9 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Quanzhou, Wuyi Mountain
Tour Overview
Located on the southeastern coast of China, Fujian is a province with majestic natural scenery such as Wuyi Mountain and Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island, as well as many famous cultural landscapes like the Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou. This 9-day Fujian tour connects the coastal metropolis of Xiamen city, the ancient maritime center of Quanzhou, and Fuzhou, the historic capital of Fujian.
Your expert tour guide will take you through the rich culture of southern Fujian (Minnan culture), savoring the world-famous tea, visiting the long-lasting temples, gardens, and villages of Xiamen and Quanzhou, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Wuyi, and learning about the traditional lifestyle and architecture of the Hakka people (the Tulou buildings are the highlight of the trip). Along the way, you’ll also try Fujian cuisine (one of Eight Major Chinese Cuisines).
Travel destinations: Xiamen, Quanzhou, Mount Wuyi, Fuzhou
Suitable for: Nature and Coastal Lovers, Architecture & Culture Fans
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
Xiamen (Amoy): A Coastal Paradise
- Explore the unique architectural blend (Neoclassical, Baroque, Byzantine, Gothic) on Gulangyu Island, visit the tranquil Nanputuo Temple, and enjoy coastal views.
- Savor representative Fujian cuisine and take in the distinct Minnan charm of Xiamen city.
Quanzhou: The Maritime Silk Road
- Marvel at the unique āāKaiyuan Templeāā with its twin stone pagodas (Zhenguo & Renshou).
- Learn about the maritime history at the āāQuanzhou Maritime Museum.
Wuyi Mountain: Majestic Landscapes, Tea Culture
- Take a bamboo rafting through the Jiuqu Stream with towering cliffs on both sides. Hike to Tianyou Peak (410 meters above sea level) for a panoramic view.
- Visit Dahongpao Scenic Area and gain an insight into the profound rock tea culture.
Fuzhou: The Capital City
- Wander through the well-preserved blocks of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys and spend a relaxing time in West Lake Park.
- Experience the refined “Min” culture.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Xiamen ArrivalVisit a Buddhist Temple and Stroll Scenic Yanwu Bridge
Welcome to Xiamen! After arriving in this coastal city (you are suggested to arrive before 12:00 noon), your private driver and guide will take you to theĀ South Putuo Temple, a Buddhist temple with a history of over a thousand years. Entering the Main Hall at the center of the temple, you can see a large statue of Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Also, admire the intricate carvings and decorations of the hall in the spiritual atmosphere.
South Putuo Temple After that, enjoy a relaxing walk on Yanwu Bridge while taking in the beautiful views of the sea and the city. The bridge is 2.8 kilometers long and links Xiamen University with Huandao Road. It is also one of the main roads used for traffic in Xiamen.
- Day 2: Whole Day on Gulangyu IslandExplore Gulangyu's Gardens and Diverse Architecture
Gulangyu Island is one of the top places to visit in Xiamen. Today you will spend the whole day on this beautiful island. Due to the fact that cars are not allowed to pass through Gulangyu Island, you must take a ferry to the island, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
As you walk around, youāll see rich culture, green gardens, and many types of architecture, including European, Nanyang, and modern styles. Shuzhuang Garden, in the southeast corner of Gulangyu Island, is famous for its unique garden design, the legendary deeds of the original builders and unique heritage value.
Gulangyu Island The Piano Museum displays more than 100 old pianos from around the world. There are scheduled piano performances every day at 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00. Later, your tour guide will lead you to check into a historic hotel thatās over 100 years old.
- Day 3: Xiamen to NanjingEnjoy a Panoramic View of the Island, Then Visit Hakka Tulou
Have another half day exploring Gulangyu Island after breakfast. Be guided to walk up to Sunlight Rock, the highest point on the island (92.7m). From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island, Xiamen, and the sea. Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes. After that, go to visit Haitiantang Building, which blends both Chinese and Western styles in its design. Youāll also have a chance to watch traditional Nanyin music performances and puppet shows.
Sunlight Rock In the afternoon, we drive for 3 hours to Nanjing County. There, youāll admire the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, a building group of three circles, a square and an oval built in accordance with the principles of the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth in Chinese Fengshui. These were built by the Hakka people over 700 years ago using natural materials like packed earth, wood, and stone. When visiting, you can learn more about the Hakka peopleās way of life, their culture, and long-standing traditions.
Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster - Day 4: Drive from Nanjing to QuanzhouWander around Ancient Hakka Tulou with Leaning Pillars
After breakfast, discover the traditional Hakka villages and their rich culture in the countryside near Nanjing. With your guide, youāll visit the Yuchang Building (č£ęę„¼) and the Hegui Building (åč“µę„¼), both great examples of classic Hakka-style homes.
Yuchang Building is a five-storey round tulou and is the oldest and biggest of its kind. It was built using cedar wood and stands out for its slanted wooden pillars - some leaning as much as 15 degrees. They look like they might fall over in strong wind, but the building has stood strong for over 600 years. It has survived earthquakes and storms and still remains in excellent condition today.
Yuchang Building Hegui Building, known as the "Number One Strange Tulou Building in the World", is the tallest earthen building in Fujian, reaching 21.5 meters. It is still very stable even after earthquakes on the swamp.
Later, head to Quanzhou, an old port city that played an important role in the maritime Silk Road. There, youāll visit Chapu Village, actually a charming fishing village famous for its southern Fujian-style buildings. Youāll have the chance to meet local families, see how they live, and learn about their customs.
- Day 5: Quanzhou HighlightsGlimpse the Kaiyuan Temple and Quanzhou's Maritime History
Quanzhou has deep cultural roots, showing its past as a busy and international trade center long ago.
Kaiyuan Temple Today, youāll take a guided tour of Kaiyuan Temple first, one of the biggest Buddhist temples, built during the Tang Dynasty (618ā907). Youāll see a number of halls, palaces, and towers, beautiful carvings, and detailed sculptures. After that, visit the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the cityās seafaring history. The museum displays ship models, old navigation tools, and trade items from the past.
- Day 6: Quanzhou to Wuyi Mountain by High-speed TrainFrom Tianyou Peak, Overlook the Panoramic View of Wuyishan Mountain
This morning, take a high-speed train (2.5 hours) from Quanzhou to Mount Wuyi, a beautiful area in northwest Fujian boasting its typical Danxia landform, rich biodiversity, and famous tea.
Upon arrival, first visit the Academy of Classical Learning, founded by Zhu Xi (ę±ē¹), a well-known thinker and teacher from the Song Dynasty (960-1276). The academy sits among lovely mountains and rivers, and you can learn about old-style Chinese education.
Tianyou Peak Later, hike up Tianyou Peak, the tallest mountain in the area (408 meters), where you can overlook the panoramic view of Wuyishan mountain, including clouds sea, āJiuqu Xi and so on.
- Day 7: Wuyi Mountain TourHike Dahongpao's Tea Fields and Take a Bamboo Raft Ride
Today, your guide will lead you to the Dahongpao Scenic Area, a top-rated spot where you can glimpse the tea culture and experience fun outdoor activities. Take a relaxing 1.5-hour walk in tea fields, and a 2-hour hike through quiet canyons and green forests. Breath in the fresh air and enjoy the calm surroundings.
Take a bamboo raft drifting on the Jiuqu Stream After that, enjoy a peaceful bamboo raft ride on the Nine-Bend Stream, a lovely 9.5-km-long river winding through mountains and valleys. Along the way, youāll see amazing rock shapes and small waterfalls. In the evening, watch Impression Dahongpao, a well-loved outdoor show that brings local traditions to life with music, dancing, and lights.
- Day 8: Wuyi Mountain to FuzhouStroll Fuzhou's Historic Lanes and See Lin Zexu's Legacy
First, we'll eat breakfast. Then travel for about 90 minutes to reach Fuzhou. When getting there, your tour guide will show you around Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. This old area lets you see how people in Fuzhou used to live. Walk through small streets, admire beautiful old houses, and sample some delicious local food.
Lin Zexu Memorial Hall Next, transfer to visit Lin Zexu Memorial Hall. This museum remembers Lin Zexu (ęåå¾), an important leader from the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). He helped stop the opium problem in China. At this place, also see Fuzhou's lovely traditional gardens.
- Day 9: Fuzhou Departure
Enjoy your leisure time in the morning. Then, you will be escorted to Fuzhou Changle International Airport for your departure flight. Your 9-day Fujian tour ends here.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
