Off-the-Beaten-Path Location

Zaoshui Village sits quietly in Xiamen’s Tongan District, tucked away from the city’s hustle. This tiny village feels like a time capsule—just a few hundred local families live here, keeping traditions alive. Surrounded by mountains and farmland, it’s the kind of place where you’ll hear birds singing instead of car honks.

How to Get There

Reaching Zaoshui Village is part of the adventure! From downtown Xiamen, take a taxi or bus to Tongan District (about an hour). The last stretch involves a winding road through green hills—perfect for sightseeing. If you’re up for a hike, some visitors walk the final 30 minutes from nearby villages, rewarding you with stunning valley views.

Nature’s Canvas: Rice Terraces & Wildflowers

Zaoshui Village’s landscape looks like a painting. In spring, terraced rice fields blanket the hills like green stairs, reflecting the sky. Walk closer, and you’ll spot ancient Fujian-style houses (called “tuanyuan” in Chinese) hiding among the crops. When the wind blows, bamboo forests rustle like whispers, while pink azaleas burst into bloom along trails. Keep your eyes peeled for peaches hanging low on branches—locals say they’re too ripe to resist!

Timeless Architecture: A Peek into Rural Life

The village’s old stone houses tell stories. Built hundreds of years ago, these homes have thick walls to block heat and intricate wooden carvings on doors. Many still use traditional clay stoves for cooking, filling the air with smoky scents. You might see elders sitting on stone stools outside their courtyards, mending nets or chatting. It’s like stepping back in time—but everyone’s happy to wave and say “nihao” (hello)!

Simple Pleasures: Food & Stay

Don’t expect luxury hotels here—that’s not Zaoshui’s style. Instead, stay in a local family’s home (ask ahead via travel apps!). They’ll serve dishes like stir-fried mountain springs (wild greens) and rice wine chicken, all made with village ingredients. For a treat, try handmade peanut candy sold by vendors near the fields. Bring cash—cards aren’t common!

Hiking & Photo Ops: Explore at Your Pace

Zaoshui Village isn’t packed with tourist traps, but that’s the charm. Wander through sausage-shaped ridges (locals call them “dragon backs”) to see panoramic views. The village entrance is especially magical—rice paddies stretch out like a quilt, with red-tiled roofs peeking through. Morning light is best for photos, but sunset turns the sky into a watercolor dream. Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—some paths are rocky!

Disconnect to Reconnect

In Zaoshui Village, there’s no Wi-Fi in the fields, no chain cafes, just fresh air and smiles. Locals might invite you to pick loquats from their trees or teach you how to weave bamboo baskets. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember what “peaceful” really means.

Key words to remember: terraced fields, ancient houses, azaleas, peaches, bamboo rustles, clay stoves, family stays, dragon-back ridges. Come to Zaoshui Village ready for quiet wonder—and leave with your heart full.