Things to do in Pingnan

Pingnan is truly a wonderful place. Yuanyangxi and Baishuiyang were both rated 5A-level scenic spots. The former offers stunning mountain and water views, while the latter provides opportunities for hiking and water activities, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature. Yuanyangxi is a bit further from Shuangxi Town than Baishuiyang. It's a large canyon, and wandering through it, you can truly appreciate the charm of nature. The initial entrance to the scenic area is at the top of the canyon. Be sure to visit the viewing platform; it offers a panoramic view of Yuanyangxi, making the extra few hundred meters worthwhile. Then, follow the mountain path down to the valley floor. Here, you'll find numerous streams and waterfalls, as well as cliffs and uniquely shaped rocks—a continuous stream of beautiful scenery. My last stop was Baizhangji-Shuiliandong (Water Curtain Cave). The waterfall cascades down from the mountaintop, crashing into the pool below, creating a truly enchanting scene. I took a shortcut here, taking the mountain elevator directly to the top. The walk to the exit is only a few hundred meters, but the elevator ascends 120 meters, saving me over a thousand steps and conserving energy for the rest of the trip.

The transformation began the moment I arrived. There were no long ticket lines or tour guide megaphones. An old man, fanning himself with a palm leaf fan, sat on the threshold of a teahouse. Seeing me holding my phone, he struck up a conversation in his slightly salty Mandarin: "Teacher, feel free to wander around, don't get lost." This unintentional warmth instantly dispelled any sense of unfamiliarity. At the "Zhang Ji Fatty Intestine Noodles" stall, the proprietress, hearing I was from Shanghai, deliberately skimped on the chili, saying with a smile, "Try it first, add more if you need more." An uncle waiting for a guokui (a type of flatbread) nearby casually chimed in, "Exactly, why rush here? Look at that water, it flows slower than everyone else's." A joke revealed the secret of this place: everything here, including time, was set to a relaxed pace. Asking for directions yielded a "navigation" complete with personal memories; queuing was uneventful, as if everyone adhered to an unspoken agreement: "No infighting here." This pervasive, warm, and casual kindness is a unique quality that no other landscape can replicate. A Spatial Journey: An Immersive Misunderstanding of "Jiangnan in Sichuan" The scenery of Longtan Water Town is a beautiful "spatial misunderstanding." At first glance, small bridges over flowing water, white walls and black tiles, awning boats gliding on the green silk-like water, tea flags fluttering in the breeze—it's almost like Jiangnan. But upon closer inspection, the rough carvings on the covered bridges tell tales of western Sichuan; the sounds emanating from the teahouses are the crisp clinking of teacup lids and the boisterous laughter of storytellers, not the soft Wu dialect. I rented an awning boat, and the boatwoman was a talkative older woman. With the gentle patter of the oars, she didn't need to recite a guide's script, simply pointing casually: "In the morning, when the mist shrouds it, it's like an ink painting. At night, when the lanterns are lit, it has a completely different feel." Reaching the bridge arch, she deliberately slowed down: "The echo here is beautiful; try shouting." A soft shout resonated between the water and stones, ethereal and clear. This isn't just sightseeing; it's immersing yourself in a dynamic, audible scroll painting of "Jiangnan in Sichuan." After disembarking and wandering through alleyways, a spacious square reveals a living culture. In an intangible cultural heritage workshop, an old craftsman uses warm syrup as ink to instantly "paint" a phoenix spreading its wings on a stone slab, filling the air with a sweet aroma. Next door, tie-dyed blue and white fabrics bloom uniquely like ice cracks under the sunlight. Here, the "scenery" is meant to be heard (the sound of oars, laughter), smelled (the aroma of tea, sugar), and touched (by trying it yourself). It blends the form of Jiangnan with the soul of Western Sichuan, creating a languid and poetic "hybrid style" that feels perfectly harmonious.

Wander through the secluded Yuanyangxi Scenic Area, where verdant mountains rise one after another, waterfalls cascade down, and suspended walkways weave between cliffs. The tranquil waters nurture life, and a stroll accompanied by mountain springs and gentle breezes allows you to unwind in the natural forest, finding healing and comfort.

Baizhang Waterfall is known as the highest waterfall in China. As you go upstream along the stream, you will see many amazing sights passing by.

Hidden deep in the mountains of Pingnan, Ningde, lies an 800-year-old ancient village. With its yellow walls and black tiles, bluestone pavement, and flowing streams, it feels like stepping into an ink painting. Free from the hustle and bustle of commercial life, there's only pristine simplicity and tranquility. "Here, even the wind is gentle." If you're tired of the city, why not escape to Siping Village and spend a few days in the clouds? ☁️ 📍Address: Siping Village, Xiling Township, Pingnan County, Ningde City, Fujian Province

A large old village with many well-preserved old houses

The ancient buildings are relatively well preserved, and the unique rural atmosphere is very comfortable and cozy!

The main historical relics of the ancient town include: ancient tombs and ancient temples such as Beiyan Temple and Lingyan Temple from the Song Dynasty; the symbols of the ancient county town include Ruiguang Pagoda, Confucius Temple, City God Temple, Zhuzi Temple and Lu's Ancestral Hall, Xue's Ancestral Hall, ancient dwellings of Ming and Qing Dynasties such as Changshou Lane, Ehuli, Houmencheng and other historical sites; as well as cultural relics such as imperial edicts of the Qing Dynasty, stone archways, military swords, couplets, ancient calligraphy and paintings.

I went to Longtan from Ningde Gutian Pioneer Bookstore on purpose. It was afternoon, not the peak tourist season. The old people were lazily sitting on the doorstep chatting. The door of the homestay was open, without any defense. It was a pity that the coffee and tea houses were basically closed, but I also understand the attitude of people here towards life. Just be happy. It's worth a visit.