Rural tourism has taken off in Pingnan, a county located in the city of Ningde, east China's Fujian Province. The construction of beautiful countryside in recent years has stimulated the local revitalization with an increasing number of tourists willing to embark on an idyllic journey there.

If you would like to experience the rustic charms of Pingnan, the traditional Chinese-style villages are waiting for your arrival. For those who fancy a sip of Chinese alcohol, Beiqian Village is where you should head to. 

Renowned for Huangjiu, translated as Yellow Wine, Beiqian Village still maintains the authentic way of making the alcoholic beverage. The moment you arrive at the village, you'll be welcomed by the fragrance of the old wine all over the street. Take a deep breath, and you'll begin your "intoxicating" journey without even drinking. 

The traditional buildings of the village remain intact, most of which are age-old dwellings. With the She people making up the largest ethnic group here, you can't miss the chance to get to know about their well-preserved culture and customs. 

If your stay at Beiqian Village is not enough, then you might also be interested in the nearby natural sites. Pingnan is a place that shares a tight bond with yuanyang, the mandarin duck. When autumn comes, thousands of mandarin ducks would fly to the Yuanyang Creek Scenic Area from the north to live through the winter. Over the years, it has become the nation's one and only protection zone for mandarin ducks.

However, it is not just a paradise for these cute little creatures. If you're looking for somewhere to get closer to the nature next time you visit Fujian, then Yuanyang Creek is a wise option. Not only does it have the most waterfalls among China's scenic areas, it also boasts splendid natural landscape with streams, cliffs, rocks, caves and lakes adorning the whole area.

With an annual average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, the water is seldom frozen even in winter. Meandering through the mountains and luxuriant forests brings you the tranquility that nature offers.

In the upstream of Yuanyang Creek lies Baishuiyang, another scenic site that features the spacious shallow water square that is ankle-deep. The largest one covers around 40,000 square meters, providing visitors a natural resort to play with water and have fun. 

Regarding the reasons behind the formation, there is still a lack of scientific and accurate explanation. Some say it demonstrates a rare geological phenomenon.

Travel tips:

Transportation: Take a train to Ningde Railway Station first and then take bus No. 18 to Ningde Bus Station where the shuttle bus can take you to Pingnan. Road trip is also recommended to tour around Pingnan.

Admission fee: 140 yuan (20 U.S. dollars) for two scenic sites during peak season and half price during low season

(Cover image designed by Qu Bo)