Languages spoken in Putian

Putian is a relatively small city located in southeast China, but it is a place of great historical and cultural significance. It is part of the Fujian Province, which is known for its rich heritage and beautiful landscapes. In this blog post, we will explore the languages spoken in Putian and the culture that surrounds them.

Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, and it is spoken widely in Putian. It is a tonal language, characterized by the use of four distinct tones. Mandarin is the language of business, media, and education in China, so it is considered essential for anyone who wants to succeed in China.

Min Nan

The local dialect of Putian is Min Nan, which is also known as Hokkien. Min Nan is part of a larger group of Chinese dialects known as Southern Min. It is spoken in the southern provinces of China, including Fujian and Taiwan. Min Nan is different from Mandarin Chinese in terms of its pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.

Taiwanese Hokkien

Taiwanese Hokkien is also spoken in Putian, as well as in other parts of Fujian and Taiwan. It is a variant of Min Nan and is sometimes considered a separate language. Taiwanese Hokkien has been influenced by Japanese, Dutch, and Spanish, as Taiwan was occupied by these countries during different periods of its history.

Other languages

In addition to Mandarin Chinese, Min Nan, and Taiwanese Hokkien, there are other languages spoken in Putian due to the city’s diverse population. These languages include Hakka, Teochew, and Cantonese. Hakka is spoken in parts of Fujian, Guangdong, and Taiwan, while Teochew is spoken in the Chaoshan region of Guangdong and parts of Fujian. Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and some parts of Guangdong and Guangxi.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Putian is a city with a rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China and is spoken widely in the city. Min Nan is the local dialect, and Taiwanese Hokkien is also spoken due to its cultural connections with Fujian and Taiwan. In addition, there are other languages spoken in Putian due to the city’s diverse population. Understanding the various languages spoken in Putian can help visitors appreciate the city’s unique culture and history.

An Insider’s Guide to Putian, Fujian Province, China

If you are an intrepid traveler looking for a city with an interesting history, vibrant cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine, Putian in Fujian Province, China, can offer all that and more. In this guide, we will provide you with an overview of the city, the languages spoken there, and an in-depth look at the best local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and hidden gems.

Introduction to Putian

Located on the southeastern coast of China, Putian is a coastal city that is famous for its traditional southern Fujian-style architecture, rich history, and breathtaking natural scenery. Putian is known as the hometown of Mazu, the goddess of the sea, and is a popular destination for pilgrimages.

Languages Spoken in Putian

Putian is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. The official language spoken in the city is Mandarin Chinese, but the locals also speak the local dialect, Pu-Xian Min. It is a challenging dialect to understand if you do not have experience in the language. However, many younger residents also speak basic English to communicate with tourists.

Local Attractions

If you are visiting Putian, there are several must-see local attractions that you should add to your itinerary.

• Mazu Temple: As mentioned earlier, Putian is famous for being the home of Mazu, the goddess of the sea. The Mazu Temple is the most revered shrine to Mazu and attracts thousands of pilgrims each year.
• Putian Guqin Research Center: The center is home to an exquisite collection of antique Chinese musical instruments, including the guqin (a seven-stringed plucked instrument) and zither. Visitors can even take lessons in playing them.
• Meizhou Island: Located at the mouth of the Meizhou Bay, Meizhou Island is renowned for its scenic beauty and fresh seafood. Visitors can take a ferry to explore the island and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
• Anxi Fengshan Ancient Village: This ancient village is nestled in the mountains of Anxi, 50 km (31 miles) from Putian. The village is well-known for its traditional Fujian architecture and is a fantastic place to explore its narrow alleys, old houses, and beautiful gardens.
• Huafeng Ancient City: Huafeng Ancient City is a unique attraction that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The city has undergone multiple restorations, and visitors can now explore the ancient town walls, gates, and overlook towers.

Dining Spots

Putian is an excellent destination for foodies, and you can find an array of restaurants and street vendors serving local delicacies. Here are some dining spots you should try.

• Shiguang Li: Located on Chengxiang Road, This renowned seafood restaurant offers an extensive menu of fresh seafood dishes, including live abalone, sea cucumber, and scampi.
• Xinhuamei Restaurant: Located on Xiuyu Avenue, Xinhuamei Restaurant is a popular spot for sampling Putian’s famous dish, ‘Beggar’s Chicken,’ a whole chicken that has been marinated and roasted in a lotus leaf.
• Pingqiao Canting: This local restaurant serves a variety of Putian-style noodles, including the famous ‘Yupi Noodles,’ made from taro flour and served with shrimp, pork, and vegetables.
• Shuang Ya Seafood Restaurant: This seafood restaurant is located in Meizhou Island and offers a superb selection of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled oysters, shrimp, and crab.

Cultural Experiences

Whether you’re interested in history, the arts, or religious traditions, Putian offers multiple cultural experiences you shouldn’t miss.

• Learn about tea culture: Putian is known for its tea culture, particularly with its Tieguanyin, of which there are many tea farms in the surrounding countryside, offering tea tastings and lessons.
• Visit a traditional Kungfu school: Putian is a well-known center for Chinese martial arts, and visitors can have the opportunity to train alongside martial arts students in one of its traditional schools.
• Get a glimpse of Putian’s puppetry art: Putian is famous for its puppetry, and visitors can catch a puppet show at the Putian Puppetry Arts Center.
• Experience a religious ceremony: As mentioned earlier, Mazu is the patron goddess of Putian, and several religious ceremonies and festivals are held throughout the year, including Mazu’s birthday in the third month of the lunar calendar, which is a massive event locally.

Off the Beaten Path

Putian has many hidden gems to explore, so we’ve put together a list of lesser-known sights.

• Chunguang Tower: This ancient tower is one of Putian’s cultural landmarks, a protective structure originally built during the Song dynasty to watch the sea and fire warning signals. The beautifully preserved wooden building offers breathtaking views of the city.
• Wuyi Road Night Market: Wuyi Road Night Market is a vibrant night bazaar that offers a range of local foods and other delights, including souvenirs and handcrafted goods.
• Explore the Fujian Tulou Clusters: Fujian Tulou clusters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a series of ancient ‘earth houses.’ These defensive circular buildings with thick walls massive have been inhabited for centuries by people of the Hakka ethnic group and other minorities.
• Xiuyu Back Street:Xiuyu Back Street is an old street from the Ming and Qing dynasties that is known for its unique architecture and culture. Visitors can explore its narrow alleys, ancient architecture, and local shops.

Conclusion

Putian is a fascinating city with a rich heritage, beautiful scenery, and delicious cuisine. By visiting the local attractions, dining spots, experiencing the cultural activities, and off-the-beaten-path sights, you can enjoy the unique charm of this coastal city.