Putian

By bus

Putian is on both the main highway and the high-speed rail line between Fuzhou and Quanzhou, or Xiamen beyond Quanzhou. It is a major town and most or all busses and trains stop there.

By rail

High-speed rail is the fastest way to get to Putian, Putian has a high-speed rail station - Putian station, belonging to the Fuxia high-speed rail route, from Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou and other surrounding cities. Another high-speed rail line runs inland from Putian to Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province which borders Fujian on the west.

By car

There are several expressways around Putian, including Shenhai Expressway (沈海高速G15) and Fuyin Expressway (福银G70). You can take a coach to Fujian from other cities in Fujian Province.

By plane

Putian does not have its own airport, but can choose to fly to nearby Fuzhou Changle International Airport or Xiamen Takasaki International Airport. It takes about 1-2 hours to get to Putian from these two airports by car, and there is a direct airport bus to Putian or there is an option to share/rent a car.

1. Xinghua Rice Noodles

Xinghua Rice Noodles are one of Putian's most famous snacks. These fine, smooth noodles can be stir-fried or cooked in soup and are typically served with bean sprouts, vegetables, and lean meat. Sometimes seafood is added, making for a rich and flavorful dish that’s popular for breakfast or as a snack.

2. Putian Braised Noodles

Putian Braised Noodles are cooked in a savory broth and come with ingredients like pork belly, tofu, mushrooms, and dried shrimp. The broth is flavorful, giving each bite a comforting taste of home.

3. Pig Trotter Jelly

Pig Trotter Jelly is a traditional cold dish made by simmering pig trotters until they’re tender, then cooling them until they solidify into a jelly-like form. Rich in collagen, it has a smooth, delicate texture and is typically enjoyed with a dipping sauce – perfect for hot weather.

4. Nanjiri Island Seafood

Nanjiri Island is famous for its fresh seafood, including oysters, squid, shrimp, and crabs. Local restaurants serve a variety of seafood dishes that showcase the ocean’s freshest flavors.

5. Oyster Omelette

The Oyster Omelette is a classic Putian snack. Fresh oysters are mixed with eggs and sweet potato flour, then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside. It’s often served with a dipping sauce, blending the rich flavors of oysters and eggs.

6. Putian Tofu Skin

Putian Tofu Skin is well-known and usually wrapped around fillings to create tofu rolls. It can be steamed, boiled, or fried, making for a unique dish that’s often served at feasts and celebrations.

7. Sticky Rice Porridge

This traditional dessert is made from glutinous rice, slowly cooked to a thick, porridge-like consistency, and flavored with brown sugar, peanuts, and sesame seeds. It’s sweet, soft, and melts in your mouth, a treat that everyone enjoys.

8. Taro Cake

Putian Taro Cake is made with locally grown taro, combined with glutinous rice flour, tofu skin, and dried shrimp, then steamed into a soft cake. It has a rich taro flavor and makes for a perfect snack or breakfast.

9. Gong Candy

Gong Candy is a traditional Putian sweet made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and brown sugar. It’s crunchy and slightly sweet, making it a popular gift during festive occasions.

10. Bianshi (Putian Wontons)

Putian’s Bianshi is similar to wontons but with a thinner wrapper and more filling, giving it a smooth and tender texture. The filling typically consists of pork and mushrooms, and they’re usually served with a sprinkle of green onions, making this dish a popular snack.

1. Red Mushroom Tea

Red Mushroom Tea is a unique beverage in Putian, made primarily from red mushrooms, along with red dates and goji berries. Red mushrooms are known as the "ruby mushrooms" for their rich nutrients and medicinal properties. This tea has a fragrant taste and is believed to help nourish and invigorate the body, making it a favorite among locals for its health benefits.

2. Stone Flower Jelly

Stone Flower Jelly is made from stone flower grass (also known as seaweed), and it’s typically served with honey or brown sugar syrup. With its smooth, refreshing texture and slightly sweet taste, this jelly is perfect for cooling down in the summer.

3. Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane juice is very popular in Putian, as the local climate is ideal for growing sugarcane. Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice is naturally sweet and refreshing, providing a quick source of energy and hydration, especially during the hot summer months.

4. Nanjiri Kelp Tea

Nanjiri Island is known for its high-quality kelp, which locals use to make kelp tea. This tea has a subtle marine flavor and is rich in minerals and trace elements. It’s thought to help clear heat from the body and promote metabolism.

5. Brown Sugar Ginger Tea

Brown Sugar Ginger Tea is a traditional Putian drink that helps to warm the body and ward off cold, especially popular during winter. Made by boiling ginger slices with brown sugar, it has a spicy, warming taste and is beneficial for improving blood circulation.

6. Putian Mung Bean Soup

Mung Bean Soup is a classic drink for cooling down, made by boiling mung beans with rock sugar. During the summer, people in Putian often drink mung bean soup to relieve heat and stay refreshed. Its mild sweetness and cooling properties make it a great way to beat the heat.

7. Dried Tangerine Peel Honey Tea

Dried Tangerine Peel Honey Tea is a common household drink in Putian, made with dried tangerine peel and honey. The tangerine peel helps improve digestion, while honey adds a pleasant sweetness. It’s a healthy drink suitable for year-round consumption.

8. Grass Jelly Drink

Grass Jelly is also popular in Putian, typically served in small chunks with red beans, tapioca pearls, and sugar syrup, creating a refreshing drink. Known for its cooling and detoxifying properties, grass jelly is a favorite summer refreshment.

9. Putian Rice Wine

People in Putian often make their own traditional rice wines, like rice wine and glutinous rice wine. These wines are sweet and low in alcohol, making them ideal for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

1. Luxury Hotels

Putian has several luxury hotels with modern facilities and high-quality service, perfect for business travelers and those seeking a comfortable stay.

• Wanda Realm Putian: Located in the city center, near Wanda Plaza, with convenient access to transportation. The hotel offers spacious rooms, dining options, and a fitness center, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
• Yuhu Hotel Putian: A five-star hotel close to the downtown area, beautifully decorated with comprehensive meeting and leisure facilities, suitable for conferences and large events.

2. Mid-Range Hotels

These hotels are affordable yet fully equipped, ideal for travelers on a budget who still want a comfortable stay.

• Hampton by Hilton Putian: Located in the city center, this hotel offers clean and well-maintained rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant, providing great service at a good value.
• Home Inn: Part of a popular hotel chain, it offers clean and simple rooms with basic facilities, perfect for short-term visitors and budget-conscious travelers.

3. Specialty Guesthouses

Putian also has unique guesthouses located in the city or near attractions, offering a chance to experience local life.

• Meizhou Island Guesthouses: Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, features many guesthouses with sea views and a chance to immerse in local culture. Staying on the island allows convenient access to the Mazu Temple and a peaceful island lifestyle.
• Nanjiri Island Fishing Homestays: Nanjiri Island is known for its seafood. Visitors can stay with local fishermen, enjoy fresh seafood feasts, and participate in fishing activities, providing a unique island culture experience.

4. Budget Hotels

These hotels are affordable with simple facilities, ideal for short stays and backpackers.

• 7 Days Inn: Located in central areas with convenient access, this chain offers clean, basic accommodations suitable for backpackers and short-term travelers.
• Hanting Hotel: As a well-known budget hotel chain, Hanting provides economical accommodation with all essential amenities, making it a great choice for travelers on a budget.

5. Youth Hostels

Youth hostels are a great choice for solo travelers or friends traveling together, offering an opportunity to meet other visitors and experience local culture.

• Putian Youth Hostels: Although options are limited, Putian has a few small youth hostels with dorm-style rooms and shared facilities, allowing guests to experience the local charm at an affordable price.