Meizhou Island Ultimate Travel Guide: A Pilgrimage to Mazu's Hometown

Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu culture and known as the "Oriental Mecca"⛪, boasts stunning scenery and a rich cultural atmosphere! This guide will help you explore Meizhou Island without any pitfalls.👇 📍【Location】 Meizhou Town, Xiuyu District, Putian City, Fujian Province, just about 1.8 nautical miles from the mainland—super close!🌊 ⏰【Best Time to Visit】 April to October is ideal! Summer is perfect for water activities🌊, and during Mazu's Birthday (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month) and Mazu's Ascension Day (9th day of the 9th lunar month), the island hosts lively temple fairs🎉! 🚗【Transportation Guide】 🚄High-speed rail: Take the train to "Putian Station," then transfer to bus K09 or 363 to "Wenjia Pier" (~1 hour). 🚢Ferry: Take a boat from Wenjia Pier to the island—just 20 minutes! Ticket price: ¥125 (round-trip + island entry).🛳️ 🛵Island transport: Buses/electric carts/shared bikes are all available. Renting an e-bike (¥50-80/day) is highly recommended for maximum freedom! 🌟【Must-Visit Attractions】 1️⃣ Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple ✨The global birthplace of Mazu culture! Join the morning worship ritual at dawn🌅, and hike to the summit for a photo with the 14-meter-tall Mazu stone statue📸. 💰Ticket: Free (some halls charge ¥10-20). 2️⃣ Ewei Shenshi Park 🏞️Spectacular sea-eroded landforms! "Flying Halberd Cave" and "Turtle Pilgrimage" are perfect photo spots. ⚠️Tip: Wear anti-slip shoes! Ticket: ¥20. 3️⃣ Golden Beach 🌊The island's largest beach (3km) with ultra-fine sand and breathtaking sunsets🌅. 🏄‍♀️Summer offers water sports, plus plenty of seafood stalls nearby🍤. 4️⃣ Meiyu Chaoyin 🎵The sound of waves hitting rocks is like music! The best spot for sunrise views🌄. 🛤️The seaside boardwalk is perfect for romantic strolls💑. 5️⃣ Tianfei Hometown Ruins Park 🛕A great place to learn about Mazu's life, with 3D short films🎬. 🍜【Food to Try】 ✅Mazu Noodles: A hearty "peace noodle" dish with rich toppings🍜. ✅Meizhou Fish Rice: Steamed rice with yellow croaker—super fresh🐟. ✅Fried Oysters with Seaweed: Crispy outside, tender inside—delicious😋. ✅Hongtuan: Sweet and sticky traditional dessert🥮. 🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】 🔹Pilgrims: Stay near the Ancestral Temple (e.g., Meizhou International Hotel). 🔹Sea lovers: Book a seaside B&B by Golden Beach🌊. 🔹Budget travelers: Affordable homestays in the island's central villages. 📌【Tips】 ☀️Sun & bug protection: Strong UV—bring hats and sunscreen🧴. 🙏Temple etiquette: Stay quiet inside the Ancestral Temple; no flip-flops or short skirts. 💰Cash backup: Some small shops only accept cash💵. ⏳【2-Day Itinerary】 DAY1: Mazu Ancestral Temple → Tianfei Hometown → Lunch → Ewei Shenshi Park → Golden Beach sunset🌅. DAY2: Meiyu Chaoyin sunrise → Island cycling → Souvenir shopping → Return trip🚢.