2025 Jian'ou Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

We visited Jian’ou City and were captivated by its rich history, ancient architecture, and stunning natural scenery. If you love exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and capturing breathtaking photos, here are three must-visit spots we explored and highly recommend! Yanping Ancient City Wall 🏯 We explored the Yanping Ancient City Wall, a fascinating relic of Jian’ou’s past. The weathered stone walls, moss-covered steps, and towering gates create the perfect backdrop for history lovers and photographers alike. Early morning is the best time to visit, as the soft light enhances the textures of the ancient structure and gives your photos a timeless feel. I would recommend taking a stroll along the wall for panoramic views of the city. 📍 Address: Yanping Ancient City Wall, Jian’ou City, Nanping, Fujian, China Wuyi Creek Bamboo Rafting 🎋 We embarked on a peaceful bamboo rafting journey along Wuyi Creek, surrounded by towering bamboo forests and misty mountains. The reflections on the water create a dreamlike setting, especially in the morning when the mist lingers above the river. I would recommend visiting before 10 AM for the most magical photos and a serene experience with fewer crowds. 📍 Address: Wuyi Creek Bamboo Rafting, Jian’ou City, Nanping, Fujian, China Zhuxi Bridge 🌉 We discovered the stunning Zhuxi Bridge, an ancient stone bridge that has stood the test of time. With its elegant arches and tranquil river views, this spot is perfect for golden-hour photography. The best time to visit is just before sunset when the warm glow highlights the intricate stonework and creates a romantic atmosphere. I would recommend taking a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings and the bridge’s historical charm. 📍 Address: Zhuxi Bridge, Jian’ou City, Nanping, Fujian, China Jian’ou City is a hidden gem filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a photographer, an adventurer, or a history enthusiast, these locations offer the perfect blend of charm and breathtaking scenery. Happy exploring! 📷✨ #discoverchina #travel #Vacation

Hurry to❗Jian'ou｜A Secret Lakeside Paradise for Relaxation🏞 💦Originally called "Chentian Lakeside Retreat" and located in Hutou Village, this spot, despite its name, feels more like a creekside haven. The surrounding natural scenery is breathtaking, with mountains and waters complementing each other🏞, and the Fujian Educated Youth Museum adds a touch of cultural charm. 🛏Choose a creekside loft cabin for your stay, and wake up to the gentle sounds of flowing water while enjoying breakfast by the creek - the ambiance is simply perfect💯. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and some even feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views without even stepping outside. 🚗Transportation is convenient, with Jian'ou Railway Station only about twenty minutes away by car. 🥢While the village store has limited options, the hotel restaurant offers local specialties like sweet osmanthus and lotus seeds. Alternatively, bring your own ingredients for a fun outdoor barbecue or hot pot🍖. 🗺There's plenty to do nearby. Stroll along the Starry Sky Trail and enjoy a water screen movie at night🌙. For the active, there's the Jiangjun Mountain hiking trail and the Shuimei Greenway for hiking and cycling. If you prefer something more relaxing, take a walk around the village🚶‍♀️and soak in the peaceful countryside atmosphere, or bring a folding bike and cycle along the farm roads🚴, enjoying the breeze and the scent of earth in early spring. Spend a weekend here to unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and simply relax - it's pure bliss🥳. What are you waiting for? Let's go!

Taibao Tower is located at No. 42, Cangchang Road, Jian'ou City, Nanping City, Fujian Province. It is a historic building and a famous cultural attraction in the area. Taibao Tower was built in the Ming dynasty. It is a typical Jiangnan water town building, famous for its simple and elegant style and exquisite wood carvings. The entire building covers an area of about 1,000 square meters and is three stories high. It is mainly made of wood and adopts the traditional beam-lifting architectural style. The roof is covered with blue tiles, giving it a simple and elegant appearance. The interior layout of Taibao Tower is exquisite, and the wood carvings are breathtaking. The wooden columns, beams, and windows inside the building are all carved with various patterns of flowers, animals, and figures, which are vivid and lifelike. These wood carvings not only have high artistic value but also reflect the customs and aesthetic concepts of society at that time. In addition to the artistic value of the building itself, Taibao Tower also carries rich historical and cultural connotations. It was once the residence of a local official named Taibao, hence the name Taibao Tower. Taibao was a highly respected figure in history, and his residence became one of the cultural attractions in the area. Taibao Tower has witnessed the historical changes in Jian'ou City for hundreds of years and is an important carrier of local history and culture. Today, Taibao Tower has become an important tourist attraction, attracting many visitors. Here, visitors can appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture and the essence of wood carving art, as well as learn about local history, culture, and traditional customs. Taibao Tower is a rare cultural treasure in Jian'ou City, worth visiting and experiencing.

Tongxian Gate is located on Cangchang Road, Jian'an Subdistrict, Jian'ou City, Fujian Province. It is one of the four ancient city gates still standing in Jian'ou. Tongxian Gate is 8.5 meters high, with an arched gate 4 meters high and 23.85 meters deep. The existing wall was built in the 19th year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1386). The stone plaque above the front gate is inscribed with the words "Tongxian Gate" in regular script, which was written during the renovation in the Renzi year of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1792). The city foundation is built with staggered stone strips, and the wall is built with staggered blue bricks, with an arched top. There is a door socket on each side of the middle of the arched top of the city gate. Some wall bricks are stamped with the names of kiln workers. There is a remaining city tower on top of the city gate, with a structure of elephant trunk brackets, retaining the typical architectural style of the Qing Dynasty.

The history of Tiejinglan can be traced back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It has basically preserved the street pattern since the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the building complex characterized by 15 cultural relics protection units at all levels. It was selected as the second batch of Fujian provincial historical and cultural blocks. In history, Tiejinglan was once a place where dignitaries and merchants gathered, and the market was prosperous, leaving many important historical sites and cultural landscapes. In recent years, the Jian'ou Municipal Government has begun to restore and transform the Tiejinglan-Zhizhi Street Historical and Cultural Block, aiming to reshape the historical and cultural features of Jian'ou and promote the integrated and innovative development of culture and tourism. This initiative not only helps to protect and inherit the local history and culture, but also takes a solid step for Jian'ou to strive for a national historical and cultural city.

Tiejinglan An ancient relic hidden in the long river of time Carrying a profound historical and cultural heritage When I step into this ancient land A wonderful journey through time and space begins 🧱 - From the entrance The first thing that catches your eye is the ancient city wall Stroll along the city wall and feel the weight of history Touch the bricks and stones that have been eroded by wind and rain Walking further inside, you can see many ancient buildings in the city Such as ancient temples, ancient archways, etc...... These buildings have unique styles and exquisite carvings Showcasing the exquisite ancient architectural craftsmanship In the cultural square of Tiejinglan You can also participate in various traditional handicraft activities Such as paper cutting, pottery making, etc. Experience the charm of traditional culture with your own hands Feel the wisdom and craftsmanship of folk artists~ - The mottled city wall here is a history book engraved by time Every brick and stone has been baptized by wind and rain Cracks hide the rise and fall of dynasties and the separation and reunion of people. The afternoon sun Shines on the ancient streets and alleys In the interplay of light and shadow It seems to see the figures of ancient people shuttling among them Either in a hurry or strolling leisurely - Even if you leave Tiejinglan You can't escape the tranquility and comfort given by Jian'ou The heart has been quietly left by this land In every gap of memory It is filled with the poetic picture scroll jointly painted by Jian'ou and Tiejinglan ✌🏻

Tiejinglan-Zizi Street Historical and Cultural Block is an important part of the history and culture of Jianou Ancient City. As a provincial historical and cultural block, it has accumulated a strong historical and cultural heritage and carries the historical memories that Jianou people cannot give up. Tiejinglan and Zizhi Street, as the oldest traditional neighborhoods in Jianou, still retain many historical sites. It can also be called Jianou's "Three Lanes and Seven Alleys". During the period when Jian'ou served as a prefecture, high-ranking officials gathered here and the market was prosperous. Temples of famous Neo-Confucianists such as the Cheng brothers, the Liu family's five loyal temples, and the Hu Wendi temple were built here, as well as many buildings with profound cultural heritage such as the Wanshou Palace, the Shangshu Well, the Teng family's ancestral temple, and the Fenggang Villa. Among them, the "Liu Family Five Loyal Temple" was originally the "Liu Pingshan Temple". Liu was originally Zhu Xi's teacher. There is a couplet engraved on both sides of the door. The left one says: "His merits shine brightly in the Northern Song Dynasty" and the right one says "Taoism inspires southern Fujian". Both are precious historical relics. The quaint and renovated street block has brought back the former prosperity of Jianzhou. Walk into the ancient street block, watch the intangible cultural heritage skills up close, and taste Jianzhou cuisine. Follow the bustling crowd, experience a visual feast in the interweaving of time and space, feel the traditional Chinese culture, and immerse yourself in the unique and ancient charm of the thousand-year-old Jianzhou.

Only after visiting Jian'ou, Nanping, did I realize that strolling through a small city is the soul of Citywalk~ 🏨Accommodation: I stayed at Jian'ou Sunshine Holiday Hotel. The hotel is clean and tidy, very quiet, and the bedding is soft and comfortable, making me feel relaxed and sleep well~ The buffet breakfast is rich in variety. 😍 What surprised me the most was that there was even a special snack from Jian'ou - soy milk powder! It has a really amazing taste, and I have been thinking about it since I came back from Jian'ou~ The hotel staff are also very considerate and friendly, and the location is excellent. It is only a ten-minute drive from Jian'ou West Station and Jian'ou Station, and a three-minute drive from the highway entrance. There are laundry services and free 🅿️ parking services, which are convenient for both business travelers and self-driving travelers. 🏯Attractions: This time, I mainly came to check in at the Tiejinglan Historical and Cultural Block in Jian'ou, which is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Tiejinglan is the "Three Lanes and Seven Alleys" of northern Fujian, and the first ancient city in northern Fujian: ancient and creative 🍃. With blue bricks and black tiles, flying eaves and corners, its charm lies not only in its history and charm, but also in the profound cultural heritage it carries. There are several afternoon tea shops in the ancient street that are great for taking photos 📸, full of ancient charm, and very suitable for taking photos in ancient costumes. 🍡Food: Jian'ou is also a city of food, as you can tell from the buffet breakfast at the hotel! Taro dumplings, large intestine cakes, light cakes, tofu balls, taro ice cream slices, Penghua cakes...😋 There are really too many delicious snacks, and I regret not coming to Jian'ou earlier! I'll come again next time!!

Pingnan Xianshan Ranch is a place to relax and escape from the world. Xianshan Ranch is 1,472 meters above sea level, with more than 20 streams flowing all year round, known as the "Huaxi Wonderland", like a "Little Switzerland" hidden in the mountains, a high-altitude ranch that is "rare in the north and only in the south". Come to Pingnan for an autumn rice fragrance appointment. Autumn terraces, a magnificent autumn scene not to be missed! In October, the rice is fragrant. In addition to Baiyuan Village, Xianshan Ranch is also a good place to visit. Xianshan Ranch is located in the northwest of Pingnan County, Fujian Province, at the junction of Gutian and Jianou counties, about 60 kilometers from the county seat. Location: Navigation Ningde Pingnan County Baiyuan Village Traffic advice self-driving

After leaving the highway at Jian'ou, the first hotel you see upon entering the city is the Sunshine Holiday Hotel. It is said to have been in operation for many years, and only after entering do you realize it's an old establishment with a new look. The rooms are very clean and spacious, making it very worthwhile to stay. The hotel has its own restaurant where you can enjoy local specialties, and stepping outside, you'll find various local snacks. Turning left out of the hotel, not far away is the Dongyue Temple, and a ten-minute drive will take you to Yunji Mountain Park. It's a 5-minute journey to Tiejinglan and the Drum Tower.

The Zhiqing Bridge in Jian'ou is located in Huang Village, Dikou Town, Jian'ou City. It was first built in the third year of the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty (1490), and has a history of over 520 years. It is one of the earliest and most completely preserved ancient covered bridges in the province. This extended-arm style wooden covered bridge is also one of the oldest beam-style covered bridges still in existence in China. In its construction, it follows the authentic construction methods of the Song Dynasty, making it of great cultural and research value. The Zhiqing Bridge runs north to south, with the majority of the northern end built on solid ground and bridge piers. The bridge deck is paved with wooden planks, and there are wind and rain boards under the eaves. It has a depth of ten columns, uses 41 columns, and has railings and resting benches on both sides. In the center of the caisson ceiling, there is a large T-shaped dougong bracket, with painted dragon patterns and other decorations on the sides, and the beam is inscribed with ink characters such as 'The third year of the Hongzhi era of the Great Ming'. The bridge piers are built of stone blocks, with round logs laid in a well pattern on top, extending layer by layer towards the center of the river surface, and finally long round logs are laid to connect the two piers as the bridge structure. Unlike most bridges that do not have a caisson ceiling and only enshrine a shrine, this bridge not only has a caisson ceiling, but also has a shrine at the head, tail, and middle of the bridge, where the local villagers' longevity materials are also placed, reflecting the local folk customs. Most commendable is the architectural style inside the bridge, which dates back to the Song Dynasty. The dougong brackets in the caisson ceiling are stacked layer upon layer without a single nail, entirely joined by mortise and tenon. The decorations are simple, robust, and powerful, with a strong sense of beauty.

Guangxiao Temple is the oldest and largest famous temple in South China, with a long history and deep connection to the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Huineng. The temple has three main features, including its connection to the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch Hall, and the historic buildings such as the Crore Hair Pagoda under the Bodhi tree, as well as numerous cultural relics and historical sites, which are of great value for the study of Chinese architectural history, Buddhist history, cultural history, and the history of cultural exchange between China and other countries. Guangxiao Temple, an ancient temple in an old town and city, blooms with red kapok flowers in spring. In the embrace of Guangxiao Temple, the kapok flowers burn passionately like monks, igniting their love for life and their dedication to faith. Their fragrance, like the chanting of the monks, conveys people's prayers for a beautiful life. Whenever the spring breeze blows, the kapok flowers sway in the wind, as if bringing warmth and strength to people.

Jian'ou Confucian Temple, originally known as Jianning Prefecture School Confucian Temple, is located at No. 163, Cangchang Road, Qingyun Community, Zhishan Street, Jian'ou City, Nanping, Fujian Province. It was first built during the Jianyan period of the Song Dynasty. The Jian'ou Confucian Temple covers an area of 4,968.32 square meters. The existing Dacheng Hall was built in the eighth year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, while the two side halls and the Ji Gate were rebuilt during 1985. The central axis of the temple runs from south to north in the following order: the shadow wall, the Lingxing Gate, the Pan Pool, the Ji Gate, the worship platform, and the Dacheng Hall. The Dacheng Hall is the main hall for worshipping Confucius, with Confucius and the 'Four Associates' enshrined in the center, and the 'Twelve Philosophers' on both sides. Hanging above are three plaques inscribed with 'Model for Ten Thousand Generations,' 'Unprecedented,' and 'Culture is Here,' respectively written by Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty to commend Confucius's great contributions to ancient education. The Dacheng Hall is a nine-ridge gable and hip roof style building. The hall is 17 meters high, 31.4 meters wide, and 22.9 meters deep, covering an area of 750.46 square meters. The hall is supported by 34 nanmu pillars, including the golden pillar and the central pillar, which are 50 centimeters in diameter. The structure is rigorous, with double eaves soaring, interlocking brackets, carved beams and painted rafters, yellow glazed tiles, and a splendid golden and jade shine. The caisson ceiling and the rafters are decorated with patterns of dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, lions, elephants, etc., with auspicious clouds swirling, dragons flying, phoenixes dancing, and mythical beasts galloping, all in heavy colors and gilded. The beams of the hall are covered with various 'Suzhou-style' colored paintings, with content mostly derived from myths, legends, and historical romances, featuring vivid characters, smooth lines, and bright colors.

Today's Fujian is the most famous city in Xiamen and Fuzhou. Almost no one will notice that there is a small town called Jianye in northern Fujian. With an area of 4,233 square kilometers, it is the largest county-level city in Fujian Province and one of the earliest cities in Fujian Province. It has a history of more than 1,800 years. Architect has always been the political center of northern Fujian, the seat of Jianning House and Jianzhou Prefecture. The origin of the name of Fujian Province is taken from the first words of Fuzhou and Jianzhou. Fuzhou still exists. The name Jianzhou has disappeared. The first year of Jian'an in the Eastern Han Dynasty (196 years), Jian'an County was set up as the initial stage of Jianye as a county-level administrative unit. In February of the 8th year of Tianfu (943), Wang Yanzheng was the emperor in Jianzhou, and the country was Da Yin. The capital was set up in Jianye. However, this regime has only ended in just three years. The ancient building has "36 chessboard streets, 72 Jingwei Lanes", one of which is located in the old town of Iron Well, which is about 4 meters wide, 1800 years ago It is the city center of Jianye. There is a Shangshujing in the Ming Dynasty in the Iron Well Bar, which is still in good condition. is different from the noise of the car on the side of the street. It is very quiet when you walk into the alley. There are no motor vehicles, old houses abound, wooden doors and windows are full of years, and the carvings are still beautiful. There are also the deep house compound of the ancient Fu Jia merchants such as Fenggang Villa on the alleys of the h/Hh/Ishun Bar.