Wenling Shitang Mountain and Sea Secret Realm Travel Guide

• High-Value Exploration: Carefully selected free and low-cost attractions to experience the most quintessential mountain and sea scenery and fishing village culture of Shitang. • In-Depth Cultural Experience: From the dawn of a thousand years to the legacy of Southern Fujian, feel the unique cultural charm where mountains and sea meet. • Authentic Culinary Tour: Explore local specialties hidden in the streets and alleys, ensuring you don't miss any authentic flavors. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview 🗺️ Detailed Itinerary 💰 Day 1: Arrival and Colorful Fishing Village (Estimated Cost: 345 RMB) • Morning: After arriving at Wenling Station, we recommend taking bus 232 to Shitang, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. If traveling with companions, consider sharing a taxi, which costs approximately 55 RMB per person. We suggest choosing a guesthouse near the Shitang Town Government, as its convenient location is ideal for the following days of sightseeing. • Afternoon: After arrival, check in and rest briefly. Then head to Colorful Xiaoruo Village. This colorful fishing village, known as the "Chinese version of Cinque Terre," features houses painted in pastel colors. Stroll leisurely through the village, take photos, and find a charming café like "The Little Prince" to relax and soak in the tranquility. In the evening, climb Qilin Mountain next to Xiaoruo Village; it's an excellent spot to watch the sunset and the harbor's night view. • Dinner: You can eat near Xiaoruo Village or back near your accommodation. A bowl of authentic Shitang seafood noodles or stir-fried mung bean noodles is a good choice. Daily Budget: Transportation 80 yuan (bus/shared ride) + Accommodation 200 yuan + Lunch 15 yuan + Dinner 30 yuan + Coffee 20 yuan = 345 yuan 🌊 Day 2: Mountain and Sea Wonders and Golden Beach (Estimated Cost: 395 yuan) • Morning: After breakfast, head to the Twin Rings Viewing Platform. These two ring-shaped viewing platforms are iconic landmarks of Shitang, offering panoramic views of the bay and the stone houses. Afterwards, you can hike along the coastal greenway or take a sightseeing bus to enjoy the scenic mountain and sea views. · Afternoon: Head to Golden Beach, a gentle, low-risk beach with fine sand, perfect for playing. You can stroll, take photos, or simply enjoy the sea view. Afterwards, explore the surrounding traditional stone houses and experience the unique stone culture of Shitang. · Evening: Enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner, sampling local specialties such as fish ball soup or Changyu yellow croaker. Daily Budget: Accommodation NT$200 + Breakfast NT$10 + Lunch NT$25 + Dinner NT$60 + Electric vehicle rental NT$50 (if needed) + Sightseeing bus NT$30 (if needed) + Golden Beach entrance fee NT$20 (if applicable) = NT$395 ⛵ Day 3: Dawn and Fishing Port Charm (Estimated Cost: NT$495) · Morning: Get up early and head to the Millennium Dawn Garden, the first place in mainland China to receive the first rays of dawn in the new millennium. Check the sunrise time in advance, bring a light jacket, and wait patiently by the Dawn Monument for the breathtaking moment when the sun leaps above the sea. • Morning: After sunrise, stroll around the Dawn Park area and visit the nearby Mazu Temple to learn about the unique Mazu culture of the coastal region. • Afternoon: If possible, join local fishermen on a fishing trip and experience the fun of casting and hauling in nets. If you have a good catch, you can have it cooked at a restaurant and enjoy the ultimate freshness "from sea to table." If you don't go out to sea, you can walk along Shitang Old Street and experience the quaint stone-paved streets and old stone houses. • Evening: Take a walk along the fishing port and enjoy the night view, or sample local snacks at the night market. Daily Budget: Accommodation 200 RMB + Breakfast 10 RMB + Lunch 25 RMB + Dinner 60 RMB + Sea Cruise 200 RMB (if participating) = 495 RMB 🚶 Day 4: Farewell and Return Trip (Estimated Cost: 265 RMB) · Morning: Depending on your return time, you can choose to have free time near your accommodation or try the local specialty, "Qiangao" (a type of steamed rice cake), to perfectly conclude your trip. · Afternoon: Pack your bags and head to the station to take bus 232 or share a ride to Wenling Station, ending your enjoyable trip to Shitang. Daily Budget: Transportation 80 yuan + Breakfast 10 yuan + Lunch 25 yuan + Shopping allowance 150 yuan = 265 yuan 💵 Budget Breakdown Category | Detailed Items | Estimated Cost (4 days) Accommodation | Budget B&B/Guesthouse (3 nights) | 600 yuan Transportation | Round trip from high-speed rail station + local transportation | Approx. 240 yuan Food & Drinks | Three meals + snacks + drinks | Approx. 400 yuan Entrance Fees | Golden Beach and other attractions (few fees) | Approx. 60 yuan Activities | Fishing trip (optional) | 200 yuan Shopping Souvenirs | Dried seafood, souvenirs | 150 yuan Fence | Emergency and unexpected expenses | 150 yuan Total: 1800 yuan 💡 Useful Tips 1. Transportation Suggestion: Attractions in Shitang Town are quite scattered. Consider renting an electric scooter near the town government for convenient exploration. 2. Accommodation Options: There are many budget-friendly guesthouses near the Shitang Town government or around Golden Beach. Check reviews before choosing. 3. Best Season: The bluest seawater in Shitang is from April to October each year. Avoid winter if you want to see the blue sea. 4. Money-Saving Tips: · Utilize free attractions such as Xiaoruo Village, the Duijie Viewing Platform, and the coastal greenway. · Choose local snacks and noodles to experience authentic flavors while saving money. · Traveling in groups can help share accommodation and transportation costs. 5. Precautions: · Strong UV rays at the beach; be sure to take sun protection measures. · When eating seafood, pay attention to food hygiene. Do not consume ice-cold beer or cold drinks with seafood to avoid discomfort. · Check the weather forecast before your trip and try to travel on a sunny day for better photo results.