Putian


Putian, also known as Puyang and Puxian, historically known as Hinghwa/Hinghua/Henghua, is a prefecture-level city in Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. It borders Fuzhou to the north, Quanzhou to the south, and the Taiwan Strait's Xinghua Bay to the east. Mulan River flows through the city.

History

Putian was first founded as an administrative area in the year of 568 as a city county during the Chen dynasty. Putian was later established as a military administered city in 979.
Putian is known as the counterfeit sneaker capital with counterfeiters protected from internationally intellectual property law enforcement by the notoriously corrupt local courts.

Language

, a sub-dialect of Min Chinese is spoken.

Economy

Putian has become an export base for Fujian products. The main industries are shoe-making, brewing, electronics, garments, fruits, vegetables, machinery and electrical goods. In particular, the area is known for high-quality counterfeits of shoes and the domination of Chinese private healthcare.

Culture

Putian is known for Putian cuisine, a unique style of cuisine that places a heavy emphasis on fresh seafood. Duotou clams, locally harvested around the village of Duotou, are particularly well known.

Tourism

, most famous for being the legendary birthplace of the goddess Mazu, is located closely offshore of Putian.
According to legends, Mazu in her earthly incarnation died on the seashore of Xianliang Harbor, in the coastal area of Putian, where Xianliang Mazu Temple hosts pilgrims from different Chinese provinces and from Taiwan, particularly for the ceremonies commemorating the goddess' death held in October. Because of its hosting "the most sacred places for Mazu believers," Putian is known as "Mazu's hometown."

Higher education

Administration

Putian's municipal executive, legislature and judiciary are in Chengxiang District. The municipal region comprises three other districts and one county:
  • Hanjiang District
  • Licheng District
  • Xiuyu District
  • Xianyou County
Map