Fujian: Tea, Islands and Tulou Heritage

First impressions of Xiamen

Arriving at Xiamen, we drive 25 km, or about 30 minutes, into the city center. Our journey starts at the 19th century Hulishan Cannon Fort, continues to the foot of Wulao Peak and South Putuo Temple, and concludes with an evening Lujiang River cruise to admire the night view of Xiamen and Gulangyu Island.

Xiamen to Mount Wuyi

Rise early this morning and transfer to the railway station for your 3-hour high-speed train from Xiamen to Wuyishan (UNESCO). Start with an easy trail from Tiger Roaring Rock to One Line Sky Scenic Area, passing through a hill with steep cliffs at 424 m above sea level, feeling as though you are ascending to the sky, followed by a linear view of the sky from the bottom of the valley.

One-day Wuyi Mountain tour

Hike to the Heavenly Tour Peak with its Bird's Eye View Pavilion, Flax Brooklet and famous ancient trees. Continue to the Nine Bend Stream and enjoy a half-hour bamboo raft float on clear, cool water, stretching over 62.8 km of dramatic mountains and cliffs. Conclude the day with the "Impression Da Hong Pao" performance, directed by a group of famous directors including Zhang Yimou, in a first 360-degree rotating auditorium in China.

Wuyi Mountain tea culture

Home of the famous Da Hong Pao rock tea, let us whisk you into the northern Da Hong Pao Scenic Area. The 3 km trail leads you to Water Curtain Cave via the legendary Big Red Robe Tea Mother Trees and the striking Nine Dragon Nest, an excellent environment for Wuyi tea to grow. This is followed by a small rock tea production workshop, where you can observe the manufacturing process and attend a tea ceremony tasting.

This afternoon, gain insights into dynastic life from a thousand years ago at Xiamei Ancient Village, with ancient buildings sculpted in brick, wood and stone, part of the Wuyi World Heritage.

Ancient Tulou complexes

Today, we transfer to Wuyi railway station for your 2-hour high-speed train to Longyan. We drive 85 km, or about 1.5 hours, into the Yongding mountainous area for the tulou buildings (UNESCO). Visit Chuxi Village, with 36 tulou buildings constructed in the 14th century. The Chuxi Tulou Group has a pattern-like stretch, with high historical, scientific and artistic values. Glimpse into the life and customs of a local family, then follow the field path in the back mountain of Chuxi to view the stunning terraced fields built along the slope-winding riverside up to the mountain top.

Next, explore Chengqilou Tulou. Due to its striking visual effect, the area is referred to by some authors as the "Tulou Great Wall". Another 40 km, or 1 hour, leads us to the exquisite Taxia Village, built in 1426 in the Ming Dynasty by the Zhang family. Tonight, stay in a traditional tulou building to experience true Hakka culture.

One-day Taxia Village tour

Ascend to an observation deck for a panoramic view of Tianluokeng Tulou, nicknamed "four dishes and one soup". Proceed to the five-storied Yuchang Lou, one of the oldest existing tulou and famed for its tilted pillars at up to a 15-degree angle. Visit Shiqiao Ancient Village and stroll along traditional streets to see China's rural countryside.

Gulangyu, Xiamen's most beautiful island

Today, we drive 160 km, about 3 hours, back to Xiamen. Upon arrival, we take a ferry to Gulangyu Island to visit the Gulangyu Piano Museum, displaying various kinds of antique pianos, Bright Moon Park, built in 1985, and Sunlight Rock Scenic Area, overlooking the coastline. Enjoy some free time walking around; motor vehicles are forbidden on the island.

Hotel to airport

This morning, drive 25 km, about 30 minutes, to Xiamen airport for your flight back home.