain: One of the two wonders of Danxia landforms, "North Yi, South Zhi," featuring steep peaks. Take a boat trip on Shimen Lake to admire the "Root of Life" and the "Gate of Life." The natural scenery is breathtaking. 3. Changting Ancient City: A National Historical and Cultural City, with well-preserved Tang and Song Dynasty features. Ascend the ancient city wall, overlook the Ting River, and enjoy a night tour of Diantou Street to experience the charm of the millennium-old city. 4. Gutian Conference Site: A sacred place of the Red Revolution, where you can deeply experience the spiritual heritage of "Party Building through Ideological Work" and commemorate the great achievements of revolutionary heroes. 5. Longyan Cave: Known as the "Guilin in a Cave" and the "No. 1 Cave in East China," the cave boasts unique scenery, with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations that make you feel like you're in a fairyland. 6. Longyan Museum: Free admission. Learn about the past and present of Longyan through rich exhibits. It's a great place to understand the city's history and culture. 7. Peitian Ancient Village: Many well-preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Stroll through the village and experience the tranquility and beauty of time. 8. Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden: March is the cherry blossom season. The vast expanse of cherry blossoms is like a pink cloud, a sight to behold. 📍Transportation 🚗Currently, Longyan does not have a subway. City buses cover major attractions, but if you're going to the mountainous areas, it's recommended to drive or hire a car for greater convenience and freedom. Car rentals cost around CNY 300-500 per day. You can also take taxis or ride-hailing services. 📍Local Cuisine and Specialties 🍜White Cut Hetian Chicken: Tender meat, yellow skin, and white flesh, fresh and delicious. 🥘Shuan Jiupin: Featuring nine cuts of beef, paired with a unique dipping sauce, it's savory and delicious. 🥟Bubo: Soft rice noodles rolled with long beans, mushrooms, and minced meat, chewy and flavorful. 🥧Yuzibao: Taro and starch dough filled with pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients, soft, glutinous, and sweet. 🥣Beef Doutang: A unique thickening method makes the soup thick and smooth. Sprinkled with chopped celery and pepper, it warms you from the tip of your tongue to your stomach. 🍠Liancheng Dried Sweet Potato: Yellowish-red in color, with a sweet fragrance, soft and chewy texture, rich in glucose and vitamins. 🥜Longyan Peanuts: Traditionally roasted salted peanuts, crispy, delicious, and unforgettable. 📍Accommodation 🏨Xinluo District (city center): Convenient transportation, close to food night markets and Longyan Cave. Mid-range hotels average CNY 200-400/night. 🏡Around Yongding Tulou: Choose a homestay to experience tulou culture, averaging CNY 300-600/night. 🏯Inside Changting Ancient City: Guesthouses converted from old houses, convenient for night tours of the Ting River, averaging CNY 150-300/night. 📍Travel Tips 🎈The best seasons are spring and autumn (March-May for cherry blossoms, October-November for Danxia red leaves). The weather is pleasant and the scenery is more beautiful. Avoid the rainy season from June to August. 🎈Remember to bargain when shopping inside the tulou to avoid being overcharged; confirm the price of the Guanzhi Mountain boat tour in advance. 🎈Book intangible cultural heritage experiences such as Changting paper-cutting dragon lanterns and Liancheng marionette shows in advance to experience the unique local culture. 🎈Book tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid crowds during peak season. 🌈Every scenic spot and every dish in Longyan left a deep impression on me. This city has both historical depth and natural vitality. I hope this guide will help you embark on a wonderful journey to Longyan and discover more of the city's beauty!