Fujian Panorama | Xiamen + Gulangyu + Fujian Nanjing Tulou + Xiamen City + Wuyi Mountain In-Depth 5-Day Tour

Hello, welcome to Xiamen, a famous coastal city in Fujian Province, China, known for "embracing mountains and sea, blending East and West." Our driver will meet you at the airport/train station exit and take you to our carefully selected hotel for check-in. After a short rest, 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 is one of the must-visit destinations in Fujian. The island has 931 existing historical buildings blending Chinese and Western styles, including Gothic churches, Baroque consulates, and Minnan red-brick ancient residences, known as the "International Architecture Expo." Moreover, the island has the highest per capita piano ownership in China, boasts China's first piano museum and the world's largest organ museum, and has nurtured many internationally renowned musicians, earning it the titles "Island of Music" and "Island of Pianos." In addition, motor vehicles are prohibited on the entire island, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. You can leisurely stroll and enjoy the picturesque island scenery, fully savoring the elegant charm of the "Garden on the Sea." Today's tour of Gulangyu offers a cultural and historical architecture route (about 4 to 5 hours): taking you to visit old buildings of different styles and learn the historical stories behind them. Stops along the way: Sanqiutian Pier (one of Gulangyu's earliest piers) → Chuanwu (the only villa on Gulangyu designed in the shape of a ship, also 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 Minnan styles; known as "Gulangyu's Little White House" for its red dome and grand appearance, it is Gulangyu's most striking landmark) → Yang Family Garden (one of Gulangyu's ten famous villa complexes, known as "Gulangyu's Versailles") → Fanpo Tower (built by Philippine overseas Chinese Xu Jingquan; the architecture blends Rococo style with Minnan craftsmanship, with bright colors) → 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 villas and one of its most representative historical building complexes, famous for its Byzantine-style "golden melon" dome and Chinese-Western design) → Dafudi (one of Gulangyu's earliest existing residential buildings, a typical Minnan traditional red-brick residence) → Siluo Dacuo (a representative Minnan traditional red-brick residence, Gulangyu's oldest existing residential complex) → Chu Family Garden (one of Gulangyu's relatively intact overseas Chinese villas) → Huang Family Garden (Gulangyu's largest and most luxurious private residence, known as "China's No. 1 Villa," where many national dignitaries have stayed) → Shuzhuang Garden (known as "the No. 1 Mansion on the Sea," with a rare design of hiding the sea and supplementing the mountain; its piano museum houses many piano treasures) → Haitiantang Gou (one of Gulangyu's ten villas, a model of Chinese roofs over Western walls, where you can watch Nanyin performances) → Huang Rongyuan Hall (Gulangyu's most romantic and exquisite villa, also 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. Tips: Due to much walking, comfortable shoes are recommended for a better experience.

This morning, you will depart from Xiamen and drive about 150 kilometers (about 2.5 hours) to visit the Nanjing Tulou. There are more than 15,000 surviving tulou in Nanjing. They are a typical representative of Fujian Hakka tulou and a treasure of Chinese vernacular 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 and is famous for its unique layout resembling "four dishes and one soup." It is the most recognizable landscape of Fujian tulou, consisting of one square building (Buyun Lou), three circular buildings (Hechang Lou, Zhenchang Lou, Ruiyun Lou), and one 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 "wonder of world architecture" and an "outstanding representative of Chinese feng shui architecture." Recommended visiting route: Upper Viewing Platform (overlook the full "four dishes and one soup" panorama, like "plum blossoms blooming" or "a flying saucer landing") → Buyun Lou (symbolizing "rising in the world," where you can overlook scenes of Hakka family life) → Hechang Lou/Zhenchang Lou/Ruiyun Lou (you can photograph the same courtyard view as in the film Big Fish & Begonia) → Wenchang Lou (Nanjing's only oval tulou, symbolizing "flourishing literary fortune," where you can photograph the beautiful blend of tulou and 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 way of life. If interested, you can also try mellow Hakka rice wine. After lunch, head to 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 (about 1308–1368), Yuchang Lou is one of China's oldest surviving circular tulou and is honored as the "father of Fujian tulou." It is also known for the wonder of being "leaning east and west," because the pillars on the 3rd and 4th floors tilt 15° clockwise while the 5th floor tilts counterclockwise. After more than 700 years of wind and rain, it remains stable and is called "China's No. 1 wondrous building." You can stroll through and observe this architectural marvel of "leaning east and west," take a close look at the daily life of the Hakka people in the tulou, 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 beautiful mountains and waters, high-quality air and spring water, and the villagers' healthy lifestyle 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 enjoy the picturesque ancient village scenery and the varied tulou architecture. Among them, 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 there is still time, you can also visit the Hekeng Tulou Cluster. The Hekeng Tulou Cluster is one of the most concentrated World Cultural Heritage sites among Fujian tulou, famous for its unique "Big Dipper" layout and the architectural wonder of interlaced square and circular tulou. Among them, Chaoshui Lou (built during the Ming Jiajing period, the oldest square tulou) and Yuxing Lou (a modern circular tulou) are highly representative and well worth seeing. In addition, you can climb to the Shizishan viewing platform to overlook the full "Big Dipper" panorama and take the most outstanding travel photos. It is worth noting that 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. When visiting the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, you can choose to hike 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. After the tour, you will return to your Xiamen hotel to rest.

This morning, you can visit Nanputuo Temple, known as the "holy land of Buddhism in southern Fujian," and enjoy a 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 hometown in southern Fujian, it is highly favored in Southeast Asia. There is even a folk legend of blessing that says, "Visit Nanputuo in one year, avoid suffering for three years," and its incense has flourished all year round. You can stroll and admire the serene and quiet temple scenery, and check in at the Great Compassion Hall (a model of Minnan Buddhist architectural art, with red bricks, glazed tiles, and an octagonal triple-eaved flying roof as the most exquisite features) and the Sutra Library (which houses a Ming Wanli-era blood-written "Lotus Sutra"). If interested, you can also experience Nanputuo Temple's vegetarian meal or try the traditionally made vegetarian cakes. Afterward, you can stroll along Zhongshan Road, Xiamen's most representative century-old street, and experience the rich old Xiamen atmosphere. Zhongshan Road is China's only commercial pedestrian street that directly leads to the sea. The street preserves a large number of intact Nanyang arcade buildings and historical relics, and is known as a "living fossil of modern Xiamen history." Here, you can immersively admire the ancient Nanyang architecture, taste authentic specialty snacks, and watch wonderful intangible cultural heritage performances such as Nanyin and puppet shows. Alternatively, you can walk into the alleys near Zhongshan Road to explore local life in Xiamen and taste southern Fujian flavors such as satay noodles and oyster omelets. Seafood is a major highlight of Xiamen cuisine. You can visit the nearby Eighth Seafood Market, see uncommon 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 misunderstanding.) Afterward, you can drive leisurely 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 scenery of "emerald sea and golden sand reflecting the red road, palms and flower seas accompanying sculptures." If you want to fully enjoy the enchanting island-ring scenery, you can stop and savor places such as Yefeng Village (one of Xiamen's landmark seaside attractions, with a distant view of Kinmen Island), Baicheng Beach (in the evening you can photograph the Twin Towers and the orange sea in the same frame), Huangcuo Beach (Xiamen's best sunrise viewing spot), and Zengcuoan (China's most artistic fishing village). After the tour, you will head to Xiamen Railway Station to take a high-speed train (about 2.5–3 hours) to Wuyishan. Our driver will meet you at the exit of Wuyishan Railway Station and escort you to our carefully selected hotel for check-in and rest.

Wuyi Mountain is located in northwestern Fujian Province, China. It is a famous World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, renowned for its red sandstone landforms, tea culture, and the humanities of the three teachings (Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism), forming a unique charm of "emerald waters and red mountains, poetry and tea in harmony," and is known as "the finest scenery in Southeast China." As a holy land of tea culture, Wuyi Mountain is also the birthplace of oolong tea and black tea, and its mother tree Dahongpao is hailed as the "king of teas" and is famous overseas. This morning, you will take a sightseeing bus to the foot of Tianyou Peak. Tianyou Peak is one of the most famous and popular attractions in Wuyi Mountain. Because of its steep terrain surrounded by a stream on three sides and the sea of clouds after rain, it is known as "Wuyi's Number One Scenic Spot." A local saying goes, "If you don't reach Tianyou, you've wasted the trip." The Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake called it "able to capture all the beauty of the Nine-Bend Stream without approaching the stream; this peak truly deserves to be first." You will need to climb 848 steep steps to the top of Tianyou Peak, where you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the magnificent scenery of the Nine-Bend Stream's emerald waters surrounding the red sandstone peaks. When shrouded in mist, it feels like being in the fairyland of Penglai. Along the way, you can also check in at cliff inscriptions such as "First Mountain" and "Blessed Land and Heavenly Cave." Afterward, visit Zhuxi Garden, hailed as a "holy site comparable to Tsinghua and Peking University." Zhuxi Garden, also known as Wuyi Jingshe, was the lecture venue of the famous Southern Song Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi and the birthplace of Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism. Strolling through Zhuxi Garden, you can view precious historical relics and remains, gain an in-depth understanding of Zhu Xi's life and Neo-Confucian thought, and immersively experience the philosophical realm of "taking principle as the foundation, understanding principle and cultivating oneself." If interested, you can also wear Hanfu and take stunning ancient-style photos against the backdrop of blue-tiled white-walled buildings blending with the landscape. In the afternoon, head to the Nine-Bend Stream. The Nine-Bend Stream is the essence of Wuyi Mountain's "emerald waters and red mountains." Its 9.5-kilometer "nine bends and eighteen turns" waterway connects 36 peaks and 99 rocks, and it is known as "China's most beautiful stream." You will go to the Nine-Bend Stream bamboo raft dock and take a bamboo raft down the winding Nine-Bend Stream (about 1.5 hours in total). Along the way, you can admire red sandstone landforms such as Jade Maiden Peak and Great King Peak, stone inscriptions by Zhu Xi and other literati through the ages, various bizarre peaks and rocks, the time-honored ancient tea route, and charming tea garden scenery. Check in at a filming location of Journey to the West, experience the beauty of "the boat travels on emerald waves, people tour within a painting," and listen to the touching thousand-year legend of "the fairy maiden in love with the mortal world" and the mysterious story of the ancient Yue people's hanging coffins. Finally, proceed to the endpoint of the Nine-Bend Stream bamboo raft drift—Wuyi Palace. Wuyi Palace was first built during the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, more than 1,200 years ago. It was originally a place for emperors to offer sacrifices to Lord Wuyi and is the oldest surviving palace temple in Wuyi Mountain. Famous figures such as Zhu Xi, Lu You, and Xin Qiji once lectured or held office here, and it is known as one of the "Six Great Famous Taoist Temples of the Song Dynasty." Inside the palace, Wannian Palace (Zhu Xi Memorial Hall) preserves two Song Dynasty osmanthus trees, 800 to 900 years old. Legend says they were planted when the temple was built during the Southern Tang, and one was replanted by Zhu Xi. It is known as the "King of Osmanthus" and is well worth a visit. Next, continue to Song Street near Wuyi Palace. Song Street is 300 meters long and is an antique commercial pedestrian street themed on Song Dynasty culture, known as a "Song-style corridor spanning a thousand years." You can stroll leisurely, admire the distinctive Song-style architecture, experience Song Dynasty tea whisking and Jian ware making, or taste specialty snacks such as Dahongpao milk tea and Xiaomu cakes, immersively experiencing the Song-style life of "tea banquets and elegant gatherings." In addition, wearing Hanfu for photos on Song Street is very photogenic, especially in the evening when the atmosphere is even better. Optional evening activity: Impression Dahongpao (19:30–20:40) In the evening, you may choose to watch the world's first tea-culture-themed 360° rotating live performance created by Zhang Yimou's team. With Wuyi Mountain's landscape as the stage, it integrates the legend of Dahongpao, tea-making craftsmanship, and folk art, accompanied by traditional Chinese music and advanced special effects, allowing you to immersively enjoy an audio-visual feast where mountains, water, and tea blend together.

Today, you will delve into the time-honored tea culture of Wuyishan. After breakfast, you will take a sightseeing bus to explore the Dahongpao Scenic Area and visit the thousand-year-old Tianxin Yongle Temple, which has a history of over 1,200 years. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Wuyishan and the most intact Ming and Qing imperial temple in Fujian. In the Ming Dynasty, it became the birthplace of Dahongpao culture due to the legend of "the top scholar's red robe draped over the tea tree," full of mystery. After visiting the temple, you can leisurely stroll through the Dahongpao tea garden, admire the 360-year-old ancient tea trees—the mother trees of Dahongpao—and the rock-bone floral fragrance of the tea garden scenery, check in at the cliff inscriptions among the Danxia rock walls, and have the chance to capture scenes of tea farmers picking tea. If interested, you can also deeply appreciate the "tea and Zen as one" tea ceremony culture in a teahouse and taste legendary Dahongpao and other famous teas. Next, continue to the largest Danxia cave in Wuyishan—Shuilian Cave, admire the magnificent Danxia waterfall scenery, and feel the Neo-Confucian atmosphere of Zhu Xi's poem: "Why is the canal so clear? Because there is a source of living water." During the rainy season, you can see the hundred-meter flying spring like a pearl curtain; in the dry season, you can see the tranquil beauty of pearls hanging down. Finally, head to Xiamei Village, located about 8 kilometers east of Wuyishan. It is a famous Chinese historical and cultural village and the starting point of the "Ten Thousand Li Tea Road" that spans Asia and Europe. In the Qing Dynasty, Shanxi merchants sold tea from here to Russia and extended to Central Asia and other European countries. The village has over 30 well-preserved Ming and Qing ancient residences known for brick, wood, and stone carvings, blending Shanxi merchant architectural style with northern Fujian rural features, such as the Zou Family Ancestral Hall and Dafudi. After the tour, this wonderful and unforgettable 5-day Fujian Xiamen Wuyishan journey will come to an end. Our driver will take you to the airport/train station for your next destination.