Stand at the southern end of Shouxi Park in the late afternoon and the Putian Museum rises ahead of you, its galleries holding the story of a city most travellers only pass through on the way to somewhere else. Further out, past the Mulan River, ferries cross to Meizhou Island, where the smell of incense drifts from the Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea.
Putian suits travellers who are already in Fujian and want a day or two of temples, waterfalls and seafood rather than a checklist of famous monuments. It rewards those willing to take a local bus, eat what the coast provides, and slow down.
This guide covers the sights and experiences the sources describe, with practical notes on timing, transport and what to pair with what.
Top things to do in Putian
1. Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea
This is the original temple of Mazu, on Meizhou Island in Xiuyu District, a few hundred metres south of the ferry docks. Mazu worship is on the UN list of intangible cultural heritage, and this site draws pilgrims from across Chinese provinces and from Taiwan, particularly for the ceremonies marking the goddess' death in October. The temple itself is free to enter, but you must buy a ¥65 ticket to visit the island, plus ¥45 for a round-trip ferry.
The temple opens 07:00–17:30. Come in spring if you want to see the annual festival, which brings over 100,000 visitors. Putian also has two other Mazu temples, one downtown and one north of the city, if you cannot make the crossing.
2. Southern Shaolin Monastery
A reconstructed Buddhist temple built on the remains of an old Tang Dynasty temple in Linshan Village, Xitianwei Town, Licheng District. It is claimed to be connected to the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province, one of China's most famous centres of martial arts. Entry is free and it opens 08:30–17:30.
To get there, take bus no. 201 from Putian Railway Station, get off at Xitianwei Circle, then catch the special shuttle bus that goes to the temple. Note that there is another Southern Shaolin temple in nearby Quanzhou, so check you are heading to the right one.
3. South Shaolin Martial Arts Show
Held at the South Shaolin Temple in Licheng District, these performances include traditional routines with boxing, stick and sword, plus weapon demonstrations and sometimes live combat. Solo and group performances alternate, and audiences are sometimes invited to try simple martial arts movements. Instructors explain the historical and cultural background as part of the show.
Tickets run ¥20–50. The best time to watch is during holidays and specific events such as martial arts festivals and cultural festivals, when performances are more frequent and larger. Pair it with a visit to the monastery itself.
4. Putian Museum
At 175 Yanshou, Yanshou Village, Longqiao Subdistrict, Chengxiang District, at the southern end of Shouxi Park. Its exhibitions cover the history and culture of the Putian region, and entry is free. Summer hours are 09:00–17:30 and winter hours 09:00–16:30, with no entry in the last 30 minutes. It is closed on Mondays but open on most public holidays except the eve of Chinese New Year.
Take bus nos. 1, 7, 12, 23, 60, 98, 99, 202 or 303. Because it sits at the edge of Shouxi Park, it works well as the start or end of a walk through the park.
5. Jiuli Lake
A natural scenic area in Xianyou County dominated by waterfalls and lakes. Nine waterfalls cascade in sequence, with quirky rocks and dense forests around them, and the site is known as a summer resort for hiking and getting close to nature. Legend links it to immortals, which gives it a cultural layer on top of the scenery. Entry is ¥50 and it opens 08:00–17:30.
Give it a full half-day or more if you plan to walk the waterfalls properly, and bring what you need for a hike.
6. Mount Taikuan
In the Daganshan Scenic Area, Licheng District, known for towering mountains and rich natural scenery, with winding streams and cascading waterfalls. The scenery changes with the seasons, and spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the flowers are lush and the climate is pleasant. Several hiking trails suit different kinds of visitors, and from the top you can overlook Putian city and the surrounding landscape. There are also historical and cultural sites and observation decks on the mountain.
Entry is ¥20–50. It is a good choice for families and friends, and for anyone who wants both nature and a bit of local history in one outing.
7. East Beach
On Meizhou Island, known for delicate white sand and clear water. The beach is wide and suited to sunbathing and swimming, with moderate water temperatures, and there are surf lessons and equipment rental available. Restaurants and stalls near the beach serve fresh seafood and local specialties, and there are sun loungers, umbrellas, a dressing room and shower facilities.
It is free to use. Summer, from June to September, is the best time to visit, though holidays bring large numbers of tourists and a lively atmosphere. Combine it with the Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea on the same island.
8. Putian Wood Carving Museum
At No. 156, Donghai Road, Donghai Street, Licheng District, this museum shows wood-carved artworks including Buddha statues, animals and people, combining traditional and modern techniques. You can visit freely, join workshops to try carving, or watch live wood carving demonstrations. Small shops inside sell works by local artists. Entry is free.
It is a useful stop for understanding a local craft, and the workshops make it worthwhile even if you have only a passing interest in carving.
9. Putian Ceramics Museum
At the South Gate of Putian City, this museum focuses on Putian's ceramic culture and history, showing traditional handmade ceramics alongside modern works. Text and multimedia displays explain how the craft developed and how it is made. The museum regularly holds workshops where you can try drawing blanks and glazing, and occasional exhibitions and lectures on ceramic art. Entry is free.
There is a small shop selling ceramic works by local artists, including characteristic handwritten letters, which makes it a reasonable place to pick up something made locally.
10. Jiuhua Temple
A monastery in Zhongshan Town, Xianyou County, founded in the Tang Dynasty, with a long history and a deep Buddhist heritage. The buildings are simple and elegant, the incense is flourishing, and the surrounding environment is quiet, which makes it suited to quiet reflection. It is free to enter and opens 07:00–18:00.
It draws both pilgrims and tourists, so expect company at peak times, but the setting remains calm. It pairs naturally with a day in Xianyou County.
11. Red Star Ecological Park
A park in Putian City themed around ecological agriculture and leisure tourism. Outdoor activities include vegetable picking, fishing and farm stays, and there are family-friendly rides. The park promotes a green lifestyle and lets visitors try healthy, organic food and agricultural products.
It is a good option if you are travelling with children or want a slower day away from temples and museums.
12. Mazu's birthday
Celebrated on the 23rd day of the third month of the lunar calendar at the Meizhou Mazu Temple on Meizhou Island. The core of the celebration is a solemn sacrifice ceremony, in which devotees worship at the temple and pray for peace, success and protection.
If your dates are flexible, timing a trip around this festival gives you the temple at its most active. Otherwise, the October ceremonies commemorating the goddess' death are the other major occasion.
If you only have one day
Morning: Take bus no. 201 from Putian Railway Station to Xitianwei Circle, then the shuttle to the Southern Shaolin Monastery. Arrive close to opening at 08:30, walk the temple grounds, and stay for the South Shaolin Martial Arts Show if a performance is scheduled.
Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the Putian Museum at the southern end of Shouxi Park, checking that you arrive well before the last 30 minutes of entry. If time allows, add the Putian Wood Carving Museum or the Putian Ceramics Museum, both of which are free and in Licheng District.
Evening: Eat seafood, ideally including Duotou clams, the local speciality harvested around the village of Duotou. If you have a second day, spend it on Meizhou Island at the Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea and East Beach.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Putian?
Spring brings the Mazu festival and its crowds, and October brings the ceremonies commemorating the goddess' death. For outdoor sights, spring and autumn are the best seasons on Mount Taikuan, and summer from June to September is the best time for East Beach. Note that on 4 September 2026 the city was struck by severe flooding caused by the landfall of Typhoon Saudel.
Do I need to pay to visit the Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea?
Entry to the temple is free, but you must purchase a ¥65 ticket to visit Meizhou Island, in addition to the ferry ticket, which costs ¥45 for a round trip.
How do I reach the Southern Shaolin Monastery without a car?
Take bus no. 201 from Putian Railway Station and get off at Xitianwei Circle, then catch the special shuttle bus that goes to the temple. The monastery opens 08:30–17:30 and entry is free.
What food is Putian known for?
Putian cuisine places a heavy emphasis on fresh seafood. Duotou clams, locally harvested around the village of Duotou, are particularly well known, and you will also find fresh seafood at the restaurants and stalls near East Beach on Meizhou Island.
Decide whether your trip is built around the Mazu temples and the island or around the city's museums and mountain trails, then start planning your days from there.