Highlights of Fujian
If you have a whole afternoon to spend and you are a big fan of cycling, then biking along the Island Ring Road would be a good choice for you. You can start your cycling journey from Xiamen University and stop at Wuyuan Bridge. From four to five o’clock in the afternoon, the sunset glow flows over you, stretching your shadow on the road with the sea on your right. Leisurely cycling along the road and bathed in an atmosphere brimming with the fragrance of the sea, you will be able to hear the sounds of the sea breezes and the bike pedals, which combine to make a symphony that echoes in your ears. Having arrived at Longyan, you will be able to see the ancient buildings of the Hakka people, which are made of mud-dried bricks, solid enough to sustain earthquakes and fires. They have sound ventilation and lighting systems and can be also used for defense purposes, enabling the local people to enjoy a warm winter and a cool summer. The structure of the buildings also reflects the time-honored traditions cherished by the Hakka people, who value solidarity and love in human relationship. Once stepping into the building, you will be wrapped up in a warm atmosphere brimming with an antique flavor.
Highlights of Fukian: Xiamen and Hakka Earthen Buildings
Day 1: Upon your arrival in Xiamen, meet your personal guide at the airport arrival hall, then take the private, air-conditioned vehicle to the hotel. A short afternoon tour follows to visit South Putuo Temple and take a leisure bike ride along Huandao Road. South Putuo Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and has become famous as a Buddhist Temple. It sits in front of Wulao Peaks and is surrounded by the sea. Climb up high to enjoy great views of rolling waves. Then take a bike ride on the 60-meter wide Huandao Road. The Road is built with the aim of “seeing sea and leaving the best beach for the locals,” it promises the best views from Huandao Road. You will bike past military piers, old districts and famous Xiamen University. Across the sea Gulangyu Island faces you.
Hotels recommended: luxury hotels - Seaview Resort Xiamen, Hotel Indigo Xiamen Harbor, Sheraton Xiamen Hotel, The Westin Xiamen, or similar;
Day 2: Today is a full day on Gulangyu Island. You will get on a ferry, after about 5 minutes you reach Gulangyu Island. Due to historical reasons, there are many diverse styles of architecture on the island, winning Gulangyu Island the name of International Architecture Exhibition. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from one end of the island to the other end; however there are numerous interesting shops and stands where you might want to stop and take a look or have a bite. You can walk in the busy street or find a quiet corner, listen to what the old dwelling tells you. The main attractions on the island are Sun Light Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and Piano Museum etc.
Day 3: Earthen Buildings are unique in architecture style and can only be seen in Fujian province, it is worth the three hour single way drive to see them with your own eyes. Get up early and head for Yongding County to see the earthen buildings there. The buildings are usually in round or square shapes, four to five stories high, with enough rooms to store and cook food as well as keep cattle for a big family of at least four generations. Apart from its defensive function, earthen buildings are also fireproof, shock proof and keep the animals outside. All these functions have helped earthen buildings earn a designation as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2008. You can take a look at more rooms inside the buildings; you can also climb up the hill behind the buildings and take pictures over the buildings. They look just like four plates of dishes surrounding a bowl of soup. Lunch is arranged in a nearby restaurant.
Day 4: Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and escort you to the airport for your next destination.
Note: the Highlights of Fukian tour itinerary mentioned above is only a sample; we can customize this tour to meet your requests.
