5 adventurous day trips from Fuzhou

Xiapu

If you love photography, visit the famed mudflats and seaweed farms of Xiapu. An hour’s train ride from Fuzhou, hit up all the magical, scenic spots including the historic Banyueli village belonging to the She ethnic minority. The best time to visit is in autumn when seaweed is placed on protruding bamboo poles to dry, and during dawn and sundown when the seawater looks as if it’s on fire.   

Pingtan Island

If you want adventure and relaxation, Pingtan Island offers an ideal summer getaway with its beautiful coastal beaches. It’s about a two-hour bus ride from Fuzhou, and a must-see scenic spot is the Double-Sail Rock, shaped like two tablets, located west of Aocun Village.

Shizhu Mountain

This Taoist mountain is known for the sea of clouds that rolls past its peaks at sunrise. Take a 20-minute train ride from Fuzhou to Fuqing, then travel about an hour by car to the mountain. The hike up can be challenging, but there are plenty of scenic spots to rest until you reach the main attraction, the cliffside Shizhu Taoist Temple.

Qingyun Mountain

The entrance of this mountain is about an hour’s car ride from Fuzhou, located in Linglu Town in Yongtai County. From there, it’s a leisurely hike around picturesque canyons and trails until you reach the impressive Green Dragon Waterfall.

Ming Gu Spa & Club

Ming Gu Spa & Club has the best hot springs Fuzhou has to offer, and you can spend an entire day soaking and getting massages. Just make sure to bring a swimsuit if you’re going to the outdoor pool. Unlike Japan, China’s hot springs require guests to be clothed. For more privacy, Ming Gu has accommodations and some rooms have their own hot spring baths.