Meizhou Island in Putian
Meizhou Island is the second largest island in Putian, which is qualified to become a bathing beach resort, and is known for being the birthplace of the goddess Matsu.
Attraction Type: Nature & Parks, Islands
Chinese Name: 莆田市湄洲岛
Best Time to Visit:June to October
Open Hours: 07:00~19:00
Admission Fee: 65 RMB / Person
Address in English: No.1588 Meizhou Avenue, Xiuyu District, Putian, Fujian Province, China.
Address in Chinese: 中国福建省莆田秀屿区梅州大道1588号
Why is Meizhou Island So Special
Meizhou Island (湄洲岛), located in Xiuyu District, Putian City, Fujian Province, is situated 42 kilometers southeast of downtown Putian and just 1.82 nautical miles from the mainland. It covers an area of 14.35 square kilometers and includes over 30 islands, islets, and reefs. The island is renowned as the birthplace of Mazu, the Sea Goddess, and features scenic spots like the Mazu Temple and Jiubao Lan Golden Beach.
Geography and Climate
Meizhou Island stretches 9.6 kilometers north to south and 1.3 kilometers east to west, with a coastline of 30.4 kilometers. It enjoys a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 21°C and average annual rainfall of about 1,000 millimeters.
History
Meizhou Island has been part of Putian County since the Southern Dynasties. Over the centuries, it has undergone various administrative changes, becoming a national tourism resort in 1992 and a AAAA scenic area in 2020. As of August 29, 2024, it has welcomed over 2 million visitors in the year, marking a 7.93% increase from the previous year.
Key Attractions
- Mazu Temple (妈祖祖庙)
- Jiubao Lan Golden Beach (九宝澜黄金沙滩)
- “Little Stone Forest” (鹅尾怪石)
- National Marine Park of Meizhou Island (湄洲岛国家级海洋公园)
Visiting Information
- Location: 1588 Meizhou Avenue, Xiuyu District, Putian City, Fujian Province
- Opening Hours: 07:00 – 22:00 (subject to seasonal changes)
- Scenic Rating: AAAA level
- Area: 14.35 km²
How to Get There
Travel with China Dragon Tours(Top Recommended)
If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Meizhou Island with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.
Independent Travel
You need to take bus to rent a car to bring you to Wenjia Wharf first, then transfer to a ferry to board the island. You may rent a car or take bus at local bus station to get to the wharf. It takes about 2 hours from hou to Wenjia Wharf, about 2.5 hours from Xiamen to Wenjia Wharf. To Wenjia Wharf, 50 minutes from Putian city to Wenjia Wharf. The boat or ferry from Wenjian Wharf to the island takes 15 minutes. After you board the island, you can take the tourist shuttle bus to tour around the island.
Scenic Layout
Meizhou Island (湄洲岛) boasts stunning coastal scenery and rich natural resources, making it a premier tourist destination. The island is characterized by blue skies, azure seas, sunshine, and sandy beaches, creating a romantic seaside landscape. The coastline stretches 30.4 kilometers and features 13 golden beaches totaling 20 kilometers in length, along with 5 kilometers of coastal erosion rock formations. Over 20 scenic spots combine azure seas, golden sands, green forests, coastal rocks, unique stones, and temples, resulting in a breathtaking natural landscape where mountains meet the sea. The ancient echoes of the “Meiyu Tide Sound” resonate like orchestral raindrops or the harmonious sound of bells and drums, expressing a deep longing and vibrant song. The rugged and peculiar “Goose Tail Stone” has weathered the ages, taking on forms resembling a turtle, a frog, an eagle, a lion, and a boat.
As of 2011, Meizhou Island is directly governed by Putian City (莆田市) and includes Meizhou Town (湄洲镇), which is comprised of 11 administrative villages: Gongxia (共宫下), Dongcai (东蔡), Gaozhu (高朱), Lianchi (莲池), Zhaixia (寨下), Shanwei (汕尾), Xiting (西亭), Beidai (北埭), Ganglou (港楼), Houxiang (后巷), and Xiashan (下山). By the end of 2008, the total number of households in the town was 9,817, with a population of around 40,000.
Major Attractions
Meiyu Tide Sound (湄屿潮音)
The Baiyu Beach (白玉沙滩) lies against Mazu Mountain (妈祖山), facing the East China Sea (东海) and surrounded by lush mountains and clear waters. Here, the tidal sounds resonate harmoniously, enhancing the coastal charm of the fishing village. The coastline features erratic rock formations of green stone, shaped by the relentless waves over the years into natural grooves that are 1-2 meters wide and hundreds of meters long. With the ebb and flow of the tides, these grooves produce a marvelous symphony, drawing visitors into the captivating “Meiyu Tide Sound.”
Jiubao Lan Golden Beach (九宝澜黄金沙滩)
Known as “the world’s number one beach,” Jiubao Lan Golden Beach is located on the southwest protrusion of Meizhou Island. The beach, which stretches for kilometers, features wide, flat golden sands that resemble a crescent moon suspended over the deep blue sea. The beach is 3 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, with gentle slopes and fine sand. Backed by lush casuarinas and unique rock formations, it offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. An American traveler once described it as “the Hawaiian Islands of the East.” Since 2000, the beach has developed into a leisure resort and seaside bathing area, equipped with various hotels and charming accommodations. The best times to visit Jiubao Lan are during sunrise and sunset.
Goose Tail Stone (鹅尾神石)
The Goose Tail Stone Garden (鹅尾神石园) is situated at the southern tip of the beautiful Meizhou Island National Tourism Resort. Covering 32 hectares and standing 65 meters above sea level, it resembles a natural “stone bonsai” and is also known as the “Little Stone Forest.” The park features uniquely shaped rocks that captivate visitors with their vivid forms and rich geological knowledge, embodying the enchanting legends of Mazu (妈祖). The garden comprises five sections: Jinshan’ao (金山坳), Donglidongwai (洞里洞外), Haimen (海门), Shizishan (狮子山), and Shenshigang (神石冈). Visitors can explore numerous attractions, including the Turtle Pilgrimage, Fairy Mirror, Flying Spear Cave, Axe-Cleft Cliff, and more. The nearby beach, music leisure plaza, and forest playground provide ample opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
Mazu Temple (湄洲祖庙)
The Mazu Temple on Meizhou Island, revered as the “Mazu Ancestral Temple,” was established in the fourth year of the Song Dynasty (公元987年), the same year Lin Mo (林默娘) passed away. Initially a simple structure, it has expanded over the centuries into a grand edifice. The famous navigator Zheng He (郑和) praised its divine assistance during his voyages to the West, leading to further expansions of the temple. In 2006, the Mazu Temple was recognized as a key cultural heritage site and its associated rituals were included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage. On September 30, 2009, the “Mazu Belief” successfully entered UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during a review in Abu Dhabi, marking China’s first inclusion in this category.
Behind the Mazu Temple, inscriptions on the rocks depict “Ascension Ancient Site” and “Gaze at the Waves.” Standing atop the rocks, one can gaze out at the vast sea, where seagulls skim the waves and boats traverse the waters. The rocky coastline features vast green stones shaped by the sea, resonating with the sounds of the tides, which transform from soft orchestral tones to the roaring of thunder, creating the captivating “Meiyu Tide Sound.”
National Marine Park (国家级海洋公园)
On November 1, 2016, Meizhou Island National Marine Park (湄洲岛国家级海洋公园) was designated by the State Oceanic Administration. The park encompasses key protected areas in the northeast (Chiyushan and Xiaodingyu ecological special protection areas), the Mazu Pilgrimage Area (which includes the Mazu Temple, Meiyu Tide Sound, and Mazu’s birthplace), the central beach leisure area (including Lianchi Ao and Beidai beaches), the southern Golden Coast leisure resort (including Goose Tail Mountain and Jiubao Lan beaches), Bai Bo Bay leisure area, northwest ecological tourism transport area, reserved areas, and surrounding marine regions, covering a total area of 6,911 hectares.
Cultural Activities
Dragon Boat Festival with Mazu Flag
During the Dragon Boat Festival, Putian often holds dragon boat races, distinct from the nationwide tradition that commemorates Qu Yuan. Boats made in Putian must display a flag bearing the “Heavenly Mother” (天上圣母) and carry a statue of Mazu (妈祖). This tradition arises because the dragon is the king of the waters, while Mazu is the goddess of the sea. Rowing dragon boats adorned with Mazu’s flag and statue helps drive away evil spirits and ensures the safety of the boats, preventing accidents.
Decorating Candle Mountain
On the night of the Lantern Festival dedicated to Mazu, both large temples and small shrines are adorned with “Candle Mountain.” This involves constructing a tiered frame made of iron or wood in front of the Heavenly Mother Palace, where bamboo clips are placed at intervals for holding candles. Devotees contribute pairs of dragon and phoenix candles, lighting them and inserting them into the clips, creating the appearance of a mountain of candles from a distance, symbolizing Mazu illuminating the sea. Afterwards, devotees remember their candle’s position and extinguish it when it burns down to one or two inches, taking it home to continue burning for blessings and safety throughout the year.
Lantern Festival Tradition
The custom in Putian for the Lantern Festival begins on the ninth day of the lunar calendar and concludes on the fifteenth with the “Lantern Heart.” However, Mazu’s Lantern Festival is celebrated until the twenty-ninth day of the lunar month. It is said that during this festival, people traditionally play with dragon lanterns. After the Lantern Festival, dragon lanterns must be burned to allow them to ascend to the heavens for safety; if not, they become “evil dragons” that endanger lives. Believing Mazu, as the goddess of the sea, presides over the dragon kings, her Lantern Festival is fixed for the last day of the lunar month, allowing all dragon lanterns from the county to be burned together to prevent any from causing trouble.
Hanging Mats on Fishing Boats
When fishing boats set sail from Putian, it is common to hang a mat shaped like a sail from the mast for favorable winds. This practice is said to originate from Mazu. According to the “Records of the Divine Mother’s Manifestation” (天后显圣录), when Mazu wanted to cross the river and the boat lacked sails and oars, the helmsman was afraid to proceed due to rough waters. Mazu advised, “It’s fine; you can use a mat instead.” After hanging a mat from the mast, the boat sailed out to sea swiftly and steadily, resembling the gliding of a seagull. Over time, due to the unwieldiness of the mat, it was replaced with a cloth mat, now adorned with a triangular flag of the “Heavenly Mother.”
Nine-Layer Rice Cake
On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, people in Putian often steam “Nine-Layer Rice Cake” (九重米粿) using rice flour and other ingredients. They steam one layer at a time, repeating this process nine times to create the cake. According to folklore, the cake is made in memory of Mazu, who passed away on the ninth day of the ninth month. The name “Nine-Layer” is derived from this date’s repetition of the number nine. The cake is both an offering to Mazu and a snack for outdoor excursions.
Protective Pouches
In Putian, parents often visit temples to request protective pouches for their children, which they wear for personal safety against malevolent spirits. These pouches are made of cloth, roughly two inches square, with a red front featuring a Tai Chi Bagua design. The corners are adorned with “Meizhou Ancestral Temple” (湄洲祖庙) embroidered in the gaps. The back is green, with a red flower embroidered in the center, and a red cloth cover inscribed with “Heavenly Mother” (天上圣母). They can hold charms or incense ash, with a hole for threading to wear as an amulet.
Hanging Calamus
During the Dragon Boat Festival, people in Putian have a tradition of hanging calamus (菖蒲) on their doors for protection against evil. Although this custom is found in various regions, in Putian it is associated with Mazu’s legend of healing. According to the “Records of the Divine Mother’s Manifestation,” during a plague, the county magistrate’s family fell ill. The magistrate learned of Mazu’s great powers and, after fasting, sought her guidance. Mazu, recognizing his compassion, instructed him to use nine sections of calamus, placing it on the doors of the afflicted and brewing it as a remedy, resulting in immediate recovery. From then on, Mazu became renowned across the nation. Consequently, calamus came to be viewed as a gift from Mazu, capable of dispelling misfortune, leading to its widespread hanging as a local custom.
Sacred Cup Divination
In Putian, there exists a belief in divination using a pair of semi-circular wooden or bamboo implements, commonly referred to as “sacred cups.” According to local legend, a potter faced difficulties casting a cauldron until he noticed a girl watching him. Fearing it was bad luck, he tried to chase her away, but she requested some hot iron sand. After complying, the girl took the sand home unharmed. It is believed that this girl was a young Mazu, and the sacred cups were formed from the cooled iron sand she handled, enabling communication with the divine. Thus, people began creating their own sacred cups from wood or bamboo for divination.
Sail-shaped Hair Bun
The sail-shaped hair bun, also known as the boat hairstyle, is customary among women on Meizhou Island. As men go out to fish, women manage the home, praying for Mazu’s protection over the sailors. Women, especially those middle-aged and older, style their hair into a bun resembling a sail, positioned high at the back of the head, often with a height of over ten centimeters. This “Mazu Bun” (妈祖髻) is created by sectioning the hair into left, middle, and right parts, forming the bun with the central section and then styling the sideburns accordingly. Sometimes, a large sewing needle or silver pin with a red thread is added for embellishment. Local fishermen believe Mazu herself wore a similar hairstyle, leading to this custom among her descendants, symbolizing both their identity as residents of Meizhou Island and their hope for Mazu’s protection.
Half Red Pants
Many middle-aged and older women on Meizhou Island wear a distinctive pair of trousers, with the upper half red and the lower half either black or blue. This style is said to mimic Mazu’s attire. The “Records of the Divine Mother’s Manifestation” detail instances where Mazu appeared wearing red robes, prompting the women of Meizhou Island to adopt this holy attire. However, as Mazu is divine and can wear full red, the women, being ordinary people, only wear the upper portion in red to show their respect for Mazu and seek blessings for safety.
Prohibition of Fishing on Mazu’s Birthday
In the days surrounding the twenty-third of the third lunar month, fishermen on Meizhou Island refrain from going out to fish or angling. The “Records of the Divine Mother’s Manifestation” recount that during a time when many sea monsters plagued fishermen, Mazu instructed them to paddle out into the sea. As they did, they observed schools of fish gathering and saw a figure resembling a princely deity bowing before Mazu. After Mazu reassured them, the waters calmed, revealing that the dragon king had come to pay his respects. From then on, during Mazu’s birthday, local fishermen believe that the dragon king visits Mazu, causing turbulent waters, thus they abstain from fishing during this time in her honor. Additionally, research suggests that around the twenty-third of the third lunar month, numerous fish are observed spawning in the surrounding waters, perhaps reflecting an intriguing coincidence between folklore and natural phenomena.
Other Highlights
Mazu Noodles
Mazu Noodles (妈祖面) are made from thin, long wheat noodles symbolizing health and safety. In Putian, it is traditional to eat these noodles on the first day of the lunar new year and the fifth day (Da Sui) as well as on other significant occasions. It is said that those with stomach ailments benefit from eating these noodles for therapeutic effects. The dish is visually appealing, featuring vibrant colors and harmoniously paired ingredients. The seaweed, known as “purple robe” (紫菜), symbolizes wealth and must be fried until crispy. Round shiitake mushrooms represent reunion, while green peas and yellow eggs symbolize health. The peanuts signify stability and good fortune. The noodles should be blanched and dressed with pork fat. The broth typically includes clams, red mushrooms, and daylilies, giving it a light red color that represents good omens.
Mixed Fried Oyster Cake
Mixed Fried Oyster Cake (什锦炒海蛎饼), also known as Fried Flour Cake, differs from the typical Min Nan-style oyster omelet. This dish incorporates a variety of vegetables and features fresh oysters from Meizhou Island, sweet potato flour from Putian, and fried peanuts. Its texture is smooth and flavorful, with a delightful crunch from the peanuts. However, if not prepared well, it can become overly greasy.
Fisherman’s Purple Seaweed
Fisherman’s Purple Seaweed (渔家煮头水紫菜) is a traditional dish featuring soft, fluffy seaweed cooked with a unique homemade fish sauce, resulting in a fragrant, sweet, and savory flavor.
Meizhou Fish Rice
Meizhou Fish Rice (湄洲鱼饭), also known as Cucumber Fish Rice, is a modified dish based on local fishermen’s practices of serving ribbon fish over rice. Fresh, wild fish is essential to infuse the rice with sweetness. The most authentic version is made by “Little Cabbage” at the Baicai Restaurant on Meizhou Island. The dish is soft and aromatic, showcasing the island’s culinary heritage.
Development and Conservation
By 2008, Meizhou Island had established key infrastructure projects, including transportation, communication, and utilities. With over 30 tourism service facilities, including hotels, entertainment centers, and beaches, the island’s greenery coverage reached 50.6%. It has been recognized as one of China’s top green counties and a national AAAA-rated tourist area, as well as one of Fujian Province’s top ten tourist brands.
Since being designated as a national tourist resort in 1992, the Hong Kong Li Po Group has invested $1.9 billion over 20 years to develop the island into a renowned pilgrimage and vacation destination in the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide.
In April 2007, construction began on the Meizhou Island International Hotel during the Eighth Meizhou Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival. With an investment of over 80 million yuan, the hotel significantly enhanced the island’s tourism infrastructure and capacity, providing a warm environment for visitors, especially Mazu pilgrims from Taiwan.
From 2008 to early 2009, key projects included a seaside hotel, a transportation terminal capable of accommodating 3,000-ton passenger ships for direct routes to Taiwan, a heated seawater swimming pool, a cross-sea corridor, and an ecological forum venue, among others. The island is also actively working to attain national AAAA-level tourist area status through environmental improvements and enhanced public services.
Cultural Relevance
Legend of Mazu
Mazu, originally named Lin Mo (林默), was born on March 23, 960 AD and passed away on September 9, 987 AD. She did not cry at birth, leading her father to name her “Mo” (默). She never married and was known for her intelligence and compassion. By age 8, she could recite scriptures, and by 16, she navigated the seas, saving countless fishermen from peril. On her 28th birthday, she ascended to the heavens from Meizhou Island. In honor of her good deeds, a temple was erected near the “Ascension Ancient Site” on Meizhou Peak. During the Song Dynasty, she was posthumously honored as “Lady Shunji” (顺济夫人), the first formal recognition from the court. Subsequent dynasties conferred her titles such as “Heavenly Consort” (天妃) and “Holy Mother” (天上圣母). The majestic Mazu statue overlooking the sea stands as a symbol of peace and protection.
Significance of Divination
It is commonly said, “Crossing into the temple, two things are done: burning incense and drawing lots.” In fact, Chinese folk belief integrates Buddhism, Daoism, and many ancient legends. Divination remains a significant aspect of folk belief. Many Mazu temples in Putian preserve divination poetry, categorized into five types: travel and communication, feng shui, marriage and family matters, fortune and wealth, and health concerns.
Unique Offerings
Mazu’s offerings are distinctive. Besides common foods, there are 36 platters of “Water Tribe Pilgrimage” made from flour, featuring fish, shrimp, crabs, and clams. During worship at the Xiaxu Xinjing Palace, celestial and ship diagrams are displayed, and shell models are set up at the ancestral temple in Zhongmen Port. These offerings are all related to the sea, emphasizing that worshiping Mazu is essentially worshiping the ocean.
Important Events
Honors Received
In 1992, Meizhou Island was established as a national tourist resort. In 1998, it was designated as a foreign trade tourism economic zone. In 2012, it was included in the national AAAA scenic area list.
On November 1, 2016, Meizhou Island National Marine Park was certified by the National Oceanic Administration.
In 2021, Meizhou Island became the first national 5A scenic area to pass the “dual carbon” planning review.
In 2023, it was selected as part of the “Harmonious Islands” list.
Major Events
On August 29, 2024, the total number of visitors to Meizhou Island exceeded 2 million, 33 days earlier than in 2023, representing a 7.93% increase. Among them, 900,000 were from outside the province, an increase of 23.29%, and 826,000 stayed overnight, an increase of 18.17%. All indicators set historical highs.
Significance and Value
Mazu Culture (妈祖文化)
The term “Mazu Culture” (妈祖文化) was first proposed by Professor Lin Jinwen (林金文) of Shanghai Normal University (上海师范大学) during the Mazu Millennium Festival (妈祖千年祭) academic seminar held in Putian (莆田) in 1987. According to the records by Liao Pengfei (廖鹏飞) in “The Reconstruction of the Shendun Mazu Temple” (圣墩祖庙重建顺济庙记): “Only the goddess, known for her strength, is especially spiritual; she is said to be a celestial goddess. Her surname is Lin (林), from Meizhou Island (湄洲屿). Initially, she served as a priestess, capable of foreseeing blessings and calamities. After her death, the people built a temple on her island…” Mazu worship (妈祖信仰) initially was limited to the Meizhou region (湄洲区域), but gradually spread beyond. Mazu Culture encompasses a series of derivative cultures and civilizations originating from Mazu worship. Wang Xiuwen (王秀文) believes that Mazu Culture includes the moral connotations, beliefs, and multidisciplinary cultural meanings of Mazu worship. The connotations of Mazu belief primarily include various worship activities and customs, while the multidisciplinary aspects refer to cultural contents involving different disciplines, such as folk art, folklore, and oral literature formed from Mazu worship, covering history, literature, art, folklore, religion, and architecture. The enduring nature of Mazu belief for over a thousand years, evolving into a global faith, is due to the spiritual essence encapsulated in Mazu Culture.
Mazu Worship (妈祖信仰)
The Meizhou Mazu Grand Temple (湄洲妈祖祖庙) was expanded during the Tiansheng period (天圣年间, 1023-1032 AD) and grew increasingly magnificent. During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (明永乐年间, 1403-1424 AD), navigator Zheng He (郑和) made two trips to Meizhou Island (湄洲岛) to preside over imperial sacrificial ceremonies and expand the temple. On Mazu’s birthday, hundreds of compatriots from Hong Kong (香港), Macau (澳门), and Taiwan (台湾) form pilgrimage groups to the island for worship. During the Yongle period, with the surge of Chinese emigration overseas, Mazu worship spread widely to ports across East Asia and Southeast Asia, with many temples dedicated to Mazu, such as those in Nagasaki (长崎) and Yokohama (横滨) in Japan, A-Ma Temple (妈阁庙) in Macau, Tianhou Temple (天后宫) in Kuala Lumpur (吉隆坡), Long Tian Palace (隆天宫) in the Philippines, and Tin Hau Temple (天后庙) in Causeway Bay (铜锣湾), Hong Kong. Fujian (福建), Mazu’s birthplace, remains the strongest region for Mazu belief, with over a hundred temples in Putian (莆田) alone. Before the Republic of China era (民国), every coastal county in Fujian had dozens of Mazu temples, and the number remains significant today. Mazu culture even penetrates the inland Hakka areas of western Fujian (闽西客家山区). Three Mazu temples in Fujian have been designated as key cultural relics protected by the state (中国全国重点文物保护单位).
Mazu Scriptures (妈祖经文)
The scriptures related to Mazu (妈祖), often referred to as “The Sutra of the Heavenly Mother” (观音大士说天妃娘娘经), have origins dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (元朝), when Buddhism flourished, and were popularized by the late Ming Dynasty (明朝). Another scripture from the Ming Dynasty’s “Records of the Three Teachings” (三教搜神记) states “The Great Supreme Lord speaks of the Heavenly Mother” (太上老君说天妃经文). In modern times, a scripture popular in Malaysia takes the form of “Three Character Classic” (三字经), created during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era (清乾隆年). According to records left by temples, these scriptures mainly recount Mazu’s life and divine powers, with limited strict interpretation, typically recited during rituals, showcasing a certain vitality.
Travel Information
Opening Hours
Meizhou Island (湄洲岛) enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, making it suitable for visits at any time.
Transportation
Bus Services: Meizhou Island has three bus routes:
- Route 1: Meizhou Wharf (湄洲码头), Mazu Grand Temple (妈祖祖庙), Market (市场), Lotus Street (莲花街), Golden Sand Beach (黄金沙滩), Ewei Sacred Stone Garden (鹅尾神石园). The fare is a flat rate of 2 yuan.
- Route 2: Meizhou Wharf (湄洲码头), Mazu Temple (妈祖神庙), Market (市场), Zhaixia (寨下), Kaiyuan (开元), Golden Sand Beach (黄金沙滩), Ewei Sacred Stone Garden (鹅尾神石园). The fare is also a flat rate of 2 yuan.
- Route 3 (Tourist Line): Meizhou Wharf (湄洲码头), Mazu Temple (妈祖神庙), Meihai Grand Hotel (美海大酒店), Lotus Pool Beach (莲池沙滩), Golden Coast Resort (金海岸度假村), International Hotel (国际大酒店), Mazu Film City (妈祖影视城), Ewei Sacred Stone Garden (鹅尾神石园), Golden Sand Beach (黄金沙滩). The fare is a flat rate of 3 yuan.
Electric Tourist Cars: Electric tourist cars (电瓶旅游车) are privately owned, leading to varying driver skills and inconsistent pricing. A full loop around Meizhou Island typically costs around 100 yuan, and sequential rides between attractions may exceed this cost. It is not recommended for small groups; larger groups may consider chartering a vehicle.
Bicycles: Public bicycles (公共自行车) have been operational on Meizhou Island since August 20, 2018, providing a green transportation option for residents and allowing tourists to enjoy cycling and sightseeing. A service center is located on Meizhou North Avenue (湄洲北大道), where residents and tourists can consult about membership cards. In addition to card rentals, bikes can be rented directly via WeChat by scanning QR codes on the bikes.
Self-Driving: Travelers can reach Meizhou Island (湄洲岛) via the Putian Xiu Highway (莆永高速公路) connecting to the Shenhai Expressway (沈海高速公路). Look for signs leading to the Xipu Interchange (西埔互通), then follow directions to the Putian Xiuyue Highway (莆田秀屿高速公路). Ferries operate between Wenjia Wharf (文甲码头) on the north shore of Meizhou Island and the island itself.
Buses:
- From Putian Bus Station (莆田汽车站) (New Wengong Road) (新文公路) to Wenjia Wharf (文甲码头) (by boat) to Meizhou Island (湄洲岛).
- From Fuzhou-Xiamen Expressway (福厦高速) to Putian (莆田) (toward Meizhou Island) to Shimen’ao (石门澳) (exit on the west side of Yuepu) to Wenjia Wharf (文甲码头) (by boat) to Meizhou Island (湄洲岛).
- Route 363 (363路) from Putian Railway Station (莆田火车站) to Wenjia Wharf (文甲码头) (by boat) to Meizhou Island (湄洲岛).
Discount Policies
Since the reopening of the scenic area in 2020, Meizhou Island (湄洲岛) has offered free access to healthcare workers (全国医护工作者) nationwide until December 31, 2020, honoring those fighting on the front lines during the pandemic while further promoting the spirit of Mazu (妈祖精神) and spreading her great love. Healthcare workers can present valid identification (医师执业资格证书 or 护士执业资格证书) to enjoy free admission to Meizhou Island attractions, including entrance tickets and boat fares, as well as tickets to the Mazu Cultural Park (妈祖文化园), Mazu Anping Street (妈祖平安里), and Ewei Sacred Stone tickets (鹅尾神化石门票).
Recommended Visiting Route
Golden Coast – Mazu Temple – Potala Palace at sea – The Ancestral Temple Forest Park – the Japanese Pit Beach – Mazu film city – Goose Tail God Stone Garden – Golden Beach – Three Thousand Tons Pier.
Useful Travel Tips
1. Best Time to Go
June to October would be the best time to visit Meizhou Island, to enjoy the sunshine on the beach. It would be a little cold if you come in winter.
2. Accommodate at Meizhou Island
Most of the hotels or guesthouse can be found near to the Meizhou Ancestral Temple of Goddess Matsu. The hotel facilities are not too bad. The hotel price is quite reasonable in normal days, but it will rise at weekends or during holidays.
