White-Margined Spring Couplets are a unique tradition in Putian, China. These couplets are written on white paper instead of the usual red, reflecting a local custom. They are often used during special occasions, especially for households in mourning, as red is considered unsuitable in such situations. This practice showcases the rich cultural heritage and distinctiveness of Putian's traditions.
莆田市博物馆
Has exhibitions on the history and culture of the Putian region.
湄洲妈祖祖庙
The original temple of this Goddess is on Meizhou Island in Putian. Her annual festival, in spring, brings over 100,000 visitors, including many from Taiwan and Southeast Asia, Putian also has two other Mazu temples, one downtown and the other north of the city.
Worldwide, Mazu is reported to have 3,000 temples and over 100 million worshippers, mainly fishermen and sailors. Mazu worship is on the UN list of intangible cultural heritage. There are at least two Mazu temples in San Francisco's Chinatown.
莆田南少林寺
A reconstructed Buddhist temple built on the remains of an old Tang Dynasty temple, claimed to be connected to the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province which is one of China's most famous centers of martial arts. There is another Southern Shaolin temple in nearby Quanzhou.
九鲤湖
Jiuli Lake, located in Xianyou County, is a natural scenic area dominated by waterfalls and lakes. Nine waterfalls cascade in sequence, creating a spectacular water feature dotted with quirky rocks and dense forests. Jiuli Lake is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery, but also a summer resort for hiking and getting close to nature. Legend has it that Jiuli Lake is related to immortals, so it has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and is an important tourist attraction.
九华寺
Longhua Temple is located in Zhongshan Town, Xianyou County. The monastery was founded in the Tang Dynasty and has a long history and profound Buddhist cultural heritage. Longhua Temple is not only an important religious site but also a popular attraction for pilgrims and tourists. The building in the temple is simple and elegant, and the incense is flourishing, attracting a large number of believers and tourists to worship every year. The surrounding environment of the temple is quiet, suitable for self-cultivation and meditation, and is a good place to experience the harmony of Buddhist culture and nature.
大观山
Daguan Mountain is famous for its towering mountains and rich natural scenery. There are winding streams and cascading waterfalls, and the scenery of the four seasons is different, especially in the spring and autumn season, the flowers are lush and the climate is pleasant. Daguan Mountain has a number of hiking trails suitable for all kinds of tourists, climbing to the top of the mountain can overlook Putian city and surrounding beautiful scenery, with a wide view. In addition, there are many historical and cultural sites and observation decks on the mountain, so visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region and enjoy a peaceful walking experience. Spring and autumn season is the best time to play, suitable for family and friends to explore. If you like nature and culture, you should definitely not miss the charm of Grand View Mountain.