The beauty of northern Fujian lies in its peace and tranquility. Catching the Spring High-Speed Train, Taining, accessible by high-speed rail, is the perfect top-tier travel choice for late spring and early summer—with spring vibes and the right mood.
[Dynamic Big Golden Lake, view cliff sky inscriptions, worship the hanging Sweet Dew Temple]
Dynamic Big Golden Lake
Taining’s Danxia landform is best represented by the Big Golden Lake Scenic Area, and the beauty of Taining is most intoxicating in the ten-mile Golden Lake and its water-based Danxia. Stretching for dozens of kilometers, the lake is surrounded by hundreds of unique Danxia peaks, blending water and landscape with a distinctive charm. Boating here is absolutely beyond the petty small-boat play you’d find in city parks. The entire ten-mile flat lake unfolds before your eyes. If you feel like stretching your legs and getting some exercise, Taining also offers the famous Zhai Xia Grand Canyon, another national Geographic-recommended geopark scenic area, waiting for you to climb and explore—definitely not enough to enjoy in just three days.
The phrase “a body of water hides the traces of the sky, a thousand mountains reveal the shadow of the Buddha” best describes the state of mind while wandering Golden Lake. Here, everywhere you look, there are wonders crafted by nature and playful charms shown by landscapes. Gazing at the surrounding cliffs, sights such as the Water Curtain Guanyin, Zhongshan Drum Mountain, and the “Immortal, Longevity, Mountain” sky inscriptions are a feast for the eyes.
In addition, the Big Golden Lake, known as the “Number One Lake and Mountain under Heaven,” is also a uniquely spiritual and efficacious sacred site. The hanging waterborne Buddhist temple—Sweet Dew Temple—is truly a highlight of the Golden Lake tour. The Tathagata Buddha, reflected Buddha image, Water Guanyin, Skanda Bodhisattva, Reclining Buddha on the Flat Lake, Thousand-faced Arhats, Bodhidharma, Laughing Maitreya, and numerous Buddhist auspicious creatures such as “Golden Turtles,” “Sacred Elephants,” “Reclining Tigers,” and “Hidden Dragons” accompany you all around. Whether praying for official rank and scholarly success or for offspring and descendants, it adds a layer of faith and efficacy.
The blend of landform and landscape scenery, along with the time-enduring and majestic carving, gives Taining a beauty that spans space and time, leaving people amazed.
[Travel through four hundred years of legend, uncover the mystery of a ten-year rise of fourteen ranks]
Though small, Taining is rich in talent. According to county records, located on Futa Lane, Shengli Second Street in Taining County, Fujian Province, the Shangshu Mansion was built by Li Chunye, Minister of War and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince during the Ming Dynasty’s Tianqi era. At age 36, he passed both the provincial and imperial examinations in succession. As a renowned official, he boldly admonished Wei Zhongxian, replenished the treasury, rigorously trained troops, phased out the weak, and strengthened the capital’s defenses so that the imperial guards were well-prepared. Emperor Tianqi of the Ming adopted his suggestions one by one, ordered him to implement them, and saw great results. Li was eventually appointed Minister of War, later attaining the title of Lesser Guardian and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. In just ten years of service, Li Chunye jumped up 14 ranks—a true classical version of “Doris’ Promotion Diary.” No wonder the culture of praying for scholarly success and official rank has deep roots in Taining.
Speaking of the Shangshu Mansion, one must also mention Zhuangyuan Rock. During the Southern Song Dynasty’s Qingyuan era, the young Zou Yinglong studied here and later became the top scholar in the second year of Qingyuan at the age of 25. Later generations called his study place Zhuangyuan Rock. The landscape here features steep Dan cliffs, lush forests, secluded valleys, caves, waterfalls, and streams—both dangerously beautiful and picturesque, with many rare birds and animals. From a cultural perspective, it is deeply infused with Confucian and Taoist traditions. As the study place of the esteemed official Zou Yinglong, the mountains and waters of Zhuangyuan Rock bear deep imprints of Confucian culture, giving rise to many legends. It is regarded by later generations as a sacred place for educating youth in the pursuit of scholarly excellence.
Beyond these two sites of scholarly success, a stroll through the ancient city of Taining allows you to listen to elderly locals recount the fascinating tales of “four scholars from one family,” “two top scholars from across the river,” and “nine provincial examination graduates from one lane”—a Taining scholarly legend that subtly captivates you with the region’s refined culture.
Tiny Taining gathers the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, producing famous statesmen and loyal officials. Thus, people around the world remember this place’s unique culture of scholarly achievement. Wandering through the Shangshu Mansion, praying at Zhuangyuan Rock, and being enchanted by the carp leaping the dragon gate at Shangqing Stream—it is truly a sublime expression of Confucian culture that has been passed down through the ages.
[Taste true flavors in simplicity, the finest human warmth in cuisine]
Visiting a place, appreciating its landscape, and savoring its cuisine—how isn’t the joy of travel also the joy of life? The cuisine of Taining is different from the delicacy of Cantonese cuisine or the rusticity of Jiangxi cuisine, but it inherits the natural artistry born from its beautiful mountains and waters. Its charm lies in using natural ingredients, fresh materials, and not overcomplicating flavors—bringing the delicacies of mountain treasures and aquatic flavors to your table.
Rural dishes such as “Golden Lake Fish Head,” “Carp Vermicelli,” “Pickled Vegetable with Bamboo Shoots,” “Farmhouse Tofu,” “Salted Meat with Mushrooms,” and “Stewed Catfish” are served in hearty big bowls, paired with a pot of rich Shangshu Wine. The long-lasting taste is accompanied by deep hometown affection, making it hard to forget. After a tiring day of travel, what you taste is not only a local specialty but also the deep local customs and human warmth.
Travel Tips for Taining:
1. For those driving, don’t worry—most Taining scenic areas have parking lots, usually with a flat rate of 5 yuan, definitely affordable.
2. The entrance tickets to Taining attractions are not expensive, none exceeding 100 yuan. Some sites offer discounts for online reservations, and careful planning can save you plenty.
3. Local specialties like Jade Roll, Warm Mushroom Bun, and Red Mushroom Tofu are very unique and well worth trying.
4. During the May Day period (April 29–May 1), major Taining scenic spots offer significant ticket discounts. Among them: individual visitors enjoy discounted prices, with overall discounts exceeding 50%. Shangshu Mansion: original price 25 yuan, discounted price 20 yuan; Zhuangyuan Rock: original price 40 yuan, discounted price 20 yuan; Mao’er Mountain: original price 40 yuan, discounted price 15 yuan; Exhibition Center: original price 16 yuan, discounted price 6 yuan. Tour groups also receive additional group rates. Plus, with three days of good weather, perfect for photos, those planning to go must not miss this great May Day opportunity.