9 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Quanzhou, Wuyi Mountain

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xiamen Arrival
   Visit 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 the 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.

   

   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.

   Meal: Lunch & Dinner

   Accommodation: Conrad Xiamen

2. Day 2: Whole Day on Gulangyu Island
   Explore 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, you’ll 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.

   

   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 that’s over 100 years old.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: The Lin's Mansion

   

3. Day 3: Xiamen to Nanjing
   Enjoy 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. You’ll also have a chance to watch traditional Nanyin music performances and puppet shows.

   

   In the afternoon, we drive for 3 hours to Nanjing County. There, you’ll 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 people’s way of life, their culture, and long-standing traditions.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Tsingpu Tulou Retreat

   

4. Day 4: Drive from Nanjing to Quanzhou
   Wander 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, you’ll visit the Yuchang Building (裕昌楼) and the Hegui Building (和贵楼), 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.

   

   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, you’ll visit Chapu Village, actually a charming fishing village famous for its southern Fujian-style buildings. You’ll have the chance to meet local families, see how they live, and learn about their customs.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: InterContinetal Quanzhou

5. Day 5: Quanzhou Highlights
   Glimpse 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.

   Today, you’ll take a guided tour of Kaiyuan Temple first, one of the biggest Buddhist temples, built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). You’ll 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 city’s seafaring history. The museum displays ship models, old navigation tools, and trade items from the past.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: InterContinetal Quanzhou

   

6. Day 6: Quanzhou to Wuyi Mountain by High-speed Train
   From 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 (朱熹), 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.

   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, ‌Jiuqu Xi and so on.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Dahongpao Resort

   

7. Day 7: Wuyi Mountain Tour
   Hike 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.

   

   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, you’ll 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.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Dahongpao Resort

   

8. Day 8: Wuyi Mountain to Fuzhou
   Stroll 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.

   Next, transfer to visit Lin Zexu Memorial Hall. This museum remembers Lin Zexu (林则徐), 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.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort

   

9. 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.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A