Xiapu

Xiapu, home to "China's most beautiful mudflats," is a mecca for photographers; Beiqi sunrises, Yangjia Stream, nearby Mount Taimu and Fuding white tea make up eastern Fujian's coastal route.

Xiapu County and Fuding City both belong to Ningde in Fujian, on the northern stretch of the eastern Fujian coast right next to Wenzhou in Zhejiang. Xiapu has about 480 km of coastline and some of the largest mudflats in China. Fishers plant bamboo poles in the flats and hang nori and kelp from them, and as the tides rise and fall they create patterns of light and line that have earned the area the titles "China's most beautiful mudflats" and a photographers' paradise. Fuding, to the north, is famous for Mount Taimu's granite peaks, the high-altitude meadows of Yushan Island and Fuding white tea.

Where to go: around Xiapu town are mudflat photo spots such as Beiqi (sunrise) and the Shajiang S-Bend and Xiaohao (sunset). On the Dongchong Peninsula, the "East Sea No. 1" scenic road passes Gaoluo Beach, Jishi Seashore, Haiweijiao and Dongbi (sunset, fish farms). In Fuding you'll find Mount Taimu, Yushan Island and the white tea country around Diantou and Panxi towns. Yangjia Stream (ancient banyans, sweetgum woods) lies between the two and is worth a stop on the way in autumn.

Seasons: the best time for mudflat photography is Oct–Apr, during the nori and kelp farming season when bamboo poles and nets are at their densest. Mar–Apr is often foggy, and typhoons are frequent in summer, so check the weather before boat trips or island visits. For mudflat shots, check the tide tables: Beiqi's sunrise is best around high tide, while the S-Bend and Xiaohao show the finest mudflat textures at sunset when the tide is out.

Getting there: the Wenzhou–Fuzhou high-speed railway stops at Xiapu, Fuding and Taimushan stations, about 1 hour from both Fuzhou and Wenzhou. The mudflat spots are scattered and mostly not served by buses, so self-driving or hiring a car with driver is recommended (local photography guide cars are available). Suggested 3–4 days: 2 days in Xiapu for the mudflats and Dongchong Peninsula, and 1–2 days in Fuding for Mount Taimu and Yushan Island. Local seafood specialties include oysters, nori and mudskippers, and Fuding meat slices and Binglang taro are also worth trying. Villagers charge a small parking or viewing fee at some mudflat photo spots.

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