Meizhou Island Travel Guide is Here!

🌟 Pre-Trip Essentials • Documents: ID card is a must! Required for ferry tickets and attractions (Students bring student ID for discounts at some sites!) • Clothing: Pretty dresses 👗, sun-protective jacket 🧥, sunglasses 🕶️, hat 👒 – perfect for seaside photos! Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings. • Must-haves: SPF50+ sunscreen (gentle sea breeze but strong UV rays!), mosquito repellent (mosquitoes at dusk), power bank (photos drain battery fast). • Others: Some cash (some vendors only accept cash), sneakers (stairs at Mazu Ancestral Temple), swimsuit (Golden Beach is great for water play!). 🚗 Transportation Guide • From Jiaxing: 1. High-speed rail 🚅 to Putian Station (~5 hours), then taxi/bus K09 to Wenjia Pier (~40 mins). 2. Take ferry 🚢 from Wenjia Pier to Meizhou Island (¥125 round-trip regular boat, ¥210 speedboat, departs every 15 mins). 3. Rent an e-bike 🛵 on the island (¥50-80/day) – perfect for island exploration! Most homestays can help arrange rentals. 🌸 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Mazu Ancestral Temple 🌺 - Sacred site for Mazu devotees worldwide! Red walls and golden tiles create a majestic vibe. Dawn worship at 6:36am – arrive early for first incense! (Main temple hours: 8:00-17:00; smaller temples like Ascension Ruins open 24/7) - Photo spots: South Axis red walls, Mazu Stone Statue (breathtaking island views!), Dressing Tower (perfect for vintage-style photos). 2. Ewei Shenshi Geopark 🗿 - 100-million-year-old sea erosion wonders! Flying Halberd Cave, Pilgrim Turtle, Howling Celestial Dog – adorable rock formations! Best visited in afternoon light. (Included in ¥138 combo ticket) 3. Rainbow Road 🌈 - A coastal road straight out of a Miyazaki film! E-bike along S-curves with sea views – every shot is Instagram-worthy. Sunset views are magical! 4. Golden Beach 🏖️ - Powder-soft sand! At low tide, mirror-like reflections create a "walking on stars" effect. Summer nights may reveal bioluminescent algae ✨ 5. Meiyu Tide Sound 🌊 - Waves crashing on rocks create symphony-like sounds! Sunrise here is breathtaking – waves, rocks, and dawn light combine perfectly. 🍽️ Food Recommendations • Mazu Peace Noodles 🍜: Thin noodles in seafood broth symbolizing safety. Try at "Amei Restaurant" for ultra-fresh broth. • Oyster Omelette 🦪: Crispy outside, tender inside – best with sweet chili sauce! Night market near Lianchi'ao Beach has ¥15 portions. • Red Glutinous Cake 🍡: Sticky rice with red bean/pea filling – festive and delicious! Freshly made at shops near the farmer's market. • Meizhou Fish Rice 🐟: Steamed fish over sticky rice – authentic local flavor! "Azure Restaurant" is a local favorite. • Seafood Processing 🦐: Buy fresh seafood (mantis shrimp, crabs, oysters...) at Meizhou Market, then have it cooked at nearby "Longxin" – affordable and generous portions! 🏨 Accommodation Tips • Seaside Homestays 🌊: "Meiyu Youjian" or "My Art Gallery" offer ocean-view windows and sunrise views from bed – great value! • Luxury Hotel 🏨: Meizhou International Hotel with Mazu statue views – perfect for premium stays. • Pro tip: Stay near piers or attractions for convenience. Most homestays offer shuttle service! 📸 Photography Tips • Outfits: White dress + straw hat (Mazu Temple), bright bikini (beach vibes), Meizhou women's costume (intangible cultural heritage style!) • Must-shoot spots: - Golden Beach sunrise (5:30-6:00, mirror reflections) - Flying Halberd Cave (natural sea arch framing the ocean) - Rainbow Road curves (Japanese-style aesthetic) - Meiyu Tide Sound boardwalk (dramatic wave shots) ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Sun/mosquito protection: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, use repellent at dusk. 2. Ferry schedule: Last boat at 21:00! Check "Meizhou Island Ferry" WeChat for weather updates. 3. Temple etiquette: No shorts/bare shoulders, no selfie sticks near statues. 4. Avoid scams: - Decline "free shuttle" offers at piers - Demand seafood weighed without containers - E-bikes beat overpriced tour buses 🎁 Hidden Experiences • Blue Tears 💧: March-June! Join local livestream groups or ask homestays for sightings at Ewei Beach/Lianchi'ao South. Use pro mode (ISO 3200 + 10s exposure). • Live Shows 🎭: - "Origin of Meizhou" (Mazu Film City, ¥38+): Interactive Mazu legend experience - "Impressions of Mazu" (World Mazu Forum, ¥118+): Holograms + fireworks – spectacular! 📅 Best Travel Times • April-June: Mazu's birthday + sea fog creates mystical views with fewer crowds. • September-November: Avoid typhoons, enjoy cool weather and plump seafood!