Fujian 福建 — Where China Meets the Sea
Fujian is a coastal province in southeastern China with a rich maritime heritage. This is where Chinese sailors set out across the South China Sea, and where much of the Chinese diaspora (including most overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia) traces its roots. Fujian offers a unique mix: subtropical islands, Hakka earth buildings, tea mountains, Minnan culture, and excellent seafood.
Xiamen 厦门 — Garden City
Xiamen is one of China's most livable cities — clean, green, and relaxed. The city is spread across the mainland and two islands.
Gulangyu Island 鼓浪屿
A UNESCO World Heritage island with no cars or bicycles. Known as "Piano Island" for its many piano studios. Features a mix of European colonial architecture, Chinese temples, beaches, and narrow lanes. The island was an international settlement in the 19th century. The Sunlight Rock (日光岩) at the top offers panoramic views.
Ferry: 35 RMB round-trip. Gulangyu entry: 90 RMB (covers 5 attractions). Open: All day. Ferry from Xiamen Ferry Terminal (15 min). Tickets must be booked in advance during peak times.
Nanputuo Temple 南普陀寺
A 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple at the foot of Wulao Peak. Popular with local worshippers. Free vegetarian canteen in the temple serves excellent meals for just a few yuan.
Free. Open: 4:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Metro: Nanputuo Station (Line 1).
Xiamen University 厦门大学
One of China's most beautiful university campuses, with a lake, seaside location, and attractive architecture. ID required for entry.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street 中山路
Xiamen's main shopping and dining street. Try local snacks: satay noodles (沙茶面), oyster omelet (海蛎煎), peanut soup (花生汤).
Hakka Tulou 土楼 — Earth Buildings
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tulou are massive, circular or square earthen buildings built by the Hakka (客家) people from the 12th-20th centuries. These fortress-like communal dwellings house entire clans — up to 80 families in a single circular building. The walls are 1-2 meters thick, built from rammed earth, and designed for defense against bandits and wild animals.
Admission: Chuxi Tulou 50 RMB, Tianluokeng cluster 90 RMB. Open: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Access: Long-distance bus from Xiamen (3 hours) or high-speed train to Nanjing County (2.5 hours).
Tianluokeng Cluster 田螺坑土楼群
The most famous group — four circular and one square building arranged in a pattern resembling the Five Elements. The viewing platform on the opposite hillside provides the iconic photograph.
Zhencheng Lou 振成楼
The "Prince of Tulou" — built in 1912, considered the most beautiful. Features Western and Chinese architectural fusion, with a central ancestral hall and two concentric rings of rooms.
Wuyi Mountain 武夷山
UNESCO World Heritage dual site — natural and cultural. Famous for Da Hong Pao (大红袍) tea grown on the mountain cliffs. The Nine-Bend River (九曲溪) bamboo raft ride passes through dramatic rock formations. The mountain has been a tea-growing center for 1,000+ years.
Nine-Bend raft: 130 RMB. Mountain pass: 140 RMB. Open: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Access: High-speed train to Wuyi Mountain (30 min from Xiamen).
Fuzhou 福州 — Provincial Capital
Fuzhou features the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (三坊七巷) historic district — a preserved Ming-Qing neighborhood of traditional courtyard houses. Also worth visiting: Drum Mountain (鼓山) with its thousand-year-old Gushan Temple and views of the Min River.
Practical Information
Classic Route: Xiamen + Gulangyu (2-3 days) → Tulou (1-2 days) → Wuyi Mountain (1-2 days) = 5-7 days.
Airports: Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN) is the main hub. Fuzhou Changle (FOC).
Best Time: March-May and September-November. Summer is hot and typhoon-prone. Winter is mild.
Food: Satay noodles (沙茶面), oyster omelet (海蛎煎), fish balls (鱼丸), peanut soup. Fuzhou fish balls are also famous.