2 Days 1 Night Food & Sightseeing Guide in Putian, Fujian – So Much Fun!

Who would've thought! On a weekend whim, I took a high-speed train from Hangzhou to Putian, Fujian for a two-day food and sightseeing trip, and this city completely won me over! As a northerner, I genuinely think Putian is even more delicious than Quanzhou, with incredibly charming attractions. It's such a shame the city's marketing is lacking, and people only remember Putian for its counterfeit shoes. 🚄 Transportation Round-trip high-speed train from Hangzhou to Putian takes less than 5 hours. The route winds through mountains—Fujian's rail has so many tunnels I barely got to photograph the scenic views. 🍜 Must-Eat Foods Tianjiuwang Qiangrou: Intangible cultural heritage dish—pork tenderloin coated in sweet potato starch, tender and flavorful. The bamboo shoot broth over rice is so addictive I could devour two big bowls! Chenji Chunfeng Wontons: A must-try! Paper-thin wrappers with explosively fresh filling, paired with rich beef bone broth—pure satisfaction in a bowl. Uncle Braised Noodles: Putian-style noodles come heaped with oysters, scallops, and mushrooms in an umami-packed broth. The lychee pork (sweet-and-sour) is perfectly balanced. 🏞 Highlights Nanshan Guanghua Temple: A serene 1,000-year-old monastery with ancient camphor trees shading vermilion walls and golden tiles—instant tranquility. Sakyamuni Pagoda: To the left of Guanghua Temple's entrance, this Song Dynasty stone pagoda features intricate lotus and apsara carvings, even mimicking wooden brackets—jaw-dropping. Xinghua Prefecture Historic Block: Ming-Qing architecture lines these alleys, where you can snack on local treats and visit intangible heritage workshops for woodcarving/kintsugi crafts. Yuanmiao Taoist Temple's Sanqing Hall: A Southern Song wooden hall with ingenious "column-reducing" design—12 stone pillars support the entire structure. Faded bracket paintings still exude timeless elegance. 💡 Tips 1. Putian portions are generous—go with friends to sample more dishes. 2. Dress modestly and keep quiet at temples. 3. Download the Putian Bus App beforehand for easier transit. This trip was full of delightful surprises—two days weren't enough to explore or eat everything! If you're looking for an underrated coastal gem to unwind, Putian is perfection.