It borders Fuzhou to the north, Quanzhou to the south, and the Taiwan Strait's Xinghua Bay to the east.

Putian was first founded as an administrative area in the year of 568 as a city county during the Chen dynasty.

The main industries are shoe-making, brewing, electronics, garments, fruits, vegetables, machinery and electrical goods.

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.