Meizhou Island Travel Guide is Here!

🌟 Pre-Trip Essentials

• Documents: ID card is a must! Required for ferry tickets and attractions (Students bring student ID for discounts at some sites!)

• Clothing: Pretty dresses 👗, sun-protective jacket 🧥, sunglasses 🕶️, hat 👒 – perfect for seaside photos! Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

• Must-haves: SPF50+ sunscreen (gentle sea breeze but strong UV rays!), mosquito repellent (mosquitoes at dusk), power bank (photos drain battery fast).

• Others: Some cash (some vendors only accept cash), sneakers (stairs at Mazu Ancestral Temple), swimsuit (Golden Beach is great for water play!).

🚗 Transportation Guide

• From Jiaxing:

1. High-speed rail 🚅 to Putian Station (~5 hours), then taxi/bus K09 to Wenjia Pier (~40 mins).

2. Take ferry 🚢 from Wenjia Pier to Meizhou Island (¥125 round-trip regular boat, ¥210 speedboat, departs every 15 mins).

3. Rent an e-bike 🛵 on the island (¥50-80/day) – perfect for island exploration! Most homestays can help arrange rentals.

🌸 Must-Visit Attractions

1. Mazu Ancestral Temple 🌺
- Sacred site for Mazu devotees worldwide! Red walls and golden tiles create a majestic vibe. Dawn worship at 6:36am – arrive early for first incense! (Main temple hours: 8:00-17:00; smaller temples like Ascension Ruins open 24/7)
- Photo spots: South Axis red walls, Mazu Stone Statue (breathtaking island views!), Dressing Tower (perfect for vintage-style photos).

2. Ewei Shenshi Geopark 🗿
- 100-million-year-old sea erosion wonders! Flying Halberd Cave, Pilgrim Turtle, Howling Celestial Dog – adorable rock formations! Best visited in afternoon light. (Included in ¥138 combo ticket)

3. Rainbow Road 🌈
- A coastal road straight out of a Miyazaki film! E-bike along S-curves with sea views – every shot is Instagram-worthy. Sunset views are magical!

4. Golden Beach 🏖️
- Powder-soft sand! At low tide, mirror-like reflections create a "walking on stars" effect. Summer nights may reveal bioluminescent algae ✨

5. Meiyu Tide Sound 🌊
- Waves crashing on rocks create symphony-like sounds! Sunrise here is breathtaking – waves, rocks, and dawn light combine perfectly.

🍽️ Food Recommendations

• Mazu Peace Noodles 🍜: Thin noodles in seafood broth symbolizing safety. Try at "Amei Restaurant" for ultra-fresh broth.

• Oyster Omelette 🦪: Crispy outside, tender inside – best with sweet chili sauce! Night market near Lianchi'ao Beach has ¥15 portions.

• Red Glutinous Cake 🍡: Sticky rice with red bean/pea filling – festive and delicious! Freshly made at shops near the farmer's market.

• Meizhou Fish Rice 🐟: Steamed fish over sticky rice – authentic local flavor! "Azure Restaurant" is a local favorite.

• Seafood Processing 🦐: Buy fresh seafood (mantis shrimp, crabs, oysters...) at Meizhou Market, then have it cooked at nearby "Longxin" – affordable and generous portions!

🏨 Accommodation Tips

• Seaside Homestays 🌊: "Meiyu Youjian" or "My Art Gallery" offer ocean-view windows and sunrise views from bed – great value!

• Luxury Hotel 🏨: Meizhou International Hotel with Mazu statue views – perfect for premium stays.

• Pro tip: Stay near piers or attractions for convenience. Most homestays offer shuttle service!

📸 Photography Tips

• Outfits: White dress + straw hat (Mazu Temple), bright bikini (beach vibes), Meizhou women's costume (intangible cultural heritage style!)

• Must-shoot spots:
- Golden Beach sunrise (5:30-6:00, mirror reflections)
- Flying Halberd Cave (natural sea arch framing the ocean)
- Rainbow Road curves (Japanese-style aesthetic)
- Meiyu Tide Sound boardwalk (dramatic wave shots)

⚠️ Important Notes

1. Sun/mosquito protection: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, use repellent at dusk.

2. Ferry schedule: Last boat at 21:00! Check "Meizhou Island Ferry" WeChat for weather updates.

3. Temple etiquette: No shorts/bare shoulders, no selfie sticks near statues.

4. Avoid scams:
- Decline "free shuttle" offers at piers
- Demand seafood weighed without containers
- E-bikes beat overpriced tour buses

🎁 Hidden Experiences

• Blue Tears 💧: March-June! Join local livestream groups or ask homestays for sightings at Ewei Beach/Lianchi'ao South. Use pro mode (ISO 3200 + 10s exposure).

• Live Shows 🎭:
- "Origin of Meizhou" (Mazu Film City, ¥38+): Interactive Mazu legend experience
- "Impressions of Mazu" (World Mazu Forum, ¥118+): Holograms + fireworks – spectacular!

📅 Best Travel Times

• April-June: Mazu's birthday + sea fog creates mystical views with fewer crowds.

• September-November: Avoid typhoons, enjoy cool weather and plump seafood!