Longyan

Introduction

Located in the south-western region of Fujian Province, Longyan serves as a gateway between neighboring provinces. You can explore this prefecture-level city situated along the borders of Guangdong to the south and Jiangxi to the west.

Before you go

Prepare for a journey into a growing, non-coastal city where tourist infrastructure remains minimal and large tour buses are unavailable. You should anticipate that very few people will speak English, making it helpful to have basic communication tools ready. While the local population speaks Minnan in eastern urban areas and Hakka in western rural areas, many younger residents also speak Mandarin.

Your visit may take you through various areas including the Xinluo District, Yongding District, Zhangping City, Changting County, Shanghang County, Wuping County, and Liancheng County. Many travelers pass through this region to see the Hakka earth houses in Yongding County.

Getting there

You can reach Longyan by air via Guanzhishan Airport, which offers flights from several cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Foshan, Guilin, Kunming, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Once you land, buses are available to transport you to and from the city center.

Rail connections link the city to destinations such as Shenzhen, Fuzhou, and Ganzhou. You can also reach Shanghai by train via Guangzhou or Xiamen. For those traveling by road, the city is well connected by bus to most cities in Fujian, including Xiamen and Fuzhou. These buses can drop you off at local villages or tulous along the route. The train and bus stations are located near each other.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using an extensive public bus system that connects all areas of the region. While you can pay with cash, keep in mind that drivers do not provide change.

Taxis and motorbikes are available but operate irregularly. You can find a taxi stand at the train station or use the Didi app to hail a ride on demand. If you wish to visit the surrounding villages, your lodging can arrange a taxi for you.

Where to stay

You can find various accommodations in Longyan and the neighboring city of Yongding. If you prefer a convenient location, several budget-friendly hotels are situated directly across from the train station; look for buildings topped with red or blue signs.

Alternatively, you can stay in traditional tulou structures. These offer a range of experiences depending on your preference, from very simple rooms without bathrooms to beautifully decorated accommodations featuring air conditioning and private bathrooms.

Food & drink

You can find casual food stalls and eateries throughout the city that serve various regional cuisines, with a particular focus on Hakka cooking. Many of these establishments are concentrated along the local walking street. For a different dining experience, you can visit country-restaurants where you select your preferred meats and vegetables to be stir-fried in a large amount of oil.

The region is well known for its Oolong tea and Iron Guanyin Tea. You can expect to be offered a traditional tea ceremony in many restaurants, lodgings, or private residences, where water is poured through multiple pots before being served in small glasses. In private homes, you may also find large jugs of baijiu infused with Chinese medicinals. If you prefer soft drinks or beer, these are typically served at room temperature.

What to see and do

Explore the historic architecture of the Hakka people by visiting the Fujian Tulou earth houses. These large, defensible structures are part of a UNESCO World Heritage List and can be found in abundance in villages to the west of the city. You can experience a quiet and sincere glimpse of tulou life in the village of Hukeng or visit the nearby Gao Bei Tu Lou cluster, which is geared more toward shopping.

Nature and local culture offer diverse experiences across the region:

• Visit Mount Guanzhi National Geopark to see its primary sights, Mount Guanzhi and Shimen Lake.
• Explore the Longyan Museum located in the Xinluo District.
• Relax in the various hot spring pools at Tianzi Hot Spring Resort in the Yongding District.
• Experience local flavors with homemade rice wine in the restaurants of Hukeng.
• Visit Zhigao Amusement Park in the western part of town to see rollercoasters and themed architecture.

When to go

You can experience a variety of seasonal conditions depending on your preferred climate. If you prefer drier weather, visit during the autumn or early winter months when rainfall reaches its lowest levels of the year. The winter season is also characterized by mild temperatures and low rainfall as precipitation decreases.

During the spring and early summer, you should prepare for wet conditions as these months see the greatest amount of rain due to monsoon influences. Summer brings long, hot, and humid days; however, your experience of the heat will be milder than in other parts of the province because of the city's elevation within the river valleys.

Three days in Longyan

Day one, you can explore the local culture in the Xinluo District or visit the neighboring Yongding District to experience the region.

Day two, travel through Zhangping City and Changting County while taking in the scenery of Shanghang County and Wuping County.

Day three, you can conclude your journey by visiting Liancheng County and exploring more of the surrounding area.