I just got back from Zhangzhou, and I really don't recommend going there between August and October.
Just got back from a terrible trip to Zhangzhou 😭 Seriously, I strongly advise against rushing off without doing your research!! I stayed up all night summarizing a guide to avoid detours and pitfalls, so save it for future reference 💙
📅Real Travel Tips for August-September💡
August: Hot and humid, scorching sun during the day, with frequent afternoon showers at the beach; typhoon season is high, so be sure to check typhoon warnings before you go. If a typhoon warning is issued, island activities (Dongshan Island, Volcano Island) must be cancelled, and beaches will be closed.
September: Temperatures drop slightly, fewer tourists, and guesthouse prices decrease; however, the outer bands of typhoons still affect the area, resulting in rough seas; try to schedule beach trips for early morning or evening, and stay indoors during midday.
⚠️Important: Zhangzhou's attractions are very spread out; the ancient city, Nanjing Tulou, and Dongshan Island are quite far apart. Public transportation is time-consuming, so driving/chartering a car is the preferred option. To get to Dongshan Island, take the high-speed train to Yunxiao Station (not Zhangzhou Station). The easiest way is to share a ride to Tongling Town from there.
🏨Accommodation Selection: Day 1: Stay near Zhangzhou Ancient City (Xiangcheng District) for plenty of food and convenient transportation.
Day 2: Stay in a guesthouse within the Yunshuiyao Scenic Area to experience the Tulou night view without having to travel back and forth.
Day 3-4: Stay in Tongling Town (near Nanmen Bay) on Dongshan Island for convenient access to seafood and the sea. Avoid Jinluan Bay as dining options are inconvenient.
🔵Day 1: Arrive in Zhangzhou | Explore Zhangzhou Ancient City and experience the local Minnan culture.
🚄Arrive at Zhangzhou Station by high-speed train; a short taxi ride (around 10-15 minutes) will take you directly to the ancient city.
Morning: Enter the ancient city through Wenchang Gate → Hong Kong Road arcade street → Ming Dynasty stone archway complex → Taiwan Road (red brick swallowtail houses, great for photos) → Zhangzhou Confucian Temple (free admission, 8:00-17:30, ancient red-walled buildings, closed on Mondays). Don't just stroll along the main street; explore the side alleys to discover where the locals live.
Noon: Enjoy local snacks in the ancient city: braised noodles, five-spice rolls, and fried pork chops, plus a bowl of refreshing four-fruit soup to cool you down.
Afternoon: Puppet Art Exhibition Hall (see intangible cultural heritage of hand puppetry, closed on Mondays) → Zhongshan Park → Climb to the 12th floor of Zhongmin Department Store for a free panoramic view of the entire ancient city's rooftops.
Evening: Take a walk in Jiangbin Park, enjoy the Jiulong River view, and feel the evening breeze.
Night: Continue with late-night snacks in the ancient city: hand-pulled noodles, mochi, and fried rice cakes. Avoid the trendy shops on the main street and look for old-fashioned shops in the residential areas.
🍜Today's must-try: Afang Braised Noodles, Four-Fruit Soup, Five-Spice Rolls, Mochi, and Satay Noodles.
💡Avoid: Street food in the ancient city is overpriced; old shops in the alleys offer better value. It's very hot during the day in August and September; try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 11 AM and 3 PM.
🔵Day 2: Nanjing Tulou | World Cultural Heritage Site, Tianluokeng + Yunshuiyao (Full day)
🎫Tianluokeng (Four Dishes and One Soup) Ticket: 90 RMB (includes Tianluokeng, Yuchanglou, and Taxia Village); Yunshuiyao Ticket: 90 RMB (includes Heguilou and Huaiyuanlou).
🚗1.5-hour drive/charter from the ancient city to Nanjing Tulou.
Morning: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (Four Dishes and One Soup), panoramic view from the observation deck ➡Yuchanglou (leaning building) ➡Taxia Village, see the ancient village and Zhang Family Temple.
Best time for photos: Sunset at dusk, when the sun shines on the Tulou walls, creating the strongest atmosphere.
Noon: Enjoy local farm-style dishes around the Tulou, such as braised pork with dried bamboo shoots and Hakka stuffed tofu.
Afternoon: Head to Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, stroll along the ancient path by the stream, visiting the thousand-year-old banyan tree → Hegui Building (a square Tulou built on marshland) → Huaiyuan Building (the best-preserved round Tulou).
Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in the Yunshuiyao scenic area; at night, the ancient path is lit up with lanterns, and the crowds have dispersed, making it very quiet. You can take a walk and enjoy the night view of the Tulou.
💡Avoidance: The Tulou are private residences; do not trespass on their property. Do not buy overpriced Tulou tea or medicinal herbs. In summer, there are many mosquitoes in the mountains; bring mosquito repellent.
🔵Day 3 Nanjing → Dongshan Island|Blue Sea, Artistic Fishing Village, Filming Location of "The Left Ear"
In the morning, you can get up early to see Yunshuiyao in the morning mist, take photos, and then head to Dongshan Island.
🚗Transportation: Take a chartered car from Yunshuiyao to Tongling Town, Dongshan; or take public transportation back to Zhangzhou, then take the high-speed train to Yunxiao Station, and then share a ride to Tongling Town.
Upon arrival, check in first. Rent an electric scooter for 40-60 yuan/day; it's essential for exploring the island.
Afternoon: Nanmen Bay (colorful seaside houses) → Wengong Ancestral Hall (left-hand rooftop, overlooking the entire Nanmen Bay) → Nanyu Double-Sided Sea! Be sure to check the tide table in advance, as the island may be submerged at high tide.
Evening: Cycle along the Sufeng Mountain Island Ring Road, half green mountains and half sea, stopping at scenic viewpoints for photos; watch the sunset over the sea.
Night: Enjoy seafood at the Tongling Night Market, prioritizing shops with clearly marked prices; a must-try is the blanched Dongshan squid, fresh, sweet, and crisp.
🍜Must-Eat: Blanched squid, oyster omelet, cat porridge, and roasted pork tendon.
💡Avoidance: Always check the menu and prices at seaside food stalls before ordering; the rocks are slippery, do not approach dangerous rocks; all beaches are closed during typhoon warnings, do not attempt to swim.
🔵Day 4: Dongshan Island (Full Day) | Beach Relaxation, Sunrise and Sunset, In-Depth Sea Activities
Early Morning (Early riser optional): Watch the sunrise at Jinluan Bay, known for its "Mirror Beach," where the sea resembles a mirror when there is no wind.
Morning: Maluan Bay Beach, with fine sand, suitable for swimming (be careful when swimming); Wind-Moving Stone Scenic Area (entrance fee 45 RMB, Dongshan's iconic rock formation, see ancient coastal relics).
Lunch: Have a local lunch in Tongling Town, then return to your guesthouse for a nap, avoiding the midday sun.
Afternoon: Leisurely stroll through the old streets of Tongling Ancient Town, buy some seafood souvenirs; or visit Aojiao Village, a less crowded, pristine fishing village.
Evening: Return to Nanmen Bay for one last sunset.
Night: Enjoy late-night snacks in Tongling Town, feeling the sea breeze.
💡Avoidance: UV radiation is extremely strong at the beach in August and September; apply sunscreen even on cloudy days. Avoid going to undeveloped beaches without lifeguards.
🔵Day 5: Dongshan Island → Zhangpu Volcanic Island/Zhenhai Cape → Return Trip
Choose one:
✅Option A (For photography enthusiasts, Volcanic Island): Depart from Dongshan Island in the morning and drive to Volcanic Island (entrance fee 60 RMB), China's only coastal volcanic geological park; black basalt coastline, Monument Valley, Rainbow Mountain – excellent for photos; approximately 3 hours for the trip. Visit Zhenhai Cape (free, Fujian's "Little Kenting," lighthouse + grassland and reefs) along the way. Return from Zhangzhou Station afterwards.
✅Option B (For those who don't want to rush, a more relaxed approach): Sleep in, explore Dongshan Island again, and buy souvenirs; take the high-speed train directly from Yunxiao Station back, avoiding the Volcanic Island trip.
🚗Three Travel Options
1. Self-driving (Highly Recommended): Zhangzhou's highways are in good condition; however, some sections near the islands and Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings) have many curves, so drive carefully and slowly.
2. Chartering a Car: Ideal for 4-6 people. The driver will guide you, saving you time and effort.
3. Public Transportation (Low Budget): There are tourist buses in the ancient city and Tulou; to Dongshan Island, take the high-speed rail to Yunxiao Station and then share a ride; the downside is that it takes time and there are fewer services.
🎒Essential Items to Pack in August-September
1. Shoes: Non-slip sneakers, as the rocks and stone paths near the beach are very slippery after rain; bring a pair of flip-flops for the beach.
2. Clothing: Primarily short-sleeved shirts, as the sea breeze is strong in the mornings and evenings at the beach; bring a long dress for photos.
3. Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses (UV rays are extremely strong at the beach); strong mosquito repellent.
4. Rain Gear: Disposable raincoats are preferred. Umbrellas are easily damaged by the wind at the beach, and afternoon showers are frequent.
5. Medications: Gastrointestinal medicine (for seafood and Minnan snacks), heatstroke prevention medicine, and band-aids; prepare for abrasions if playing in the water.
6. Important: Check the typhoon weather forecast before departure!! If a typhoon is predicted, abandon the island trip and instead visit the city or Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings).
⚠️Multiple Mistakes | Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls❗
1. Typhoons are the top priority. If a typhoon warning is received, immediately abandon Dongshan Island and Volcanic Island. Don't take chances; all beaches will be closed, and you may be stranded.
2. For Nanyu Shuangmianhai, always check the tides. High tide will close roads; do not try to force your way through.
3. When eating seafood on Dongshan Island, always check the prices before ordering. Avoid stalls without price tags; prioritize restaurants frequented by locals.
4. Don't hire cheap unlicensed guides on the roadside when visiting Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings); don't enter residents' private homes without permission, respect local customs.
5. Don't just stroll along the main street in Zhangzhou Ancient City; delicious old shops are hidden in the alleys; street food prices are relatively high.
6. Be careful when riding electric scooters on Sufeng Mountain; there are many curves, and it's windy by the sea.
7. The popular spots on Volcanic Island are crowded, so try to go early; the entrance fee is not cheap, so you can skip it if you don't need to take many photos.
8. Do not climb any wild reefs along the beach; it's dangerous when the waves are high.
📌Itinerary Options
✅3 Days 2 Nights Compact Version
Day 1: Arrival, Zhangzhou Ancient City (full day)
Day 2: Nanjing Yunshuiyao + Tianluokeng Tulou
Day 3: Dongshan Island Nanmen Bay + Sufeng Mountain, return from Yunxiao Station
✅7 Days 6 Nights In-Depth Version: Includes Daimei Water Village, Lingtong Mountain, and Lin Yutang's Former Residence, allowing you to slowly experience Southern Fujian.
💡Don't rush through Zhangzhou! Savor the local snacks in the ancient city, feel the sea breeze on the islands, and admire the historical charm of the Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings). Slowing down is the right way to experience this city.
Just got back from a bad experience in Zhangzhou 😭 Seriously, I don't recommend rushing in without planning!! ️I stayed up all night to summarize a guide to avoid detours and pitfalls. Save it for future reference 💙
📅Real Travel Tips for August-September💡
August: Hot and humid, scorching sun during the day, with occasional short showers at the beach in the afternoon; typhoon season is high, so be sure to check typhoon warnings before you go. If a typhoon warning is issued, island activities (Dongshan Island, Volcano Island) must be cancelled, and beaches will be closed.
September: Temperatures drop slightly, fewer tourists, and guesthouse prices decrease; however, the outer bands of typhoons still affect the area, resulting in rough seas; try to schedule beach trips for early morning or evening, and stay indoors during midday.
⚠️Important: Zhangzhou's attractions are very spread out; the ancient city, Nanjing Tulou, and Dongshan Island are quite far apart. Public transportation is time-consuming, so driving/chartering a car is the preferred option. To get to Dongshan Island, take the high-speed train to Yunxiao Station (not Zhangzhou Station). The easiest way is to share a ride to Tongling Town from there.
🏨Accommodation Selection: Day 1: Stay near Zhangzhou Ancient City (Xiangcheng District) for plenty of food and convenient transportation.
Day 2: Stay in a guesthouse within the Yunshuiyao Scenic Area to experience the Tulou night view without having to travel back and forth.
Day 3-4: Stay in Tongling Town (near Nanmen Bay) on Dongshan Island for convenient access to seafood and the sea. Avoid Jinluan Bay as dining options are inconvenient.
🔵Day 1: Arrive in Zhangzhou | Explore Zhangzhou Ancient City and experience the local Minnan culture.
🚄Arrive at Zhangzhou Station by high-speed train; a short taxi ride (around 10-15 minutes) will take you directly to the ancient city.
Morning: Enter the ancient city through Wenchang Gate → Hong Kong Road arcade street → Ming Dynasty stone archway complex → Taiwan Road (red brick swallowtail houses, great for photos) → Zhangzhou Confucian Temple (free admission, 8:00-17:30, ancient red-walled buildings, closed on Mondays). Don't just stroll along the main street; explore the side alleys to discover where the locals live.
Noon: Enjoy local snacks in the ancient city: braised noodles, five-spice rolls, and fried pork chops, plus a bowl of refreshing four-fruit soup to cool you down.
Afternoon: Puppet Art Exhibition Hall (see intangible cultural heritage of hand puppetry, closed on Mondays) → Zhongshan Park → Climb to the 12th floor of Zhongmin Department Store for a free panoramic view of the entire ancient city's rooftops.
Evening: Take a walk in Jiangbin Park, enjoy the Jiulong River view, and feel the evening breeze.
Night: Continue with late-night snacks in the ancient city: hand-pulled noodles, mochi, and fried rice cakes. Avoid the trendy shops on the main street and look for old-fashioned shops in the residential areas.
🍜Today's must-try: Afang Braised Noodles, Four-Fruit Soup, Five-Spice Rolls, Mochi, and Satay Noodles.
💡Avoid: Street food in the ancient city is overpriced; old shops in the alleys offer better value. It's very hot during the day in August and September; try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 11 AM and 3 PM.
🔵Day 2: Nanjing Tulou | World Cultural Heritage Site, Tianluokeng + Yunshuiyao (Full day)
🎫Tianluokeng (Four Dishes and One Soup) Ticket: 90 RMB (includes Tianluokeng, Yuchanglou, and Taxia Village); Yunshuiyao Ticket: 90 RMB (includes Heguilou and Huaiyuanlou).
🚗1.5-hour drive/charter from the ancient city to Nanjing Tulou.
Morning: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (Four Dishes and One Soup), panoramic view from the observation deck ➡Yuchanglou (leaning building) ➡Taxia Village, see the ancient village and Zhang Family Temple.
Best time for photos: Sunset at dusk, when the sun shines on the Tulou walls, creating the strongest atmosphere.
Noon: Enjoy local farm-style dishes around the Tulou, such as braised pork with dried bamboo shoots and Hakka stuffed tofu.
Afternoon: Head to Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, stroll along the ancient path by the stream, visiting the thousand-year-old banyan tree → Hegui Building (a square Tulou built on marshland) → Huaiyuan Building (the best-preserved round Tulou).
Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in the Yunshuiyao scenic area; at night, the ancient path is lit up with lanterns, and the crowds have dispersed, making it very quiet. You can take a walk and enjoy the night view of the Tulou.
💡Avoidance: The Tulou are private residences; do not trespass on their property. Do not buy overpriced Tulou tea or medicinal herbs. In summer, there are many mosquitoes in the mountains; bring mosquito repellent.
🔵Day 3 Nanjing → Dongshan Island|Blue Sea, Artistic Fishing Village, Filming Location of "The Left Ear"
In the morning, you can get up early to see Yunshuiyao in the morning mist, take photos, and then head to Dongshan Island.
🚗Transportation: Take a chartered car from Yunshuiyao to Tongling Town, Dongshan; or take public transportation back to Zhangzhou, then take the high-speed train to Yunxiao Station, and then share a ride to Tongling Town.
Upon arrival, check in first. Rent an electric scooter for 40-60 yuan/day; it's essential for exploring the island.
Afternoon: Nanmen Bay (colorful seaside houses) → Wengong Ancestral Hall (left-hand rooftop, overlooking the entire Nanmen Bay) → Nanyu Double-Sided Sea! Be sure to check the tide table in advance, as the island may be submerged at high tide.
Evening: Cycle along the Sufeng Mountain Island Ring Road, half green mountains and half sea, stopping at scenic viewpoints for photos; watch the sunset over the sea.
Night: Enjoy seafood at the Tongling Night Market, prioritizing shops with clearly marked prices; a must-try is the blanched Dongshan squid, fresh, sweet, and crisp.
🍜Must-Eat: Blanched squid, oyster omelet, cat porridge, and roasted pork tendon.
💡Avoidance: Always check the menu and prices at seaside food stalls before ordering; the rocks are slippery, do not approach dangerous rocks; all beaches are closed during typhoon warnings, do not attempt to swim.
🔵Day 4: Dongshan Island (Full Day) | Beach Relaxation, Sunrise and Sunset, In-Depth Sea Activities
Early Morning (Early riser optional): Watch the sunrise at Jinluan Bay, known for its "Mirror Beach," where the sea resembles a mirror when there is no wind.
Morning: Maluan Bay Beach, with fine sand, suitable for swimming (be careful when swimming); Wind-Moving Stone Scenic Area (entrance fee 45 RMB, Dongshan's iconic rock formation, see ancient coastal relics).
Lunch: Have a local lunch in Tongling Town, then return to your guesthouse for a nap, avoiding the midday sun.
Afternoon: Leisurely stroll through the old streets of Tongling Ancient Town, buy some seafood souvenirs; or visit Aojiao Village, a less crowded, pristine fishing village.
Evening: Return to Nanmen Bay for one last sunset.
Night: Enjoy late-night snacks in Tongling Town, feeling the sea breeze.
💡Avoidance: UV radiation is extremely strong at the beach in August and September; apply sunscreen even on cloudy days. Avoid going to undeveloped beaches without lifeguards.
🔵Day 5: Dongshan Island → Zhangpu Volcanic Island/Zhenhai Cape → Return Trip
Choose one:
✅Option A (For photography enthusiasts, Volcanic Island): Depart from Dongshan Island in the morning and drive to Volcanic Island (entrance fee 60 RMB), China's only coastal volcanic geological park; black basalt coastline, Monument Valley, Rainbow Mountain – excellent for photos; approximately 3 hours for the trip. Visit Zhenhai Cape (free, Fujian's "Little Kenting," lighthouse + grassland and reefs) along the way. Return from Zhangzhou Station afterwards.
✅Option B (For those who don't want to rush, a more relaxed approach): Sleep in, explore Dongshan Island again, and buy souvenirs; take the high-speed train directly from Yunxiao Station back, avoiding the Volcanic Island trip.
🚗Three Travel Options
1. Self-driving (Highly Recommended): Zhangzhou's highways are in good condition; however, some sections near the islands and Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings) have many curves, so drive carefully and slowly.
2. Chartering a Car: Ideal for 4-6 people. The driver will guide you, saving you time and effort.
3. Public Transportation (Low Budget): There are tourist buses in the ancient city and Tulou; to Dongshan Island, take the high-speed rail to Yunxiao Station and then share a ride; the downside is that it takes time and there are fewer services.
🎒Essential Items to Pack in August-September
1. Shoes: Non-slip sneakers, as the rocks and stone paths near the beach are very slippery after rain; bring a pair of flip-flops for the beach.
2. Clothing: Primarily short-sleeved shirts, as the sea breeze is strong in the mornings and evenings at the beach; bring a long dress for photos.
3. Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses (UV rays are extremely strong at the beach); strong mosquito repellent.
4. Rain Gear: Disposable raincoats are preferred. Umbrellas are easily damaged by the wind at the beach, and afternoon showers are frequent.
5. Medications: Gastrointestinal medicine (for seafood and Minnan snacks), heatstroke prevention medicine, and band-aids; prepare for abrasions if playing in the water.
6. Important: Check the typhoon weather forecast before departure!! If a typhoon is predicted, abandon the island trip and instead visit the city or Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings).
⚠️Multiple Mistakes | Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls❗
1. Typhoons are the top priority. If a typhoon warning is received, immediately abandon Dongshan Island and Volcanic Island. Don't take chances; all beaches will be closed, and you may be stranded.
2. For Nanyu Shuangmianhai, always check the tides. High tide will close roads; do not try to force your way through.
3. When eating seafood on Dongshan Island, always check the prices before ordering. Avoid stalls without price tags; prioritize restaurants frequented by locals.
4. Don't hire cheap unlicensed guides on the roadside when visiting Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings); don't enter residents' private homes without permission, respect local customs.
5. Don't just stroll along the main street in Zhangzhou Ancient City; delicious old shops are hidden in the alleys; street food prices are relatively high.
6. Be careful when riding electric scooters on Sufeng Mountain; there are many curves, and it's windy by the sea.
7. The popular spots on Volcanic Island are crowded, so try to go early; the entrance fee is not cheap, so you can skip it if you don't need to take many photos.
8. Do not climb any wild reefs along the beach; it's dangerous when the waves are high.
📌Itinerary Options
✅3 Days 2 Nights Compact Version
Day 1: Arrival, Zhangzhou Ancient City (full day)
Day 2: Nanjing Yunshuiyao + Tianluokeng Tulou
Day 3: Dongshan Island Nanmen Bay + Sufeng Mountain, return from Yunxiao Station
✅7 Days 6 Nights In-Depth Version: Includes Daimei Water Village, Lingtong Mountain, and Lin Yutang's Former Residence, allowing you to slowly experience Southern Fujian.
💡Don't rush through Zhangzhou. Enjoy local snacks in the ancient city, feel the sea breeze on the islands, and witness the historical heritage of the Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings). Slowing down is the right way to experience this city.