Cultural Travel | Xiamen City + Fujian Nanjing Tulou + Nanputuo Temple + Gulangyu Classic 3-Day Tour

Hello and welcome to Xiamen, the famous coastal city of Fujian Province, China, known for "embracing both mountains and sea, blending East and West." Our driver will greet you at the airport/train station exit and take you to our carefully selected hotel in Xiamen to check in and rest. After a short rest, you can stroll along Zhongshan Road, Xiamen's most iconic century-old street, and soak up the rich old Xiamen atmosphere. Zhongshan Road is China's only commercial pedestrian street that leads directly to the sea. The street retains a large number of intact Nanyang arcade buildings and historical relics, and is known as the "living fossil of modern Xiamen history." Here, you can immerse yourself in the quaint Nanyang architecture, taste authentic local snacks, and watch wonderful intangible cultural heritage performances such as Nanyin and puppet shows. Alternatively, you can wander into the alleys near Zhongshan Road to explore local life in Xiamen and try Minnan-style dishes such as satay noodles and oyster omelette. Seafood is a highlight of Xiamen cuisine. You can visit the nearby Eighth Seafood Market, see unusual types of seafood, and taste local seafood dishes. (PS: If you decide to dine at the Eighth Market, be sure to agree on prices before buying seafood to avoid any misunderstandings.) Finally, you can take a leisurely drive along the Island Ring Road, praised as one of "China's most beautiful coastlines," and enjoy the picturesque sea highway scenery. Along the way, you can take in the subtropical coastal splendor of "emerald sea and golden sand reflecting the red road, palms and flower seas accompanying sculptures." If you want to fully enjoy the charming island-ring scenery, you can stop to savor places such as Yefengzhai (one of Xiamen's iconic seaside attractions, with distant views of Kinmen Island), Baicheng Beach (in the evening, you can photograph the Twin Towers together with the orange sea), Huangcuo Beach (Xiamen's best spot for watching the sunrise), and Zengcuoan (China's most artistic fishing village). After the tour, you will return to your Xiamen hotel to rest.

This morning, you will depart from Xiamen and drive about 150 kilometers (about 2.5 hours) to visit the Nanjing Tulou. There are over 15,000 surviving tulou in Nanjing, which are a typical representative of Fujian Hakka tulou and a treasure of Chinese residential architecture, known as "the world's unique mountain village dwellings." Among them, the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, the Hekeng Tulou Cluster, Huaiyuan Lou, and Hegui Lou were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008. Upon arrival, first visit the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster. First built in 1662, it is the settlement of the Huang clan of Hakka people. It is famous for its unique layout resembling "four dishes and one soup," making it the most recognizable landscape of Fujian tulou. It consists of 1 square building (Buyun Lou), 3 circular buildings (Hechang Lou, Zhenchang Lou, Ruiyun Lou), and 1 oval building (Wenchang Lou). These five tulou follow the layout of the mutual generation of the Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth), and are praised as a "world architectural marvel" and an "outstanding representative of Chinese feng shui architecture." Recommended visiting route: Upper Viewing Platform (overlook the panorama of "four dishes and one soup," resembling "plum blossoms blooming" or "a flying saucer landing") → Buyun Lou (meaning "rising in the world," where you can overlook the daily life of the Hakka clan) → Hechang Lou/Zhenchang Lou/Ruiyun Lou (you can photograph the same courtyard perspective as in the movie "Big Fish & Begonia") → Wenchang Lou (the only oval tulou in Nanjing, meaning "flourishing literary fortune," where you can photograph the beautiful scene of tulou blending with terraced fields) → Lower Viewing Platform (look up at the tulou cluster and terraced fields, resembling the "Potala Palace") Lunch will feature delicious Hakka cuisine, allowing you to experience the local Hakka lifestyle. If interested, you can also try the mellow Hakka rice wine. After lunch, head to Xiaban (Xiaban) Village, where streams flow through and terraced fields surround it. Twelve ancient tulou are scattered along both banks of the stream. Among them, Yuchang Lou is the key tulou we will visit. Built in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties (around 1308–1368), Yuchang Lou is one of the oldest surviving circular tulou in China and is hailed as the "Father of Fujian Tulou." It is also known for the pillars on the 3rd and 4th floors tilting 15° clockwise while those on the 5th floor tilt counterclockwise, creating the "leaning east and west" wonder. After more than 700 years of wind and rain, it remains stable and is called "China's No. 1 Marvelous Building." You can stroll through and admire the architectural wonder of "leaning east and west," observe the daily life of the Hakka people in the tulou up close, or chat with the Hakka residents to learn more fascinating tulou stories and unique folk culture. In addition, remember to taste a cup of oolong tea brewed by the locals—it is very sweet and refreshing. Afterward, head to the ancient Hakka village of Taxia Village. Taxia Village is distributed along the stream in an "S" shape, with two circular tulou (Yude Lou and Shunchang Lou) on either side of the stream, resembling a taiji pattern, hence the name "Taiji Water Village." In addition, its picturesque environment, excellent air and spring water, and the healthy lifestyle of the villagers have earned it the reputation of a "Longevity Village." Moreover, 11 concrete bridges and some tulou in the village were funded and built by overseas Chinese, giving it a strong overseas Chinese hometown character. You can stroll and admire the picturesque ancient village scenery and the varied tulou architecture, among which Yude Lou (Weiqun Lou) and Deyuantang Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall (China's most complete group of 24 stone dragon flagpoles) are worth careful appreciation. If time permits, you can also visit the Hekeng Tulou Cluster. The Hekeng Tulou Cluster is one of the most densely concentrated World Cultural Heritage sites among Fujian tulou, famous for its unique "Big Dipper" layout and the architectural wonder of square and circular tulou interwoven. Among them, Chaoshui Lou (built during the Jiajing period of the Ming dynasty, the oldest square tulou) and Yuxing Lou (a modern circular tulou) are highly representative and well worth seeing. In addition, you can climb the Shizishan Viewing Platform to overlook the panorama of the "Big Dipper" and take the most outstanding travel photos. Notably, the Hekeng Tulou Cluster is also the inspiration and prototype filming location for Mulan's hometown in Disney's live-action film "Mulan." If interested, you can check in at the same scenes from the movie. Notes 1. To visit the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, you can choose to walk or take a sightseeing bus. 2. Hekeng Tulou Cluster: after getting off at the entrance, you need to walk about 15 minutes to reach the main tulou buildings.

Early this morning, you can visit Nanputuo Temple, known as the "Buddhist holy site of southern Fujian," and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive. Nanputuo Temple was first built in the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, more than a thousand years ago. It is one of Fujian's most famous temples, the birthplace of the Minnan Buddhist Academy, and one of China's four great Guanyin pilgrimage sites. Influenced by the culture of the overseas Chinese hometowns of southern Fujian, it is highly favored in Southeast Asia. There is even a folk blessing legend that "visiting Nanputuo for one year spares you three years of suffering," and incense burns brightly all year round. You can stroll and admire the tranquil temple scenery and check in at magnificent and exquisite Buddhist buildings such as the Great Compassion Hall (a model of southern Fujian Buddhist architectural art, especially renowned for its red bricks, glazed tiles, and octagonal triple eaves) and the Sutra Library (which houses a Ming Wanli-era blood-written Lotus Sutra). If interested, you can also try Nanputuo Temple's vegetarian meal or taste traditionally made vegetarian cakes. After visiting Nanputuo Temple, you will be taken to the port pier to take a 20-minute ferry to Gulangyu. Gulangyu is one of the most beautiful islands in Xiamen, Fujian. In 2017, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a "historic international settlement," and it is one of the must-visit destinations in Fujian. The island preserves 931 historic buildings combining Chinese and Western styles, covering Gothic churches, Baroque consulates, and traditional southern Fujian red-brick houses, and is known as a "World Architecture Expo." The island also has China's highest per capita piano ownership rate, China's first piano museum and the world's largest organ museum, and has produced many internationally renowned musicians, earning it the titles "Island of Music" and "Island of Pianos." In addition, motor vehicles are prohibited across the island, adding to its tranquility. You can stroll leisurely and enjoy the picturesque island scenery, fully savoring the elegant charm of the "Garden on the Sea." For today's visit to Gulangyu, two different route options are provided: ① Leisure and entertainment journey: enjoy the island scenery to the fullest, with a customized itinerary based on your travel preferences and pace; ② Cultural, historical, and architectural journey: visit old buildings of strikingly different styles and learn the historical stories behind them. Gulangyu Optional Route ①: Leisure and Entertainment Journey If you want to spend a leisurely holiday on Gulangyu and follow your heart, you can tell the guide your travel preferences, and they will recommend suitable ways and routes to explore Gulangyu. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere with fewer people, you can stroll along Bishan Road and admire century-old buildings shaded by green trees and distinctive Chinese-Western scenery; you can also go to Moonlight Rock to overlook the island's red rooftops and Xiamen's city skyline; or simply step into an old villa and enjoy a cup of rich coffee in a peaceful moment. If you are interested in museums, recommended places include the Gulangyu Piano Museum, Organ Museum, China Record Museum, Palace Museum Gulangyu Gallery of Foreign Artifacts, and the International Calligraphy and Seal Carving Art Museum. If you love natural scenery, recommended places include Sunlight Rock, Dadeji Seaside Bathing Beach, and Shuzhuang Garden. If you want to be immersed in music, recommended places include the Gulangyu Concert Hall and the Pipe Organ Art Center to listen to a melodious performance. If you are keen on specialty foods, recommended places include Longtou Road and Fujian Road to taste delicious southern Fujian cuisine. Notes 1. You can explore Gulangyu on foot or by sightseeing bus (50 yuan per person). 2. Most outdoor attractions on Gulangyu are free, but some attractions or buildings may require an additional fee for entry. Gulangyu Optional Route ②: Cultural, Historical, and Architectural Journey If you want to explore Gulangyu's history and architecture in depth, this cultural, historical, and architectural route is the best choice, allowing you to fully enjoy the diverse charm of "World Architecture" and the elegant scenery of the "Garden on the Sea." Attractions along the way: Sanqiutian Pier (one of Gulangyu's earliest piers) → Boat House (the only villa on Gulangyu designed in the shape of a steamship, and a rare ship-shaped villa worldwide) → Bagua Tower (China's only and the world's largest organ museum; the architecture blends ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Islamic, and southern Fujian styles, and because of its red dome and grand appearance it is called the "Little White House of Gulangyu," making it the island's most striking landmark) → Yang Family Garden (one of Gulangyu's ten famous villa complexes, known as the "Versailles of Gulangyu") → Fanpo Tower (built by Philippine overseas Chinese Xu Jingquan; the architecture blends Rococo style with southern Fujian craftsmanship and is brightly colored) → Trinity Church (Gulangyu's earliest and largest Christian chapel, with a rare Greek-cross symmetrical design) → Golden Melon Tower (also known as Huang Cimin Villa, one of Gulangyu's ten great villas and one of its most representative historic building complexes, famous for its Byzantine-style "golden melon" dome and Chinese-Western design) → Dafudi (one of the earliest surviving residential buildings on Gulangyu, a typical traditional southern Fujian red-brick house) → Siluo Dacuo (a representative building of traditional southern Fujian red-brick houses and the oldest surviving residential building complex on Gulangyu) → Chu Family Garden (one of the more completely preserved overseas Chinese villas on Gulangyu) → Huang Family Garden (the largest and most luxuriously built private residence on Gulangyu, known as "China's Number One Villa," where many national dignitaries have stayed) → Shuzhuang Garden (known as the "Number One Seaside Mansion," with a rare design that hides the sea and supplements the mountain, and whose piano museum houses many piano treasures) → Haitiantang Gou (one of Gulangyu's ten great villas, a model of Chinese roofs over Western architecture, where you can watch Nanyin performances) → Huang Rongyuan Hall (Gulangyu's most romantic and exquisite villa, and China's first national-level record museum) → Catholic Church (Gulangyu's most beautiful church and Xiamen's only surviving Gothic church) → return to the pier. After the tour, this wonderful and unforgettable 3-day Xiamen, Fujian trip will come to an end. Our driver will take you to the airport/train station for your next destination.