Exploring the Mountain City: A Colorful Journey to Longyan

5-Day, 4-Night Travel Diary of Longyan This summer, I embarked on a long-awaited 5-day, 4-night trip to Longyan, which felt like a magical adventure filled with surprises and unforgettable experiences. Day 1: Wuping Baijia Grand Courtyard – A Journey Through Time Morning: Arrived in Wuping and headed straight to Baijia Grand Courtyard. Stepping inside felt like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The 22 ancient buildings, arranged in a layout featuring "one street, two springs, three bridges, four pavilions, five archways, and eighteen alleys," exuded timeless charm. I immersed myself in history, admiring every intricate wood carving and latticed window, savoring the unique imprints of time. Noon: Had lunch at a small restaurant in the scenic area, trying the local specialty, Boji Ban—thin rice wrappers filled with savory fillings, dipped in a special sauce. One bite brought pure happiness. Afternoon: After exploring all the buildings, I visited nearby Qianlu Lake, where the serene lake and lush mountains created a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Evening: Stayed at the Yatu Hotel within Baijia Grand Courtyard. The room, nestled in an ancient building with wooden beams and carved doors, was steeped in history, yet equipped with modern amenities and high-quality bedding—a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort! Day 2: Changting Ancient Town – A Glimpse of Millennia-Old Charm Morning: Arrived in Changting Ancient Town, entering through Huiji Gate. Strolled along South Street and visited the former site of the Fujian Soviet Government, where the stories of revolutionary heroes came alive. Noon: Had lunch at "Hakka Love Restaurant" on Diantou Street. The must-try dish was Tingzhou Hetian Chicken—boiled to perfection with golden skin and tender, juicy meat. The ginger wine-infused version was aromatic and paired perfectly with rice. Afternoon: Hiked up Wolong Mountain, enjoying the scenery along the way. After two hours, reached Jinsha Temple at the summit, where the panoramic view of the "Bagua City" was absolutely stunning! Evening: Visited the Changting Museum to learn about the town’s history. Later, took a night cruise on Taiping Bridge aboard a traditional Wupeng boat, listening to Hakka folk songs sung by the boatman and admiring the dazzling light show. Stayed at Wolong Mountain Residence near the ancient city walls, falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the Ting River from the rooftop terrace—pure bliss! Day 3: Liancheng Guanzhai Mountain – Marvels of Nature Morning: Took a shuttle from Longyan Station to Guanzhai Mountain’s South Gate, starting a counterclockwise tour. Highlights like Songfeng Pavilion, the "Root of Life," and "One-Line Sky" left me in awe of nature’s wonders. Later, took a boat ride on Shimen Lake, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Noon: Dined at "Zhuxiangge" in the scenic area, savoring their signature steamed white duck—tender meat with a light, sweet broth. Afternoon: Challenged myself on the "Sky Wall" trail in Zhu’anzhai Scenic Area. The 2.3-kilometer hike was tiring, but the sight of the "Twin Peaks" made it all worthwhile. Evening: Returned to Liancheng County, staying at Yunjing Mountain View Hotel—clean, comfortable, and conveniently located. Explored the night market and indulged in local snacks—utterly satisfying! Day 4: Yongding Tulou – Architectural Wonders Morning: Took a Tulou shuttle from Longyan Bus Station to Hongkeng Folk Culture Village. Entered Zhencheng Lou, marveling at its Bagua (Eight Trigrams) structure. Listening to the descendants of the Lin family, I gained deeper insights into Tulou’s history. Noon: Enjoyed a farmhouse lunch at Tulou, featuring braised pork with preserved vegetables (fatty yet not greasy) and bamboo shoot rice—both fragrant and delicious. Afternoon: Watched the immersive show "Moonlight Blade" and participated in the interactive "Hakka Wedding" experience, diving into lively Hakka customs. Later, visited Gaobei Tulou Cluster to photograph the ancient Wuyun Lou. Evening: Stayed at Yunshanjing Homestay, a charming forest cabin. Joined a forest meditation session at night, leaving both body and mind refreshed. Day 5: Reluctant Farewell Morning: Slept in, enjoyed breakfast at the homestay, and packed for the journey home. Afternoon: On the way back, my mind replayed the wonderful memories of the past few days. Longyan’s landscapes, culture, and cuisine left a deep impression on me. This trip to Longyan not only allowed me to appreciate stunning scenery but also deepened my understanding of Hakka culture. I’m sure I’ll be back!