Zengcuo’an is nestled along the coastal road of Xiamen, evolving from a simple fishing village by the sea into a popular cultural creative village today. Despite its bustling status, it remains true to its inherent charm. Here, you can brew a pot of tea, sit on an old wooden rattan chair, with sunlight filtering through the fruit and vegetable trellis above, and a salty sea breeze wafting from the coast, enjoying a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tourist Highlights:
#The Timeless Rusticity of a Fishing Village# Even amidst the bombardment of artistic influences today, Zengcuo’an still holds on to the rustic essence of a fishing village. Its history, charm, and demeanor are hidden in the inconspicuous narrow alleys and whispered within the red-brick ancestral houses. In the early morning, few tourists are about, and shops have yet to open, giving the alleys a quiet and languid atmosphere.
#The Great Integration of Customs and Beliefs# Few原生态 local villages in the world can accommodate such a variety of customs and beliefs. Zengcuo’an not only has the presence of Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, but also the distinctive folk worship of Mazu, characteristic of Xiamen. Mazu is a representative belief in the Southern Fujian region, and each temple houses different deities, such as Shengma Palace, Yonghu Palace, Fuhai Palace, Wenling Palace, and Qiming Temple, each with its own history and charm, worth delving into and savoring.
#A Grand Gathering of Southern Fujian Snacks# Food is another label of Zengcuo’an besides its artistic flair. Almost every alley in Zengcuo’an is filled with a variety of mouth-watering delicacies. Crispy and delicious thick toast, Min-Tai特色的 braised pork intestines wrapped in sausage, robust and rich satay noodles, a dazzling array of fruits, and eye-catching fresh seafood displayed at the entrances. Almost anything you can name is available here, sold by weight, cooked on the spot, and soon you can taste the fresh seafood. In addition to freshly made snacks, there are also various exquisitely packaged specialties that allow you to share the deliciousness with more people.
The blend of tradition and modernity, the collision of inspiration and conception, can all be seen in the homestays of Cengcuoan.
#Inspiration for Cultural and Creative Products #Cultural Creativity Land has become a new label for Cengcuoan. The ‘Dian Zhi Cultural and Creative City’, a deeply integrated cultural and creative space, features exquisitely crafted handicrafts, quaint tea houses where flowers and plants abound and old acquaintances meet, and ‘Hua Wu Que’, which showcases the art of dried flower arrangements. The diversity and richness of cultural and creative derivatives in Cengcuoan continue to spread. Special Experiences: #Strolling through Characteristic Streets #Cengcuoan has many small streets and alleys, making it perfect for a leisurely exploration. Modernity and antiquity intermingle within these alleys, and with a simple turn, one can encounter a different shop, filled with surprises and comfort. During holidays, various stalls make the already narrow alleys appear even more crowded, with an array of adorable items that dazzle the eyes and make it hard to move on, making it an ideal place for a stroll. #Cycling around the Island Road #Facing the sea, Cengcuoan is just outside the village on Xiamen’s more beautiful island road, where the annual international marathon takes place. It is nestled against the mountains and by the sea, with bridges built over the sea, each section of the road offering a different view. The unique subtropical climate makes the wind warm and gentle, the sea a deep blue, and the roads lined with towering coconut trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. Renting a bicycle to ride while enjoying the sun and the gentle sea breeze is just right. Appreciate the swaying greenery of the Yunxiang Lake, feel the sparkling mirror-like lake; visit the pristine Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park to feed the elegant and graceful black swans; play in the sea, splashing in the waves, and when tired, sit on the beach for a sunbath, fully enjoying your own leisure time. #Bar Hopping and Listening to Folk Music #The nights in Cengcuoan belong to folk music. Every evening, countless young people gather in the bars here to sing, talk about life, ideals, and share their joys and sorrows. Under the muffled voice of folk music, they toast with emotions and stories, reminiscing about unforgettable times. #Watching the Sunrise by the Sea #There are many reasons to fall in love with Cengcuoan, and the sea is definitely one of them. If you squint and look at the sea under the sunlight in Cengcuoan, you will surely fall in love with it. The best time to watch the sunrise here is from November to March of the following year, around 4 or 5 in the morning, you can stroll to the sea, leaning against the wooden plank road that is still dimly lit, quietly waiting for the sunrise, such memories and feelings are truly wonderful and unforgettable. #Slow Mail Postcards #Writing letters is a wonderful and intimate experience. The distance of space and the interval of time can always express what one cannot say at the moment in an embarrassing way.You can send postcards to those you miss, those you wish to share your thoughts with, to your future self, or even to strangers you’ve never met. In the village of Zengcuo’an, there are numerous artistic shops where you can send slow mail postcards. If you prefer, you can also opt for postal services at Xiamen University or Lujiang Road. The village is open all year round, accessible 24/7. Key Tips: 1. There are many well-known family hotels in the area, such as Watchman Youth Inn, Dream Traveler Music Inn, and more. 2. Seafood stalls and small restaurants are ubiquitous along the roadside, with reasonable prices. You can choose based on your preferences, such as the Three Years Two Classes restaurant. 3. Zengcuo’an is adjacent to the Island Ring Road, a short walk away. Strolling along the beach, even doing nothing but enjoying the sea breeze and daydreaming, is a delightful experience. 4. The area is rich in unique shops, such as Sunny Day and Strolling Cat’s Double Skin Milk Tea. You can enjoy a glass of absinthe, coffee, or an ice cream at Sunny Day.
