Major city · China
Putian莆田
Give Putian one night for the Mazu temple on Meizhou Island; skip the city itself unless you are on a Fujian coast loop.
Putian is a mid-size Fujian coast city on the Fuzhou–Xiamen high-speed line, best known as the birthplace of Mazu worship and the ferry base for Meizhou Island. The urban core is a working city of shoe factories and malls with thin sightseeing; the draw is the island temple, 40 min by road plus ferry, and the Mazu birthday festival in spring. Most travellers pass through in a day or use it as a stop between Quanzhou and Fuzhou.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- Oct–Dec, Mar–Apr
- avoid Jul–Sep (typhoon season), May–Jun (heavy rain)
- Airports
- FOC · XMN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Putian110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Putian, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyPutian is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are typhoon-season ferry and rail cancellations, summer heat and humidity…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportFOC Fuzhou Changle International (About 1.5–2 h to Putian by road or airport coach).
- Getting aroundCity buses cover the centre and cost a few yuan; taxis and ride-hailing are cheap for short hops.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealXinghua rice noodles or noodle soup¥10–25 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerdraught in a restaurant / can at a convenience store¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5)¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxi¥15–25 (≈ US$3–4)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride¥1–3 (≈ under US$1)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥50–100 (≈ US$7–14)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or temple entryfree–¥50 (≈ US$7)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personCN¥80 (≈ US$12)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomCN¥400 (≈ US$60)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomCN¥800 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥300 (≈ US$45) · Mid CN¥600 (≈ US$85) · High CN¥1,200 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- FOC Fuzhou Changle International (About 1.5–2 h to Putian by road or airport coach) · XMN Xiamen Gaoqi International (About 1.5–2 h by road; high-speed rail via Xiamen North is an alternative)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Mar–Apr, Oct–Dec. Avoid: May–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Jun (17 rain days), driest Nov (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Putian: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
14 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
16 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
City buses cover the centre and cost a few yuan; taxis and ride-hailing are cheap for short hops. Meizhou Island needs a road transfer to the ferry pier plus the ferry, so plan half a day. High-speed rail links Putian station to Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Xiamen.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Meizhou Island and Mazu Temple
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h each way
Bus or taxi to the ferry pier, then ferry to the island
The main reason to come; island ticket and ferry are separate costs.
Jiuli Lake, Xianyou County
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Bus or car to Xianyou, then local transport to the scenic area
Waterfall and lake walk; entry around ¥50.
Southern Shaolin Monastery
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h each way
Bus 201 from Putian Railway Station to Xitianwei, then shuttle
Reconstructed temple; free entry, martial arts shows cost extra.
Door to door: About 1 h
High-speed rail from Putian station
Better base for old-town sights and food.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Chengxiang District (city centre)
Political and cultural core near Shouxi Park and Putian Museum; most mid-range hotels and easy bus links.
Licheng District
Commercial core with malls and upscale residential blocks; good for shopping and restaurants.
Meizhou Island (Xiuyu District)
Sleep on the island only if you want the temple at opening or the Mazu festival; limited rooms, book ahead.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥250–450 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥450–900 (≈ US$65–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥900 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 1 night × CN¥400 | CN¥400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × CN¥600 | CN¥1,200 |
| Meizhou Island ticket plus return ferry2 × CN¥110 | CN¥220 |
| High-speed rail Quanzhou–Putian, one way2 × CN¥40 · check | CN¥80 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥70 | CN¥140 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥204 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥1,122 per person per day, bed included | CN¥2,244≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in yuan; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Xinghua rice noodles or noodle soup | ¥10–25 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Beer: draught in a restaurant / can at a convenience store | ¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5) / ¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxi | ¥15–25 (≈ US$3–4) |
| City bus ride | ¥1–3 (≈ under US$1) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥50–100 (≈ US$7–14) |
| Museum or temple entry | free–¥50 (≈ US$7) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Meizhou Island needs a paid island ticket plus a separate ferry ticket; both are extra to the free temple entry.
- Typhoons can cancel ferries and rail in Jul–Sep; keep a buffer day.
- English is limited outside hotels; have your destination written in Chinese.
- Shoe and souvenir markets sell copies; check what you are buying.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Putian莆田
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
Most countries have embassies in Beijing and consulates-general in Guangzhou, Shanghai or Xiamen; check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ferry to Meizhou Island, return: about ¥45 (≈ US$7), plus ¥65 (≈ US$10) island ticket
- Taxi city centre → ferry pier: ¥60–100 (≈ US$9–14) (check)
- High-speed rail Putian → Quanzhou: about ¥30–50 (≈ US$5–7), 40–60 min (check)
Say or show
- 不好意思 — Excuse me / Sorry (bù hǎo yì si)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xiè xie)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duō shao qián)
- 可以刷卡吗？ — Can I pay by card? (kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma)
- 洗手间在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ)
- 请到这个地址 — To this address, please (qǐng dào zhè ge dì zhǐ)
Putian has no airport; use Fuzhou or Xiamen and connect by rail or coach.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Putian. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Dec, Mar–Apr · avoid Jul–Sep (typhoon season), May–Jun (heavy rain) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for FOC and XMN: coach and rail options field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Chengxiang centre, Licheng malls, Shouxi Park and museum, Meizhou Island.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Mazu Temple, Putian Museum, Southern Shaolin, Jiuli Lake) and eat pages with last orders.
- Typhoon and ferry-cancellation fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialPutian municipal government
- officialMeizhou Mazu Temple
- officialPutian Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Putian, revision 5203820 (CC BY-SA 4.0)