The Meizhou Island National Tourist Resort, located in the southeastern part of Putian, Fujian province, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage.
The seaside resort is believed to be the hometown of Mazu — a revered goddess of the sea who is worshipped on both sides of the Strait. Many Taiwan compatriots make annual pilgrimages to Meizhou to honor Mazu.
The crescent coastline of Meizhou Island, East China's Fujian province [Photo/VCG]
As one of Fujian's four major islands and a 5A-level tourist attraction, Meizhou Island offers a serene and pristine environment. The island stretches from north to south, featuring not only the sea, sunshine, and beaches but also unique rock formations, temples, and palaces.
A highlight of the island is the Mazu Ancestral Temple. Every morning at 6:36 am, a special ceremony called "Morning Worship of Mazu and Sutra Chanting for Blessings" takes place, requiring prior reservation. The temple complex, divided into western and southern sections, includes notable structures such as the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and the Main Hall, which houses a millennium-old Mazu statue carved from camphor wood and a plaque inscribed by Emperor Yongzheng.
Meizhou Island is deeply rooted in Mazu culture, with the Mazu Ancestral Temple being a pilgrimage site for devotees worldwide. The temple, often referred to as the "Potala Palace of the Sea", is a must-visit for those wishing to experience the rich culture surrounding Mazu worship.
Other notable attractions include the Chaotian Pavilion, which houses a valuable rosewood statue of Mazu, and the Shuntian Temple, known for its jade Mazu statue. The island's most iconic landmark is the 14.35-meter-tall stone statue of Mazu.
The island also features beautiful beaches such as Hongbiwei Beach, ideal for watching sunsets and exploring marine life. The night markets, located opposite Lianchi'ao Beach and near the farmers' market, offer a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of local delicacies.
Getting to Meizhou Island is quite easy. Visitors can take a quick bus ride from Putian Station to the Wengjia Wharf in the Xiuyu district of Putian. From there, a ferry ride to the island takes only about 10 minutes, with departures every 20 minutes.
Once on the island, travelers have various transportation options, including buses, electric scooters, and sightseeing cars. The island boasts four regular bus routes and one tourist route, covering all major attractions. Renting an electric scooter is highly recommended for a scenic tour around the island, while larger groups might find it convenient to hire a sightseeing car.
For scenic drives, the Rainbow Road on the northern part of the island offers breathtaking views, especially the stretch from the Mazu Ancestral Temple to Meiyu Chaoyin, a spot famed for its unique tidal sounds created by converging waves.
For accommodations, Meizhou Island has numerous options ranging from seaside inns to hotels like the Meizhou International Hotel and the Junluxe Hotel Meizhou Island IECC. The island is also known for its seafood, with many restaurants concentrated around the farmers' market area.
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