Things To Do
in Yong’an
Yong’an is a county-level city in Fujian Province, China, set among rolling hills and river valleys. It blends rugged countryside with traditional Minnan culture, tea farming, and ancient town streets. The city serves as a gateway to rural Fujian, offering markets, temples, and scenic viewpoints away from the more touristy hubs.
Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, walk through historic lanes, and experience a relaxed pace of life amid green landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Yong’an City Wall, where you can stroll along the remnants of this historical structure and absorb the rich heritage of the area. Afterward, head to the bustling Yong’an Morning Market to experience the vibrant local culture and sample traditional breakfast items like steamed buns and rice noodles. As the morning sun rises higher, enjoy a cup of locally sourced tea at a quaint teahouse nestled in the heart of the city.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Yong’an Confucius Temple, a serene place filled with beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Here, you can learn about Confucian philosophy and its significance in Chinese culture while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, visit the local artisan shops to browse handmade crafts and possibly pick up a unique souvenir.
As dusk falls, find a cozy restaurant along the riverbank to indulge in a dinner featuring local specialties such as Yong’an fish stew and rice. After your meal, take a romantic evening stroll along the river promenade, where you can enjoy the reflections of the city lights on the water. To end the night, immerse yourself in a cultural performance showcasing traditional music and dance at a nearby theater.
Set out early for an adventurous day at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, renowned for its iconic pillar-like formations that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Upon arrival, take a scenic cable car ride to the top of Tianmen Mountain, where breathtaking views of the landscape await. Spend the morning hiking along the glass walkway, where you can experience the thrill of walking above the treetops.
After a delightful lunch at a local eatery within the park, embark on a guided tour to the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs. The afternoon will be spent exploring the trails, marveling at the unique flora and fauna, and perhaps even spotting some local wildlife. As the sun begins to lower, find a vantage point to witness the dramatic play of light on the rock formations.
Return to Yong’an in the evening, where you can unwind at a traditional hot pot restaurant for a delicious dinner shared with friends or family. After dinner, visit a local night market, where you can savor street food snacks and shop for handcrafted items. End your day with a relaxing tea session at a local tea house, reflecting on the natural beauty experienced throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🧋Cup of tea or bubble tea | $1-3 |
| 🚆Local transportation (bus/taxi) per ride | $1-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
| 🎟Attraction or museum ticket | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Genuine local Fujian experience with fewer crowds
- Beautiful countryside and tea culture
- Delicious seafood and Minnan flavors
- Affordability and slower pace
- Limited English in rural areas
- Smaller choice of nightlife or international dining
- Longer travel times from major hubs
- Seasonal weather can be humid and rainy
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪儿？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "这个多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
- "请慢一点。" - Please slow down.
- "我想要这个。" - I would like this.
- "可以刷卡吗？" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Yong’an
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic valley and cloud-wrapped ridges, stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Wide riverside path with boats and boulevards; ideal for sunset silhouettes.
Narrow lanes with traditional houses, lanterns, and daily street life.
Quiet courtyards and carved wooden beams illuminated by soft light.
Rows of tea bushes on rolling hills, perfect for landscape photography.
Food in Yong’an
Yong’an Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A luxurious Fujian soup featuring a medley of seafood, mushrooms, and other ingredients; best found in traditional Yong’an restaurants.
Must-Try!
Delicate fish-mushball dumplings served in a light broth, often with ginger and scallion.
Noodles tossed with a savory ShaCha sauce, peanuts, greens, and smoky flavors; common in both street stalls and casual eateries.
Duck lightly smoked with tea leaves, delivering a fragrant, mellow flavor typical of Fujian-style cooking.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market offering fresh seafood, vegetables, and a range of quick bites from local stalls.
Cluster of small eateries and snack stalls featuring Fujian staples and comforting soups.
Seasonal stalls along the river with grilled skewers, fried treats, and sweet snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite nod or simple 'Ni hao.' Use both hands when handing over money or documents to show respect. Dress modestly when visiting temples and avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Yong’an
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not common in most Yong’an establishments; service charges are rare. If you receive exceptional service, a small tip in cash is optional and discreet.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Cash is useful in markets and smaller eateries; foreign credit/debit cards may not be accepted everywhere.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers. Stay hydrated, carry a light rain jacket, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Mild and comfortable, with clear skies and golden light—great for outdoor walks and photography.
Cool to mild with higher humidity; mornings can be chilly. Bring layers if visiting higher elevations.
Warm with showers; countryside and tea fields are particularly lush and photogenic.
Yong’an at Night
Hiking in Yong’an
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with lookouts offering views of the Yong’an region; suitable for day hikes.
Scenic riverside route along a valley with shaded sections and viewpoints.
Gentle loop through nearby tea farms with opportunities for tasting and photography.
Airports
How to reach Yong’an by plane.
A major airport located several hours away by road; offers domestic and some international connections.
A larger airport with broad flight options; longer transfer from Yong’an but well connected.
Another nearby option with multiple destinations; further away but useful for certain itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with diverse Minnan and Hakka cultural influences.
Various local groups, including rural She populations in some mountainous villages.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools, parks, and community centers.
Common in recreation centers and clubs across towns.
A frequent pastime in parks and gym facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yong’an.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can choose vegetable-based dishes, tofu and mushroom stews, and rice or noodle bowls. When ordering, specify '素' (su) to indicate vegetarian and confirm no meat stocks.