8 DAYS BEST OF FUJIAN

Arriving into Xiamen, we drive 25m or about ½ hour into the city centre. Our journey starts at the 19^th century Hulishan Cannon Fort, continue to the foot of Wulao Peak South Putuo Temple, and conclude with evening Lujiang River cruise to admire the night view of Xiamen and Gulangyu Island.

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

Hike to the Heavenly Tour Peak with its Bird’s Eye View Pavilion, Flax Brooklet and famous ancient trees. Continue to Nine Bend Stream and enjoy ½h bamboo raft floating on clear cool water, stretching over 62.8km of dramatic mountains and cliffs. Conclude the day with “Impression Da Hong Pao” performance directed by a group of famous directors — Zhang Yimou, a first 360° rotating auditorium in China.

Home of the famous “Dahongpao” rock tea, let us whisk you into the northern Dahongpao Scenic Area. The 3km trail leads you to Water Curtain Cave via the supernatural Big Red Robe Tea Mother Trees and amazing Nine Dragon Nest, excellent environment for Wuyi Tea to grow. 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 dynasties life from thousand years ago at Xiamei Ancient Village, with ancient buildings sculpted in brisk, wood and stone, which is part of the Wuyi World culture heritage.

Today, we transfer to Wuyi railway station for your 2h high-speed train to Longyan.

We drive 85km or about 1.5h retreat into Yongding mountainous area for the “Tulou buildings” (UNESCO). Visit Chuxi Village, with 36 Tulou buildings constructed in 14th century. 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 40km/1h leads us to an exquisite Taxia Village built in 1426 in Ming Dynasty by Zhang Family. Tonight, stay in a traditional Tulou building to experience truly Hakka culture.

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

Today, we drive 160km/3h back to Xiamen. Upon arrival, we take a ferry to Gulangyu Island to visit 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 driven vehicles are forbidden on the Island

In this morning, drive 25km/½h to Xiamen airport for your flight back home.