Compared to Quanzhou, I highly recommend this underrated city full of local charm!

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Longhai: An Underrated City
Longhai is a seriously underrated city that offers more local flavor than Quanzhou. It's a great place to explore and enjoy delicious food, with more locals and fewer tourists. If you want to avoid crowded places and experience authentic local life, don't miss this surprising little city.

🚗 How to Get to Longhai
I recommend taking a taxi or renting a car from Zhangzhou or Xiamen, as it's only a half-hour drive. Public transportation takes longer and is less convenient.

🗺️ One-Day Travel Itinerary in Longhai
🚶🏻‍♂️ Visit These Places:
Fanzai Building
Shima Ancient City
Gulin Temple
Hougang Ancient Street
All these attractions are free to visit, making it a perfect itinerary to enjoy Longhai's unique architecture and local vibes.

🖼️ Detailed Attraction Guide and Photography Recommendations
Zeng's Fanzai Building

This type of Minnan residential building combines Chinese and Western architectural styles. Mostly built by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia, walking inside feels like being in Europe.
Shima Ancient City

A small town perfect for strolling and tasting local snacks. It retains much of the old town's appearance and is full of local charm.
Recommended snacks: Shunde Five-Spice Noodles, Xing Tao Five-Spice, Dragon Fruit String, Tofu Flower with Four Ingredients, Atubo Grass Jelly, Ahui Satay Noodles, Sun's Mochi, and Moonflower Tofu Flower.
No disappointments here—everything is delicious! Bring your 2TB stomach, eat small portions, and try everything.
Gulin Temple

This temple is perfect for burning incense and drinking tea. It has a long history, with a solemn Maitreya Buddha and pagoda. The tea house below the temple, Xinghui Courtyard, is an excellent place to rest. The courtyard has a vintage charm, reminiscent of scenes from "Spirited Away," and is great for taking photos.
Hougang Ancient Street

Even though Longhai is not in Jiangnan, this place gave me the feeling of Jiangnan. By the river, it feels like being in Wuzhen. It features unique cultural courtyards and street spaces.
I love the sunset and night views here; they offer completely different vibes.
On the 18th-19th, there's a Yangmei Festival here where you can taste the best yangmei (bayberries) from Longhai, try special yangmei drinks, and experience yangmei-themed cultural activities. There's also a live band performance at 7 PM.