The seriously underrated mountain and sea secret paradise full guide!
Located in the northeast of Fujian, Ningde is a wonderful place embraced by mountains and sea. Here you can find the "Heavenly Lake on the Sea" Sandu'ao, the "Photographer's Paradise" Xiapu tidal flats, as well as rich She ethnic culture and memorable seafood delicacies.
🚗 Transportation Guide
· High-speed rail: Ningde Station is located in Jiaocheng District. It takes about 35-40 minutes by high-speed train from Fuzhou to Ningde, and about 2 hours from Xiamen.
· Airplane: The nearest major airports are Fuzhou Changle Airport and Wenzhou Longwan Airport, from which you can transfer to high-speed rail and reach Ningde in 1-2 hours.
· Self-driving: Ningde has a well-developed highway network connecting various counties and districts, making self-driving a convenient way to explore Ningde and surrounding areas.
City Transportation
· Urban area: Ningde city center is small and attractions are concentrated, so you can take buses or taxis to get around.
· Inter-regional: To get to places like Xiapu, you can take the high-speed train; the trip from Ningde to Xiapu takes about 30 minutes.
· Charter/rental cars: It is recommended to charter or rent a car to visit various attractions, especially for reaching remote spots and photography locations.
🏞️ Itinerary
Day 1: Ningde City & Sandu'ao
· Morning: After arriving in Ningde, check into a hotel. It is recommended to choose hotels in the city center area such as Tianhu East Road in Jiaocheng District, for example, Ningde Fuli Wanda Realm Hotel, which offers convenient transportation and complete surrounding facilities. After settling in, visit Ningde City Museum to learn about the history and culture of Eastern Fujian. Admission is free and no reservation is needed.
· Afternoon: Head to Sandu'ao Doumu Island Scenic Area. Known as the "Heavenly Lake on the Sea, Fairy Harbor," the island features uniquely shaped reefs and the Doumu Maze, a spectacular sight. You can take a speedboat from Cheng'ao Pier, about a 15-minute ride. After touring, return to the city. In the evening, take a stroll in Beian Park, where the wide water area and wooden plank bridges extending into the water create a charming atmosphere, especially with the lights across the river reflecting on the water at night.
· Evening: Go to Nanmendou to taste local delicacies. This is a food paradise where you can find specialties like fish balls, sliced meat, and taro buns, experiencing authentic Ningde night market life.
Dining Recommendations:
· Lunch: Try Xiaodongmen Beef Rice Noodles, a favorite old brand among Ningde locals. The pickled vegetables add a perfect touch, and the broth is clear, sweet, and refreshing.
· Dinner: Choose local snacks at Nanmendou, such as Ningde Meatballs, one of the most well-known local snacks in Ningde city, made with sweet potato starch and taro paste for the outer skin and rich fillings.
Day 2: Xiapu Tidal Flats & Coastline
· Morning: Drive to Xiapu (about 1 hour). First visit Dongbi Village, a seaside village with a popular coffee shop and an excellent spot to watch the sunset. Then head to Huazhu Village to enjoy the magnificent sea sunrise.
· Afternoon: Visit Xiaohao tidal flats, perfect for family fun where you can go clam digging and maybe find shells and crabs. Then go to Yugongting Beach, a clean beach ideal for relaxing and quietly watching the sunset. In the evening, visit Lüxia Lighthouse, take a seaside walk, and enjoy the stunning sunset and evening glow.
· Evening: Enjoy a seafood feast in Xiapu. Recommended is Feipo Feizai Seafood Stall, known for fresh and delicious seafood.
Accommodation Suggestions: Stay at sea view guesthouses like Shijianhai in Dongbi Village, where you can see beautiful views right from the window, or Yucun Banshe Mountain Villa, a guesthouse by the mountain and sea with a 7,000㎡ lawn and cliffside coffee bar, an excellent spot to watch the sunset.
Day 3: Island Adventure or Mountain Scenery
Option A: Sijiao Archipelago Island Hopping
· Morning: Head to the pier and take a speedboat to the Sijiao Archipelago. Round-trip tickets cost about 200 RMB per person, and the trip takes about 1 hour.
· Afternoon: Visit Dongjiao Island, a paradise for aerial photography enthusiasts; then go to Beijiao Island, where you can stay overnight and deeply experience island life; finally visit Xijiao Island to admire the unique volcanic rock formations. Return to Xiapu in the evening to end the trip.
Option B: Baiyun Mountain and Jiulongji Waterfalls
· Morning: Visit Fu'an Baiyun Mountain World Geopark, known for its beautiful scenery. You can see the Baiyun Mountain glacial potholes, relics of Quaternary glaciers.
· Afternoon: Visit the Jiulongji Waterfall group, known as "Fujian's No.1" waterfall, with a total drop of over 300 meters. The first-level waterfall is the most spectacular, 46.7 meters high and 76 meters wide. After the visit, return to Ningde city to prepare for departure.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
City Hotels Ningde Fuli Wanda Realm Hotel Located in the city center, adjacent to Wanda Plaza, fully equipped 500-800 RMB/night
City Hotels Baixiang Sandu'ao Hotel Direct access to Donghu Wetland Park, lake view rooms with great views 600-900 RMB/night
Xiapu Guesthouse Yucun Banshe Mountain Villa By the mountain and sea, with a 7,000㎡ lawn and cliffside coffee bar 500-1500 RMB/night
Xiapu Guesthouse Dongbi Village Guesthouse Sea view guesthouse with stunning views right outside the window 500-1500 RMB/night
🍽️ Food Guide
Ningde’s cuisine combines the best of mountain and sea. Here are must-try items:
· Seafood:
· Large Yellow Croaker: Ningde’s representative seafood, especially steamed large yellow croaker, with tender white flesh that melts in your mouth.
· Erdu Clams: Steamed and bursting with juice at Sansha Town stalls, dipped in garlic vinegar for an unforgettable taste.
· Snacks:
· Fuding Sliced Meat: Q-bouncy meat slices in sour and spicy soup, street stalls start at 7 RMB.
· Ningde Meatballs: Made with sweet potato starch and taro paste outer skin, rich fillings, a Ningde specialty.
· She Ethnic Black Rice: Glutinous rice dyed with Wunian tree leaves, steamed to release a unique plant fragrance.
· Large Intestine Rice Noodle Roll: Transparent sweet potato starch rolls simmered in bone broth with pork intestines.
· Recommended Restaurants:
· Xiaodongmen Beef Rice Noodles Old Shop: A breakfast staple in Ningde.
· Rongji Restaurant: A 30-year-old local favorite run by generations, loved by Jiaocheng locals for its authentic flavors.
💡 Practical Tips
1. Best travel time: Spring and autumn (April-June, September-November) are the best times to visit. This is when Xiapu tidal flats welcome the seaweed farming season, offering the most beautiful scenery. Avoid the typhoon season in July and August.
2. Photography tips: Shooting tidal flats requires a telephoto lens and tripod; wear non-slip shoes as the reefs are slippery.
3. Transportation tips: Some island ferry schedules (such as to the Sijiao Archipelago) are affected by tides and weather, so confirm ferry information in advance.
4. Itinerary adjustment: On the third day, choose between the island or mountain route based on your interests and energy. The island route is better for photography lovers, while the mountain route suits those who enjoy natural scenery.
5. Accommodation booking: Xiapu’s characteristic guesthouses are very popular, so it is recommended to book at least one month in advance.
Ningde, a land where mountains and sea coexist, offers both magnificent natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. We hope this three-day, two-night guide helps you fully experience Ningde’s charm and create unforgettable travel memories.