Things To Do
in Putian

Light, clear seafood or fish soups highlighting fresh local catches; commonly available at family restaurants and seaside stalls.

Must-Try!

A popular coastal snack — fried egg batter with oysters and a savory sauce — sold at night markets and seaside food stalls.

A rich Fujianese stew of seafood, meats and herbs usually found at higher-end restaurants or during festivals; try it if you want an iconic regional banquet dish.

Fresh clams stir-fried or braised with garlic and local sauces; common in coastal restaurants and harborside eateries.

Dress modestly, speak quietly and follow any rules at Mazu temples; photography may be restricted in certain areas and offerings/respect for worshippers is important.

A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) is polite. Handshakes are common in business; modest bowing is appreciated in religious contexts.

Remove shoes when invited into private homes; hosts may provide slippers. Watch cues from locals.

Avoid contentious political topics; focus on culture, food and travel when chatting with locals if you are unsure.

Tipping is not widely expected in Putian; small tips may be accepted in tourist-oriented restaurants or by personal guides but are not the norm. Leave small change for good service if you wish.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate local transactions. Cash (RMB) is still useful for small stalls and rural areas; UnionPay and major Chinese cards are commonly accepted, while some foreign cards may be limited to larger hotels and restaurants.

Mild temperatures and frequent rain (including the early 'plum rain' period). Great for temple visits and avoiding summer crowds, but bring a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes.

Hot, humid and rainy with a risk of typhoons or heavy storms in late summer; beaches are popular. Pack lightweight breathable clothing, sun protection and monitor weather forecasts in typhoon season.

Generally the best travel season: cooler, drier weather and clearer skies. Ideal for outdoor activities, island visits and photography.

Mild to cool temperatures compared with northern China; occasional cold snaps. Fewer tourists and lower prices — bring layers and a light coat for evenings.

Vegetarian options exist, especially at Buddhist vegetarian restaurants near temples and basic vegetable dishes at most eateries; specify '素' (sù) and avoid stocks made from seafood or meat.

More limited — ask that dishes contain no eggs, dairy, or meat; ingredient transparency can be a challenge, so a phrase card or app translation helps.

Rice-based dishes are common and generally safe, but soy sauce and some sauces contain wheat. Bring gluten-free snacks if you have a strict intolerance.

Seafood is prevalent; clearly communicate allergies in Chinese ('我对海鲜过敏' — 'I am allergic to seafood') and choose restaurants that can prepare simple, separate meals.