A Journey to Pingpan, Putian: Fujian's "Little Wuyuan," Where Gold Meets the Eye
A Journey to the Rapeseed Flowers of Pingpan, Putian: Fujian's "Little Wuyuan"
The March breeze sweeps across central Fujian, and the sea of rapeseed flowers in Pingpan Village, Baisha Town, Hanjiang District, Putian City, blooms on schedule, blanketing the mountains and fields in a wave of gold. Known as Fujian's "Little Wuyuan," this place is famous for its hundreds of acres of rapeseed flowers. With the recent additions of a cherry blossom forest, Guanyin Pavilion, and a flower sea zip line, it has become a popular destination for spring outings. Today, drawn by the idyllic scenery, I embarked on this spring feast of gold and pink.
First Glimpse of the Flower Sea: A Symphony of Gold and Pink Cherry Blossoms
As the car entered Pingpan Village, even before it came to a complete stop, the golden hues outside the window rushed to greet me. The terraced rapeseed fields undulated along the mountain slopes, spreading like waves into the distance. Bathed in sunlight, the petals shimmered with a golden glow. Visitors strolled along the paths between the fields, as if stepping into a Van Gogh painting. Surrounded by distant green mountains and dotted with white-walled and red-tiled village houses, the scene formed a picturesque landscape of "houses encircled by a sea of flowers, mountains as a painted screen."
Beside the flower fields, a winding wooden boardwalk leads to the cherry blossom forest. The cherry blossoms here are of various varieties, with pink and white petals falling like snow or a rosy cloud. Several peach trees along the boardwalk also bloomed quietly, complementing the delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms. Bees and butterflies buzzed among the flowers, visitors paused to take photos, and children chased and played. The vitality of spring reached its peak at this moment.
Ascending for a Grand View: Guanyin Pavilion and the Flower Sea Zip Line
Passing through the flower fields, a hexagonal, flying-eaved Guanyin Pavilion stands atop the mountain. Ascending the hundreds of stone steps, cherry blossoms lined both sides, and occasionally petals landed on my shoulders, adding a touch of Zen. Reaching the top and looking out from the railing, the entire sea of rapeseed flowers unfolded before my eyes—the golden fields intertwined with the pink and white cherry blossom forest. In the distance, the artificial lake shimmered, and the "Peach Blossom Island" in the center of the lake appeared faintly, like a fairyland.
On the way down, cheers caught my attention. It turned out that the flower sea zip line was in full swing. Visitors zipped down from the mountaintop, with surging waves of flowers beneath their feet and the whistling wind in their ears, a blend of thrill and romance. Although I didn't dare to try it myself, merely watching from the sidelines allowed me to experience the unique perspective of "viewing flowers from the air."
Rural Charm: Lakeside Strolls and Rustic Delights
In the afternoon, I strolled to the artificial lake in the village. The lake water was as clear as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and distant mountains. Willow branches swayed gently by the lake, and a few egrets skimmed the water's surface, creating ripples. Peach blossoms were in full bloom on the small island in the center of the lake, with a pavilion nestled among them, evoking the imagery of "peach blossoms and flowing water fading into the distance, a separate world beyond the human realm."
The farmhouses in the village also had their own unique charm. Vegetable plots in front of the houses were neatly arranged, with lush green Dutch beans, cabbages, and peppers. Several villagers were drying goods in front of their doors, warmly inviting visitors to sample their homemade dried loquats and Tieguanyin tea. Here, there was no urban hustle and bustle, only the warmth of daily life and the simplicity of the countryside.
Epilogue: Gifts of Spring
As the sun set, the flower sea was edged with gold. On my way back, I kept looking back at this land—the brilliance of the rapeseed flowers, the delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms, the tranquility of the mountains, and the warmth of the farmhouses, all woven together into the spring memories of Pingpan Village.
Travel Tips
1. Best viewing period: Early to mid-March, when both rapeseed flowers and cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
2. Special experiences: Flower sea zip line (approx. CNY 50/ride), ascend Guanyin Pavilion for a panoramic view, boating on the lake (cost varies).
3. Transportation: Navigate to "Pingpan Village, Putian" by car, or join a local one-day tour group (including transportation and a guide, starting from approx. CNY 100).
Spring in Pingpan is a feast for the eyes and the soul. If you're tired of the concrete jungle of the city, come and stroll through the flower fields, let your body and mind return to nature, and experience the magnificence of "gold meeting the eye" and the poetry of "green willows and smoky flowers rippling."