# Ningde

(宁德) Ningde is a coastal city in the eastern part of Fujian Province, known for its rich natural resources and unique maritime culture. The city boasts beautiful beaches, mountains, islands, and abundant ecological landscapes, making it an ideal destination for tourism and vacation. Ningde is also an important base for China's new energy industry, with rapid development and distinctive historical and cultural charm.

## Understand

The city of Ningde is near the southern border of the prefecture. There is some spectacular scenery in Ningde prefecture, but mainly well outside of Ningde city itself.

### History

Ningde has a long history, dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties, and has undergone numerous political and cultural changes over time. As an important port on the Maritime Silk Road, Ningde has a rich maritime culture and trade background, and still preserves a wealth of traditional and cultural heritage today.

### Geography

Ningde City is located in the eastern part of Fujian Province and administers 1 district (Jiao District) and 7 counties (Fu'an, Shouning, Xiapu, Zhouning, Pingnan, Gutian, and Fuding). The region is rich in natural resources, including mountains, coastlines, and ecological attractions, making it ideal for tourism and leisure. Ningde's economy is developing rapidly, particularly in the fields of new energy, fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Each district and county has its unique local features, such as seafood and tea in Fu'an, coastal scenery and photography resources in Xiapu, and natural landscapes and traditional cuisine in Shouning.

### Climate

* Spring (March - May): Temperatures gradually rise, with low temperatures ranging between 10°C and 18°C. The weather is mild and comfortable.
* Summer (June - August): The low temperatures are relatively high, especially in July and August, with nighttime lows often around 24°C. The climate is hot and humid.
* Autumn (September - November): Low temperatures gradually decrease. September and October remain relatively warm, while in November, nighttime temperatures drop to around 14°C, making the climate pleasant and comfortable.
* Winter (December - February): Low temperatures hover around 10°C, which is not too cold. Ningde's winter climate is relatively mild, making it a suitable time for travel.

## Get in

* 26.6728119.57941 Ningde Station (宁德站). A major station on the main fast train line from Fuzhou to Ningbo, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. (updated Feb 2019)
Other stations in Ningde prefecture that may be useful for accessing local attractions are:
* 26.8375119.71282 Fu'an Station (福安站). May be useful for Baiyunshan. (updated Feb 2019)
* 27.1301120.23553 Taimushan station (太姥山站). Near Taimushan, (updated Feb 2019) and
* 27.2857120.18454 Fuding station (福鼎站). Not as close to Taimushan, but has more service. (updated Feb 2019)
There is also a good highway along the coast which connects Fuzhou, Ningde, Xiapu and Wenzhou, just to the north in Zhejiang province. From Wenzhou, there are good road connections all over East China.
This region has no civilian airports, though there is a large military one. There are buses direct from Ningde to Fuzhou airport and Wenzhou is nearby to the north; both have good connections all over China and a few international flights. The nearest airports with a good range of international flights are Xiamen to the south or Hangzhou and Shanghai to the north; all are easily reached via the fast trains.

## See

* Huayan Temple
* 26.8921118.69671 Xianshan Pasture (仙山牧场, xiānshānmùchǎng). Large, remote pasture area in the mountains. (updated Feb 2019)
* 27.1199120.18562 Taimu Mountain (太姥山, tàimǔshān) (Catch a train to Taimushan station and change to a bus to get to the park. There are also buses from Fuding bus station - more trains stop at Fuding than Taimushan station.). 08:00-17:00. National park and part of Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark, featuring granite spires, oddly-shaped rocks balanced on each other, ancient shrines, rebuilt temples, small artificial lakes, and a network of trails winding over, under, around and through the rock. ¥140, including park shuttle bus. (updated Feb 2019)
* 27.0683119.04663 Baishuiyang Scenic Area (白水洋风景区, báishuǐyáng fēngjǐngqū) (First take a bus to Pingnan, then take a local bus to Baishuiyang). 08:00~17:30. This section of Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark is in Ningde's Pingnan County (屏南县 Píngnánxiàn). The main tourist attraction is 27.0974119.07074 Baishuiyang itself, a section of riverbed around 2km long and up to 180m wide, of smooth, flat rock. A huge area uniformly flooded with shallow water, this is essentially a waterpark in summer. It also has stones and small spires of rock sticking up, some small lakes downstream, and a bridge. The second section of Baishuiyang park is 27.0566119.1065 Yuanyangxi (鸳鸯溪, yuānyāngxī) canyon, with several kilometres of trails around cliffs and large waterfalls. This is on a separate ticket, but combined tickets are available. Aside from its rocks, Baishuiyang is a preserve for macaques, and is the winter home of thousands of mandarin ducks. ¥140 including park shuttle bus, half price in winter. (updated Feb 2019)
* 27.1636119.49836 Baiyunshan (白云山), ☏ +86-593-6393876. 08:00-18:00. The third section of Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark, it features massive granite mountains, canyons, waterfalls, and spectacularly eroded gorges, and has Yi minority villages. ¥80. (updated Feb 2019)

## Do

* 27.1119.51 Shouning Shibi Mountain (寿宁石壁山). Shibi Mountain is located in Shouning County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. It is a typical natural scenic area, renowned for its unique cliffs, rock formations, and rich natural landscapes. The mountain is scattered with unusual rocks, cliffs, and caves, with lush vegetation and picturesque scenery, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and hikers. The natural beauty here is ever-changing, offering not only opportunities for mountain climbing and cave exploration but also a chance to enjoy its distinctive geographical features. (updated Dec 2024)
* 27.89120.52 Dongji Island, Ningde (宁德东极岛). Dongji Island is located in Fuding City, Ningde, Fujian Province. It is the easternmost island of mainland China. Due to its unique geographical location, it has become a popular spot for tourists and is an ideal place to watch the sunrise and enjoy the island atmosphere. Dongji Island features pristine natural landscapes, with a fishing village, lighthouse, clear seawater, and abundant marine resources, making it a perfect natural island resort destination. (updated Dec 2024)
* 26.66119.53 Ningde Seaside Park (宁德海滨公园). Ningde Seaside Park is located in the city center of Ningde, and it is a comprehensive park that combines beaches, green spaces, and recreational facilities. It is a popular destination for walking, running, and family gatherings, and also offers an excellent spot for visitors to enjoy the city’s seascape. The park is an ideal place to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy various outdoor activities. With its lush trees, tranquil environment, and vibrant atmosphere, it is a perfect place for visitors to unwind with family or friends. (updated Dec 2024)

## Buy

* Ningde Yellow Croaker (宁德大黄鱼). Ningde has abundant marine resources, and the Yellow Croaker is one of the local specialties. The fish has tender, delicious flesh and is rich in protein, making it a famous seafood delicacy in the region. You can purchase either fresh or dried Yellow Croaker to take home and share with your family. (updated Dec 2024)
* Ningde White Tea (宁德白茶). Ningde is one of the important tea-producing areas in Fujian Province, particularly famous for its white tea. Ningde's white teas, such as Zhenghe white tea and Fuding white tea, are highly popular. The tea has a delicate fragrance and is rich in nutrients, making it an ideal gift for health-conscious individuals. (updated Dec 2024)
* Xiapu Shell Crafts (霞浦贝壳工艺品). Xiapu is a county under Ningde, known for its rich marine resources. The local shell crafts are very unique, with many artisans creating exquisite jewelry and ornaments from shells. These make perfect souvenirs or small gifts. (updated Dec 2024)

### Shopping malls

* 27.26119.521 Baolong Plaza Ningde (宁德宝龙广场). Baolong Plaza Ningde is a large shopping center located in the city center of Ningde, with convenient transportation, making it a popular commercial destination for both local residents and tourists. (updated Dec 2024)
* 27.28119.522 Wanda Plaza Ningde (宁德万达广场). Wanda Plaza Ningde is one of the most iconic shopping centers in Ningde, located in the bustling area of the city center. As a well-known commercial complex under the Wanda Group, Wanda Plaza Ningde combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure, making it a popular destination for both local residents and tourists. Whether it's shopping, watching a movie, or dining out, the plaza can meet a wide range of needs. (updated Dec 2024)

## Eat

* Yangzhong Mixed Noodles (洋中拌粉). Yangzhong Mixed Noodles is a traditional snack with distinctive characteristics in the Ningde area, particularly popular in Yangzhong Town and the surrounding regions of Fu'an. This dish is loved by both locals and tourists for its simple yet unique flavor. (updated Dec 2024)
* Fuding Pork Slices (福鼎肉片). Fuding Pork Slices is a traditional and iconic dish from Fuding, Ningde, Fujian. Made with pork and unique seasonings, it offers a tender and flavorful taste, making it a beloved dish for both locals and visitors, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. (updated Dec 2024)
* Taro Noodles (芋头面). Taro Noodles is a traditional and locally beloved snack in the Ningde area of Fujian Province, especially popular in Fu'an and its surrounding regions. The dish features taro as the main ingredient, paired with handmade noodles, offering a unique texture and rich flavor. (updated Dec 2024)
* Shouning Rice Cake (寿宁米糕). Shouning Rice Cake is a traditional specialty snack from Shouning County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. It is loved by locals and tourists alike for its unique texture and flavor. As a traditional rice-based food in Fujian, Shouning Rice Cake has a distinct preparation method and flavor, making it one of the region's iconic dishes. (updated Dec 2024)

## Drink

* Fuding White Tea (福鼎白茶). Fuding White Tea is one of the traditional famous teas from Fuding City, Ningde, Fujian Province, known for its delicate fragrance, sweet taste, and unique production process. As one of the six major tea categories in China, Fuding White Tea is carefully produced to preserve the natural flavor of the leaves, making it highly favored by tea enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. (updated Dec 2024)
* Fuding Black Tea (宁德红茶). Fuding Black Tea is one of the traditional famous teas from Ningde City, Fujian Province, known for its unique flavor and high-quality production process. As a type of Chinese black tea, it features a rich aroma and smooth, mellow taste, making it an important representative of tea culture in the Ningde region. (updated Dec 2024)
* Anxi Tie Guan Yin (安溪铁观音). Anxi Tie Guan Yin is a traditional famous tea from Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, and is one of the most famous oolong teas in the world. Tie Guan Yin is renowned for its unique fragrance, rich flavor, and deep cultural heritage, making it one of the finest teas in China. The name "Tie Guan Yin" is derived from the name of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, symbolizing the tea's miraculous and beautiful qualities. (updated Dec 2024)

### Bars

* 27.28119.523 Starry Sky Bar Ningde (宁德星空酒吧). Starry Sky Bar is a unique bar in Ningde, known for its distinctive design and atmosphere. The decor inside the bar is themed around the starry sky and the cosmos, with eye-catching lighting effects, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind in the evening. A wide range of cocktails and craft beers are available, along with various snacks, making it a perfect spot for gatherings with friends, dates, or socializing. (updated Dec 2024)
* 27.28119.524 Binhai Bar Ningde (宁德滨海酒吧). Binhai Bar is located in the coastal area of Ningde, and its biggest feature is the stunning sea view it offers. The bar's design blends modern and natural elements, with an outdoor area where guests can enjoy food and drinks while feeling the sea breeze and the tranquility of the ocean. The bar frequently hosts ocean-themed parties and events, making it a great place for both tourists and locals to relax. (updated Dec 2024)

## Sleep

* 27.28119.525 Shihong Grand Hotel Ningde (宁德市世鸿大酒店), ☏ +86 593 225 8888. Shihong Grand Hotel Ningde is a high-end business hotel located in the center of Ningde City, with convenient transportation. It is an ideal accommodation choice for both business travelers and tourists. 300-600CNY. (updated Dec 2024)
* 27.29119.56 Hyatt Regency Ningde (宁德君悦大酒店), ☏ +86 593 266 9999. Hyatt Regency Ningde is a high-end business hotel located in the central area of Ningde City. As one of the world’s renowned hotel brands, Hyatt Regency offers top-notch services and facilities, making it a popular choice among business travelers and tourists. 400-800人民币. (updated Dec 2024)
* 27.28119.527 GreenTree Inn Ningde (GreenTree Inn Ningde宁德格林豪泰大酒店), ☏ +86 593 268 6888. GreenTree Inn Ningde is an economy hotel located in the central area of Ningde City, with convenient transportation. The hotel offers a comfortable lodging environment and attentive service, making it an ideal choice for business trips and leisure vacations. 200-400¥. (updated Dec 2024)
* 27.29119.528 Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel Ningde (宁德开元名都大酒店), ☏ +86 593 298 8888. Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel Ningde is a luxury business hotel located in the city center of Ningde, with convenient transportation and well-developed surrounding amenities. As one of the high-end hotels under the Kaiyuan Hotel Group, Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel attracts numerous business and leisure travelers with its exceptional service and facilities. 300-600CNY. (updated Dec 2024)

## Go next

* Fuzhou (about 150 kilometers from Ningde, approximately 2 hours by car)
* Xiamen (about 250 kilometers from Ningde, approximately 4 hours by car)