Written by Veronica |
FujianĀ is a southeastern Chinese province with distinctive cultural and natural landscape. There are ancient villages and temples, amazing mountainous scenic spots, as well as golden sand beaches. If you travel to Fujian, here are the top 8 things to do in Fujian you must know about.
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- 1. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Fujian Tulou
- 2. Step Back in Time at the Ancient Village of Taxia
- 3. Embark on a Spiritual Journey at Wuyi Mountain
- 4. Admire the Architecture of Quanzhou
- 5. Relax and Unwind on Gulangyu Island
- 6. Admire the Natural Beauty of the Taimu Mountain
- 7. Trace History at Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou
- 8. Soak up the Sun in Xiamen
- 9. Savor Culinary Heritage in Fuzhou
- 10. Marvel at Xiapu Mudflatās Golden Coast
1. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Fujian Tulou
Fujian TulouĀ is a collection of earthen castles that date back to the 12th century. They were originally the traditional dwellings of the Hakka and Minnan communities. The largest Tulou can have up to 800 people living in it. The circular and rectangular structures were built as defense against bandits and wild animals.
Today, they serve as homes for the locals and attractions for visitors. If youāre looking for what to see in Fujian, Tulous are one of the most fascinating historical and cultural wonders in China. Walk through the living relics of history at some of the most famous Tulou clusters, the Hongkeng, Gaobei, and Chuxi TulouĀ clusters.
Seeing the Tulous for yourself is definitely one of the top things to do in Fujian. Youāll not only be amazed by the remarkable ancient architecture, the size and ingenuity of their designs, but also gain insights into the region’s history, culture, and Hakka people’s way of life.
Fujian Tulou is located in southwestern Fujian, outside of Xiamen, so there are limited options for transportation unless youāre driving. It is recommended to hire a private driver or book a tour.
2. Step Back in Time at the Ancient Village of Taxia
The ancient village of TaxiaĀ is a characteristic Hakka village in the heart of the Nanjing County. It was built in 1426 in Ming Dynasty by the Zhang Family. It has been listed in the 15 Chinese Landscape Villages for well-preserved traditional architecture and idyllic surroundings.
The village has a group of earthen buildings with various shapes and sizes, as well as some Diaojiaolous (stilted buildings, special traditional residences built on wood pillars). About 1600 local inhabitants live in the village.
Take a walk on the stone-paved streets, youāll see the quaint houses on your sides. A clear river runs below you. There are stone arch bridges over the water from time to time. Visiting the Taxia Village will transport you back to a simpler time.
3. Embark on a Spiritual Journey at Wuyi Mountain
Wuyi MountainĀ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Fujian. Itās not just popular among nature lovers, but those seeking spiritual enlightenment as well. There are numerous Taoist and Buddhist temples attracting pilgrims from all over the world.
The scenic resort has a mix of peaks, gorges, and rivers. There are a number of trails for you to hike up the mountains. You might also want to board a bamboo raft on the Nine Bends Stream to immersive yourself in the views. Visiting Wuyi Mountain is one of the best things to do in Fujian.
Wuyi Mountain also has some of the finest tea plantations. It is famous for Da Hong Pao tea, one of the most expensive teas in the world. You will have the chance to visit local tea houses and experience ancient tea-making process hands-on.
4. Admire the Architecture of Quanzhou
Quanzhou, once a prominent port city along the Maritime Silk Road, has many architectural and cultural wonders.Ā Walking down Zhongshan StreetĀ or West Street, youāll notice a fusion of Chinese and Western influences in the architectural designs of the city. There are restaurants and food stalls with delicious local cuisine as well.
Quanzhou was historically known as āThe Buddhist Country.ā The city is home to many famous temples. Kaiyuan Temple, in particular, is the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian. It houses the largest stone carvings of Buddhist scriptures in China.
5. Relax and Unwind on Gulangyu Island
If youāre wondering about what to do in Fujian, why not spend a day or two on Gulangyu Island? Itās a car-free island off the coast of Xiamen, a great place for a retreat away from the hustle of everyday city life.
Huandao Road on Gulangyu Island is a famous coastal road perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Youāll see narrow cobblestone streets and colonial-style architecture on the side. The island beach is great for swimming and sun-bathing. The highest point on the Island, Sunlight Rock, has an amazing panoramic view.
If youāre looking for some cultural landscape on the island, visit the Organ Museum or Gulangyu Piano Museum. Add some music to your Fujian tour. Itās always a good idea to sample the island’s famous seafood and local delicacies.
6. Admire the Natural Beauty of the Taimu Mountain
Taimu Mountain is a coastal mountain range also known as “Paradise on the Sea.” The obvious reason for the title is that it has an unbelievable natural scenery. There are islands and beaches at the foot of the mountain and peaks at the top that pierce through the clouds. It is a paradise for hikers and photographers.
When you hike through the forests, explore the mountain caves, rest at the waterfalls, and admire the stunning view of the sea below. Pay a visit to the Baxian Caves, where you’ll find ancient stone carvings and temples. Other attractions include the Nine Carps Stream and Waterfall, Lengcheng Ancient Castle, and Ruiyun Temple.
7. Trace History at Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou
Listed among the āTop 10 Famous Historical and Cultural Streets in China,ā Sanfang Qixiang is a remarkable district in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province. It literally means three Lanes and seven alleys in Chinese. The district still preserves over 200 buildings from Ming and Qing dynasties.
A famous saying goes, āSanfang Qixiang contains half of China’s modern history,ā because it is considered the birthplace of Fuzhou’s culture. It has been home to many esteemed scholars, officials, poets, and artists, is sometimes referred to as āThe Beverly Hills of Imperial China.ā
On the three lanes (Yijin, Wenru, and Guanglu) and seven alleys (Yangqiao, Langguan, Ta, Huang, Anmin, Gong, and Jibi) youāll see historic residences, temples, gardens, bridges, and pavilions. Step back into China’s modern history and learn about fascinating stories of former residents.
Read more about Fuzhou’s top activities
8. Soak up the Sun in Xiamen
One of the top things to do in Fujian is to visit Xiamen, which is probably the most well-known tourism spot in the area for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and unique culture. Apart from Gulangyu Island, here are some popular destinations for your Xiamen tour.
South Putuo TempleĀ has a history of over 1000 years. It is a famous Buddhist temple in China because of its history, size, architecture, and spirituality. It sits at the foot of Wulaofeng (Five Old Men Mountain), next to Xiamen University, has an amazing view of the area. Experience the Buddhist culture, try the vegetarian food, and if you want, hike the Wulaofeng.
Xiamen Botanical GardenĀ is also known as Wanshi Botanical Garden because it sits amidst the Wanshi Mountain. Xiamen Botanical Garden covers 1.9 square miles (4.93 square kilometers) of land, has an extensive collection of plant species including bamboos, orchids, cacti, palms, and bonsai. You might also catch glimpses of peacocks, monkeys, or squirrels.
Huandao Road, also known as Island Ring Road, is a coastal road that circles Gulangyu Island in Xiamen. It is famous for a spectacular coastline and roadside scenery. In fact, it is referred to by many as āChinaās most beautiful marathon track.ā Take a leisurely walk, jog, or pay a visit to the cultural attractions such as Hulishan FortressĀ and Zengcuoan Village.
9. Savor Culinary Heritage in Fuzhou
Fuzhou, a city known for its delicate flavors and seafood cuisine, always attracts visitors with its rich and profound gastronomic culture. When traveling in this city, donāt miss the famous Fo Tiao Qiang (Buddha Jumps Over the Wall), a lavish slow-cooked broth made from abalone, and tender pork, and other precious ingredients. Legend claims that its aroma had once lured a monk to jump over a temple wall to get it.
At Yan Ta Road Night Market, savor street treasures like springy fish balls, crispy oyster pancakes, and velvety peanut soup. Cap your feast with fragrant Fuzhou jasmine teaĀ in a teahouse, where master performs tea rituals perfected over centuries. For breakfast, try rouyanĀ (meat-stuffed wontons)Ā in delicate broth, a local morning staple.
10. Marvel at Xiapu Mudflatās Golden Coast
You’ll see one of Chinaās most striking coastal scenes at Xiapu Mudflat. For thousands of years, the unceasingly tides have created ever-changing designs across golden sands. At sunrise or sunset, the shoreline glows with warm hues, framed by bamboo poles used for seaweed farming and weathered fishing boats.
If you want more breath-taking pictures, join the photographers to flock to spots like Beidou Village to capture reflections on tidal pools or silhouettes of fishermen at work. Try clam digging with locals, or taste just-caught seafood like sweet razor clams and hairy crabs at nearby stalls. For unique views, visit Yangjiaxi during low tide to see how patterns etched by wavesāa mix of natural beauty and daily coastal life.
Related Reading
- Top Places to Visit in Fujian
- Fujian Transportation: Land, Sea and Air Transportation
- 20+ Things to Do in Xiamen
