Putian

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.

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

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.

Meizhou Island, 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."