Population: 3,040,000

Area: 4,119 square kilometers (1,590 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division:
4 districts (Chengxiang, Hanjiang, Licheng, Xiuyu); 1 county (Xianyou)

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0594-2697690
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiries: 184
Bank of China: 0594-2699513

Location: Situated in the central part of the coastal area of Fujian Province, Putian neighbors Fuzhou in the northeast and Quanzhou in the southeast, separated from Taiwan by the Taiwan Strait.

History: Putian County was formed in the year of 568. Over the hundreds of years following that, it was abolished and then re-established several times. Through all these major and minor changes, Putian City emerged in 1983.

Physical Features: The city nestles to the hilly area of southeastern coastal area of Fujian. The whole terrain inclines from the northwest to the southeast, and the land is higher in the north, lower in the south. There is a shortage of cultivated areas.

Climatic Features: Putian is adjacent to the sea, and consequently the weather is moderate and humid all the year round. Enjoying a typical subtropical oceanic monsoon climate, the city has plentiful rainfall and adequate sunshine. The weather in spring and autumn is favorable and cool.

When to Go: The winter is short so April to October is the best time to visit Putian.

Local Products: Fruit: longan, loquat, lychee, honeyed shaddock (pomelo)
Others: rice noodles, lacquer wooden bowl

Scenic Spots:
Meizhou Island: Meizhou Island is believed to be the hometown of the Goddess of the Sea, Mazu. Today, this beautiful island has become a national tourist zone with several spots on the island, including the Mazu Temple, the Ewei Mountain and the huge Mazu Stone Carving.
Jiuli Lake: 31 kilometers (19 miles) from the county town of Xianyou, this scenic area is famous for its natural lakes, caves, pools and stones. The Jiuji Waterfalls are the most popular sight around Jiuli Lake. In addition, there are also some stone inscriptions, Taoist buildings and some other historical sites.

Tourist Tips:
1. Putian is 108 kilometers (67 miles) from Fuzhou, from which visitors can get to Putian by bus within two hours.
2. Mazu is the most respected god on Meizhou Island, even southern Fujian Province. There are several festivals on the island to celebrate the birthday of this Goddess of Peace on the sea, as well as the day of her ascension. Celebrations are held on the twenty-third day of third lunar month and ninth day of the ninth lunar month respectively and it is the best time to learn more about the Mazu culture of the city.