Putian

Putian, located in the middle of coast of Fujian, including Putian and Xianyou Counties, covers an area of 3781 km2 and has a population of 2, 500, 000. Putian, called Xinghua in the past, has enjoyed a long history; Putian county was established in 568, the second year of Chen Guangda in the Southern Dynasty, and Xianyou County in 699, the second year of Shenli in the reign of Wuzhou in the Tang Dynasty. Later, both the counties were affiliated to Xinghua Region in the Song and Ming Dynasties until 1949 when they were transferred to Jinjiang Prefecture and later to Putian Prefecture. Putian City was founded in 1983. Xinghua is well endowed with natural resouces and has cultivated a large number of talanted personalities. In the past, men of letters came out from here in large numbers, bringing to it a title "cultural centre by the sea". The scenic attractions include Mazhu Temple, Guanghua Temple and Mulan Dam.Litchis are produced in large quantity here in Putian, thus it was called "The Litchi City" in the past, while sugar-canes brought about the name of "hoem of sugarcane" to the land. With hosts of sports stars originating from Putian and wining their reputations all over the world, Putian acquires the title of "hoemtown of track-and-field men". Xinghua is unique for its custom and culture. The diligence of the people, the strong local accent, the strange Mazhu costumes, the Putian Opera are all full of interest; the traditonal rites and the architectural style are colourful. The development of Meizhou Gulf and the Xiuyu Port reveals this place's prospects-a prosperous port city.