4 Days Classic Xiamen, Nanjing Tulou, Fuzhou Highlights Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xiamen Arrival
   The Charming Nature and Culture of Gulangyu Island

   Welcome to Xiamen, a beautiful coastal city in Fujian Province. The local guide and driver will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to the hotel. After a short rest, start your tour to Xiamen.

   First take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, combing history, culture and natural landscape. There are a lot of attractions to visit here. Visit Sunlight Rock, the highest point of the island. Climb the hill for a panoramic view of Gulangyu Island with the boundless blue sea and waves lapping against the reef.

   

   Then stroll around Shuzhuang Garden, the only private garden in the world that contains mountains, sea and lake. Climb up to the Renqiu Pavilion and get a great view of the whole Shuzhuang Garden. Or stand on the Forty-Fourth Bridge to observe the sparkling lake and cheerful fish. There is also a Piano Museum with a collection of more than 100 famous antique pianos from all over the world, you can learn about the history and culture of pianos.

   After visiting Gulangyu Island, take the ferry back to Xiamen downtown. In the evening, choose to wander around Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, where you can find various shops, cafes, bars, and snacks.

2. Day 2: Xiamen to Nanjing Tulou Tour
   Immerse in the Bright Hakka culture and history at Nanjing Tulou

   Today, we have a full-day tour to Nanjing Tulou of Fujian, about 2.5 hours away from Xiamen. These Tulou are ancient dwellings of the Hakka people, who built them for defense, living, and worship. Stunned by the spectacular Tulou architecture and enjoy the surrounding green hills. Also wander among the terraced fields and know about the life of the local residents.

   

   Next, explore the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, one of the most famous Tulou clusters in Fujian. The cluster consists of a square earth building at the center of a quincunx, surrounded by four round earth buildings. Explore these wonderful buildings to wonder at the wisdom of the Hakka people.

   Then move to the Yuchang Building, the oldest and tallest Tulou in the area. The interior of this building is unique with crooked pillars from the second floor up. Besides don’t miss to explore an ancestral hall built in the center of the large courtyard.

   

   Finally admire Taxia Village, an old Hakka village nestled along a flowing stream. Wander along the stone-paved paths and immerse in the tranquil nature while admiring the well-preserved Tulou of different shapes and sizes.

   After visiting, you will drive back to Xiamen and relax at your hotel.

3. Day 3: Xiamen City Tour, Bullet Train to Fuzhou
   Explore the City Features of Xiamen and Fuzhou

   Today continue your Xiamen tour of Fujian. You will have a scenic drive along Huandao Road, a coastal road that offers stunning views of the sea, beaches, islands, and gardens. Along the way, stop at Hulishan Fortress, a relatively well-preserved coastal fortress. Observe a large number of ancient cannons and fortifications. There is also an exhibition hall showing the historical background and defense system of the fortress.

   And visit Zengcuoan Village, a former fishing village that has been transformed into a popular tourist spot with many cafes, restaurants, and handicraft shops.

   

   Optional Activity: If you want to bike along Huandao Road, you can rent a bike from one of the many rental stations (at your own expense).

   Later head to Nanputuo Temple, aka South Putuo Temple, founded in the Tang Dynasty. Admire the magnificent architecture, including The Shakya ManiHall, Wanfo Pagoda and Sutra Depository. Explore Buddhist artifacts and statues such as Shakyamuni Buddha and Manjushri. Also stroll among the ancient trees to immerse in the serene atmosphere.

   

   In the afternoon, your guide and driver will escort you to Xiamen high-speed train station to catch the bullet train to Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by the local guide and driver to the hotel.

   After check-in, you will start the city tour of Fuzhou. Visit the Ancestral Hall and Museum of Lin Zexu, a national hero who fought against the British in the Opium War (1839-1842). Learn about the history about Destruction of opium at Humen though detailed artifacts and illustrations.

   Move to Sanfang Qixiang, a historical and cultural block. The architectural style of the area is dominated by the Ming and Qing dynasties, with more than 200 ancient buildings preserved. There are also many shopping malls, traditional stores and handicraft stores where you can buy some souvenirs with Fuzhou features.

   

4. Day 4: Fuzhou Highlight Tour, Departure
   Experience the History and Cultural Heritage of Fuzhou

   After breakfast, continue your Fuzhou tour from Drum Mountain Scenic Area (Gushan). The site combines landscape scenery and culture, and there are cliff inscriptions scattered among the mountains. Hop on a cable car ride to reach Yongquan Temple, the largest and oldest temple of the area. Here enjoy the majestic architecture, as well as remarkable treasures like a giant bronze bell, a stone scripture library, and a serene jade Buddha statue.

   

   Also choose to hike down the mountain for breathtaking views of green mountains, waterfalls, streams and rock formations (optional).

   Finally move to West Lake Park, a classic garden built in the Jin Dynasty. Attracted by the picturesque view of the lake, graceful pavilions, and charming bridges. Besides, discover the cultural heritage of Fuzhou.

   The 4-day cultural and natural Fujian tour is over. Your private guide and driver will transfer you to the airport or train station to your next destination.