4 Days Xiapu Mudflat Photo Tour for China’s Most Beautiful Mudflat

Ni Hao! Welcome to Xiapu (霞浦), home to the most beautiful mudflat in China! Upon your arrival, our local tour guide will be waiting for you at Xiapu Railway Station. They will accompany you to your hotel in a private and comfortable vehicle, where you will be able to check in and settle in. On this day, the professional tour guide will arrange the most suitable locations for photography based on weather and tidal conditions.

This afternoon, you will be photographing at Xiaohao Village (小皓村), located approximately 20 km from Xiapu county. Xiaohao Mudflat is a highly versatile location for photography, offering opportunities throughout the year. Regardless of the season, as long as there is light, this mudflat provides a diverse and inspiring setting for creative work. Your main focus will be capturing the stunning beach scenery illuminated by the warm hues of the sunset. Additionally, you will have the chance to photograph local fishermen engaged in catching young fish, scenes of seaweed drying, and explore both the windward and leeward sides of the sandy mudflat. Xiaohao Mudflat is predominantly sandy, and when photographed from the windward side, you can witness the mesmerizing transformation of the vast expanse of golden sand as it dances with the waves. On the leeward side, against the backlighting, the meandering streams flowing across the beach create intricate patterns, glistening with a captivating silver glow.

Photography Tips for Sunset:
(1) Photography Location: Climb up the mountain head along the stone path and capture the breathtaking seascape and the village of Xiaohao at the steep slope. From there, you can overlook Xiaohao Village, the sandy mudflats, fishing boats, and the continuous mountain range.
(2) Best Months: March to May, September to October
(3) Photography Tips: The seaweed surrounding Xiaohao forms an arc shape around the islands, neatly arranged in the sea with a noticeable circular contraction curve. The distant mountain range hugs Xiaohao Village, and the setting sun is right in front of the mountains. The photography spot is far from the sea level, making it suitable for using lenses with focal lengths ranging from 80 to 400.

After the sunset, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Light and Shadow Walkway (光影栈道), where you can indulge in breathtaking ocean views. Make your way to Yugongting Beach (虞公亭沙滩) and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this hidden gem, with its pristine shores and tranquil atmosphere. This unique beach, with its shallow flowing water, bears a striking resemblance to a desert oasis nestled by the sea.

Morning Photography Theme: Sunrise over the sea, Fuyao Archipelago, unique coastal rocks, scenes of seaweed

In this morning, get up early to Huazhu Village (花竹村), about 34km from Xiapu county, to capture the beautiful sunrise. Perched at a lofty vantage point, Huazhu Village offers a mesmerizing vista that seamlessly merges the sea and sky, providing an expansive and immersive experience. As you take in the scene, you'll be captivated by the well-arranged elements: bamboo floats in the foreground, fish farms and charming wooden houses in the middle ground, and distant islands adorned with the graceful shadows of sails. This idyllic setting is a testament to nature's artistic prowess. Huazhu Village is renowned for offering the best panoramic view of the "Fuyao Archipelago", and sunrise is the pinnacle moment to witness its grandeur. The interplay of scattered sunlight paints the landscape with ever-changing hues, harmoniously blending the elements of nature and human presence. On days when wisps of clouds and mist drift above the sea, an ethereal and graceful ambiance envelops the surroundings. The Fuyao Archipelago appears and disappears like a captivating mirage, further enhancing the enchantment of this extraordinary destination.

Photography Tips for Sunrise at Huazhu Village:
(1) Photography Spot: During the season of cultivating and harvesting purple seaweed, as the red sun rises gradually from the sea, the fiery red hues are reflected on the water, creating a mesmerizing glow. The glistening water surface becomes a canvas for fishermen deftly navigating their small boats amidst the bamboo floats, composing a naturally beautiful landscape painting.
(2) Best Months: Huazhu Village can be photographed throughout the year, but the period from September to March of the following year is particularly ideal for capturing its allure.
(3) Photography Tips: To make the most of your sunrise photography experience, start by capturing the wide-angle view to encompass the expansive scenery. Experiment with a slow shutter speed to achieve a captivating blue-tone effect. Additionally, consider trying time-lapse photography to capture the gradual changes in light and colors during the sunrise. Once the sun has risen, switch to a telephoto lens to focus on the intricate details, such as the small boats gracefully moving through the sea, the golden shimmering surface, and the vibrant blocks created by the bamboo floats.

Afterward, make your way to Yangjiaxi's Banyan and Maple Park (杨家溪榕枫公园), renowned for housing China's northernmost latitude ancient banyan tree cluster. Here, you'll witness captivating scenes of rising smoke from cooking fires, an elderly man gently guiding a cow, and a She ethnic woman gracefully carrying water. Between 8:00 and 9:30 in the morning, prepare to be enchanted as the sunlight penetrates the dense canopy of ancient banyan trees or maple forests. The rays of light form stunning radial patterns, creating a mystical and ethereal phenomenon often referred to as "Jesus rays" or crepuscular rays. Through your camera lens, you'll capture a mesmerizing sight, reminiscent of a breathtaking paradise from another realm.

In the afternoon, make your way to Nanwan Oracle (南湾甲骨文) Photography Location. Nanwan Oracle Bones, also known as the Sea Maze, is a mudflat area in Nanwan Village. Due to the needs of aquaculture and tide chasing, fishermen have constructed numerous incomplete enclosures, as well as low and curvaceous long and short embankments on the nearshore mudflats. During low tide, these structures are fully exposed, while during high tide, some enclosures and seawalls become submerged. The remaining seawalls form marvelous patterns, often resembling oracle bone inscriptions, creating a unique spectacle in the mudflat landscape.

Later, get to Xiaqingshan Bridge (下青山大桥) in Hu Yu Ao Village to witness the enchanting sunset of a coastal fishing village. This location offers the opportunity to capture stunning photographs with both backlighting and front lighting techniques. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the seafaring community known as the "Gypsies of the Sea" and experience their unique way of life. The Lian family's boats, adorned with vivid colors, provide a captivating visual spectacle. If the tidal conditions are favorable, you can also capture scenes of oyster farming activities, adding another layer of interest to your photographs.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel for a good rest.

On this day, get up early to explore Weijiang Village (围江), also known as Mantoushan locally. The village derives its nickname from a small hill on a secluded island in the sea, which strikingly resembles a steamed bun and is now referred to as "Zhaoli Island". This remarkable destination is renowned for its picturesque views of the sea at sunrise, the tranquil sight of oysters suspended in the morning light, the captivating beauty of Mantou Mountain, and the awe-inspiring scenes of fishermen diligently drying seaweed.

Photography Tips for Sunrise:
(1) Highlights: Mantou Mountain sunrise, seaweed harvest, drying, and flipping.
(2) Location: Weijiang Village, Shajiang Town, located about thirty kilometers away from the county seat. The area boasts vast mudflats that stretch to the horizon, offering a magnificent backdrop for capturing stunning sunrises and sunsets on the beach. Additionally, it provides excellent opportunities for photographing the harvest of seaweed and small boats on the mudflats.

Later, make your way to Banyueli She Ethnic Village (半月里畲族村落), which is renowned for its well-preserved She culture and architecture that spans over 300 years of history. This village is nestled in a crescent-shaped valley, surrounded by mountains and a reservoir. As you enter the village, you'll be greeted by a majestic banyan tree that has graced the area for centuries, symbolizing the essence of Ban Yue Li. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere and exploring the traditional She houses. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Longxi Palace, an impressive showcase of ancient plaque buildings in Ban Yue Li Village. Another noteworthy attraction is Lei Shiru's Ancestral House, famously known as Lei Shiru Mansion, which is not only the most renowned but also the best-preserved ancient residence in Ban Yue Li. Its construction during the Daoguang era further adds to its historical significance and irresistible charm.

Next, you will be taken to Dong'an Fishing Village (东安渔排), which has earned the reputation of being the "Venice of the Sea". This exceptional place is a floating town comprised of hundreds of thousands of fishing rafts and numerous small wooden houses. It creates the impression of a lively community gracefully floating on the sea, forming a distinctive maritime neighborhood. Dong'an Fishing Village represents the highest concentration of fishing rafts in Xiapu, offering a truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring sight.

Your next stop is Sha Jiang's S-shaped Bay (沙江S湾), where you can capture the mesmerizing sight of thousands of bamboo poles standing tall on the mudflats. These poles form elegant lines that are meticulously arranged along the water channels of the harbor. The result is a picturesque mudflat scenery that is both scattered and harmonious. During the seaweed harvest season, the bay becomes alive with the constant movement of boats navigating through the S-shaped bamboo poles. This vibrant activity adds to the bay's beauty, infusing it with a lively atmosphere and amplifying the enchanting rhythm reminiscent of an ink painting come to life.

In the late afternoon, be transferred to Dongbi (东壁) to witness a breathtaking sunset. Nestled by the mountains and overlooking the sea, Dongbi offers an expansive and awe-inspiring view, making it an ideal location to capture the beauty of the twilight sky. At Dongbi Beach, the ebb and flow of the tides create a mesmerizing and ever-changing texture. As the soft lines and patterns are bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, a captivating contrast emerges between the warm and cool tones, infusing the vibrant beach with a sense of vitality. Prepare to be enchanted by this enchanting scene, leaving you longing for more.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel for a good rest.

Photography Theme: Sunrise, Tiger Skin Beach, Seaweed Cultivation, Curved Bay Road

Start your day early to catch the last morning hours and witness the breathtaking sunrise at Beiqi (北岐). Beiqi, also known as Xiapu Mudflat No. 1 shooting spot, is famous for its stunning sunrise views and is recognized as the most spectacular shooting location in Xiapu Mudflat. As the sun rises, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing sight of tiger-like patterns on the mudflat, along with the silhouettes of fishing poles, people, and boats scattered across the beach and sea. One of the highlights of Beiqi's sunrise is its expansive mudflat area, which creates an exquisite interplay of light and shadows as the sun illuminates the exposed mudflat. Capture the dynamic scene, especially with the bustling activities of the fishermen.

Photography Tips for Beiqi Sunrise:
(1) Check the sunrise time for the specific day, as it varies throughout the year. Make sure to arrive at the observation platform at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot.
(2) Consider using drones or telephoto cameras for optimal photography, but even smartphones can capture the enchanting beauty of the mudflat during the pre-dawn glow.

After the tour, it is time to leave Xiapu and be transferred to the Xiapu Railway Station for your high-speed train to the next destination. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Fujian tour. We are always dedicated to serving you and look forward to welcoming you again for your future trips to China/Asia.