Fujian's Hidden 'Eastern Mecca': Why Do Millions Make Pilgrimage Here Every Year?

🌊🏝️ Complete Travel Guide to Meizhou Island | Mazu's Birthplace · Slow Island Living Meizhou Island is located in Putian City, Fujian Province. As the birthplace of Mazu culture, it features both sacred temples and stunning coastlines, perfect for pilgrimages, vacations, and photography! 📍 Basic Information - Address: Meizhou Island, Xiuyu District, Putian City, Fujian Province - Transportation: - High-speed rail: Take the train to "Putian Station," then taxi to "Wenjia Pier" (about 30 minutes) - Ferry: Wenjia Pier → Meizhou Island (ferry ticket 💰125 yuan round-trip, entrance fee included) - Best season: April-October (swimming in summer, many Mazu birthday celebrations in September) - Recommended visit duration: 2 days 1 night (3 days for in-depth exploration) 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple 🏯 - World Mazu Cultural Center, extremely popular for worship 🙏 - Morning worship: 5-6 AM, experience the solemn ceremony - Evening light show: After 7 PM, the ancestral temple glows with golden light ✨ 2️⃣ Goose Tail Stone Garden 🪨 - Unique sea-eroded landforms resembling dragons, turtles, etc., perfect for photos 📸 - Flying Halberd Cave: Popular photo spot, capturing sea views through the stone cave is stunning! 3️⃣ Golden Beach 🏖️ - The island's softest beach, ideal for swimming and watching sunsets 🌅 - Water activities: Jet ski, sailing experiences (💰100-200 yuan/time) 4️⃣ Meiyu Tidal Sound 🌊 - Waves crashing against reefs create natural "tidal music," perfect for relaxing and listening to the sea 🎶 5️⃣ Lotus Pond Beach 🏝️ - Quiet with few people, suitable for camping and beachcombing (collect shells during low tide 🐚) 🍽️ Recommended Island Food - Mazu Peace Noodles: Symbolizes good fortune, loaded with seafood toppings 🍜 - Meizhou Fish Rice: Steamed with fresh seafish, tender and delicious 🐟 - Seaweed Cake: Local specialty snack, crispy and savory 🫓 - Seafood restaurants: Recommended "Fisherman's Kitchen" and "Hailan Restaurant," average 💰80-120 yuan per person 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations - Luxury: Meizhou Island International Hotel (near Golden Beach) - Boutique homestays: "Meiyu South Lane" and "Time Traveler Inn" (artistic style, great for photos) - Budget-friendly: Island fishermen's homestays (💰150-300 yuan/night) 📌 Useful Tips ✔️ Sun and mosquito protection: Strong UV rays on the island, bring sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent 🧴 ✔️ Transportation: Rent electric scooters on the island (💰50-80 yuan/day), very convenient for touring the island 🛵 ✔️ Tide times: Check low tide times before beachcombing, safety first! ✔️ Cultural respect: Stay quiet in the Mazu temple, avoid taking photos randomly 📵 🚗 Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Mazu Ancestral Temple → Meiyu Tidal Sound → Golden Beach (watch sunset) Day 2: Goose Tail Stone Garden → Lotus Pond Beach → Island cycling tour → Return journey 💡 Unique Experiences - Wake up early for sunrise 🌅 (recommended spots: Golden Beach or Goose Tail Mountain) - Beach camping 🏕️ (summer camping, fall asleep to the sound of waves) - Mazu costume photos 👘 (traditional costumes available for rent near the ancestral temple) "Half fairyland, half earthly life" — Meizhou Island offers both the solemnity of faith and the relaxation of island life, perfect for those who love both culture and natural scenery!