9 Days Tour to Xiamen, Fujian Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Opportunities

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xiamen Arrival

   Located on the southeastern coast of Fujian Province, Xiamen is known for its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by the local guide and driver to the hotel for check-in.

2. Day 2: Xiamen City Tour
   The Colorful Culture and Charming Nature of Xiamen

   In the morning, a ferry ride will take you to Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by the sea and boasts natural features such as sea reefs and mountains. Climb the Sunlight Rock, you will see a panoramic view of Gulangyu Island with the boundless blue sea and waves lapping against the reef. And take a walk around the island to explore the complex of buildings in a variety of styles.

   

   After visiting, take a ferry back to Xiamen. We will move to South Putuo Temple, a historic Buddhist temple. Admire the magnificent architecture, such as The Shakya ManiHall, Wanfo Pagoda and Sutra Depository. Explore Buddhist artifacts and statues such as Shakyamuni Buddha and Manjushri. And wander in the ancient temple to immerse in the peaceful atmosphere and learn about the Buddhist heritage.

   The last stop of your Xiamen tour is the 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.

3. Day 3: Taxia Village Culture Tour
   Explore the Unique Hakka Culture and History

   After breakfast, drive to Taxia Village, an old Hakka village nestled along a flowing stream.  Stroll along the paths, you can admire the breathtaking mountains and lush forests while exploring the well-preserved Tulou of different shapes. The Zhang Family Ancestral Hall is a highlight site, which is a magnificent building showing the Hakka architecture and art. Also talk with the locals to experience the Hakka culture and learn about their customs.

   

4. Day 4: Yongding Tulou Discovery Tour
   Marvel at the Majestic Earthen Buildings of Different Shapes

   Today, start your Yongding Tulou tour. Visit some of the most impressive earthen buildings in Yongding County, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

   The first attraction is the Chuxi Tulou Cluster, which is the most original and the most colorful Tulou of Hakka culture in Yongding. It is located on a hillside and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Visit the Jiqing Building, the oldest of the Hakka Tulou buildings, Gengqing Building, with a well-preserved wooden structure inside, and Shengqing Building, a square earth building in a well-arranged pattern.

   Next move to the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, the most concentrated and diverse Tulou cluster in the area. Here witness the Zhencheng Building, a round Tulou that combines the Chinese and Western architectural styles. See the Kuiju Building, a square Tulou that has a unique octagonal inner ring. And go to the Fuyu Building, a rectangular Tulou that has a large ancestral hall and a stage. This Tulou covers an area of more than 7,000 square meters with magnificent architecture.

   

5. Day 5: Ningde Photography Tour
   Watch the Wonderful Mudflat Sunset

   In the morning, catch the train to Ningde, a city that is famous for its stunning mudflat scenery. The local guide and driver will meet you at the train station and take you to the hotel.

   In the afternoon, drive to Xiaohao Village. The tide here takes the shape of “S”, forming a beautiful landscape with the mudflat. You can participate in combing to experience the life of fishermen. Capture the stunning sunset and admire the golden beaches shining in the sunlight. And have dinner at a local restaurant, tasting fresh seafood like oysters, crabs, and clams.

   

6. Day 6: Xiapu Highlight Tour
   Witness the Stunning Mudflat Sunrise

   There are many beautiful mudflats in Xiapu, a paradise for photographers. In the morning, head to Beiqi Village to watch the magnificent sunrise. At this time, the shadows of people and boats make a spectacular picture in the shining sunlight. Capture the changes in light and shadow on the mudflats, sea and rocks.

   Later explore Dongbi Village, known for its seaweed farms and distinctive seaweed houses. Stand on the Dongbi Bridge to overlook the picturesque scenery of the mudflat and the sea. Enjoy magnificent sunsets here, taking pictures of the sparking water and golden beaches.

   

7. Day 7: Xiapu Exploration Tour
   Capture More Spectacular Views of the Mudflats

   Today, continue your Xiapu mudflat tour. First, come to Weijiang Village, a small village surrounded by mountains and the sea. Witness the fishermen’ s morning routine, birds soaring, and vibrant clouds reflecting on the water. From March to April every year, you can also see a variety of seafood harvests scenes. And visit Mantoushan here, which is also known as Steamed Bun Mountain. You can take photos of the mudflats and the sunset from different angles.

   After that, drive back to your hotel.

   

8. Day 8: Xiapu Culture Tour
   Experience the Traditional Fishing Life

   Wake up early to visit Huazhu Village, a village surrounded by the sea on three sides. Stand on the viewing platform to see the spectacular sunrise, forming a vivid picture with the sea and hills. And observe the local life and activities of the villagers, such as fishing, drying seaweed, and making salt.

   In the afternoon, proceed to Yangjiaxi Village to explore fish farms and ponds. You can take photos of local life and diverse nature in this tranquil rural area.

   

9. Day 9: Xiapu Departure
   Observe the Vivid Local Life

   This is the last day of your Xiapu photography tour. After breakfast, drive to Yantian Village, which is one of the main fishing areas in Xiapu County. Here capture the unique landscape of oyster farms and piles of oyster shells on the mudflat. See how the locals fish, cook, and wash on their boats to indulge in the charm of a traditional fishing village.

   At the end of the 9-day Fujian highlight tour, take the train back to Xiamen. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.