Xiapu

霞浦

A fishing town on the northeast coast famous among photographers for its dramatic intertidal zones, colorful fishing nets, and stunning dawn and dusk lighting reflected in tidal flats. A hidden gem for visual beauty and a more authentic maritime experience than developed coastal resorts.

Things to do

• Jiangxiayu Tidal Flat Photography — The most famous intertidal zone in Xiapu, best visited at dawn or dusk when reflected light transforms the mudflats into a mirror-like landscape ideal for landscape photography.
• Beibi Village Fishing Net Walk — Stroll through traditional bamboo fishing net frames and colorful nets drying in the sun, offering authentic glimpses of local fishermen's daily work and excellent photo opportunities.
• Xiapu Harbor Sunrise Tour — Wake early to catch fishing boats departing and the golden light illuminating the harbor, water, and weathered vessels in their most photogenic state.
• Luo Jia Village Coastal Exploration — Wander this quieter fishing village known for its traditional architecture, narrow alleys, and less-crowded perspectives of the coastline and local maritime culture.
• Meizhou Island Day Trip — Take a short boat ride to this offshore island to explore rocky shores, sea stacks, and more isolated tidal zones with fewer visitors than the main town.
• Gao Qi Village Salt Ponds — Visit the historic salt ponds where traditional salt harvesting methods are still practiced, creating geometric patterns of brine pools across the landscape.

Food to try

• Xiapu Sea Urchin (海胆) — Fresh sea urchin harvested locally and served raw or steamed, prized for its sweet briny flavor and creamy texture during spring months.
• Dried Squid (鱿鱼干) — Locally caught squid dried in the sun using traditional methods, chewy and intensely flavored, often grilled over charcoal or braised with aromatics.
• Fisherman's Soup (渔家汤) — A rustic broth made from the day's catch of small fish, seaweed, and seasonal vegetables, embodying the authentic taste of the working harbor.
• Razor Clams (竹蛏) — Local specialty shellfish steamed simply with ginger and scallions or stir-fried with garlic, tender and sweet with a subtle mineral quality.
• Kelp and Seaweed Snacks (海带、紫菜) — Dried seaweed products sourced from local waters, eaten as snacks or incorporated into rice dishes, reflecting the ocean-based food culture.
• Fresh Fish Congee (鱼粥) — Early morning comfort dish made with white fish stock, rice, and freshly caught local fish, often eaten before dawn before heading out to photograph.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive Before Dawn for Photography — Most visitors come for sunrise shots, so accommodation fills early; plan to wake by 4–5 AM to secure the best positions and light at tidal flats.
• Respect Fishing Operations — The town is a working harbor—avoid blocking boats, asking fishermen to pose, or disrupting nets during active fishing seasons; observe quietly and ask permission before photographing people.
• Bring Proper Footwear — Tidal flats are muddy and slippery; wear waterproof boots with good grip rather than hiking shoes to safely navigate the uneven intertidal zones.
• Learn Basic Mandarin Greetings — English is rarely spoken in this authentic fishing town; learning simple phrases like 'nǐ hǎo' and 'xièxiè' helps with locals and enhances the cultural experience.