Fujian Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Fujian, China? Read this comprehensive guide which covers everything from places to visit, things to do, food scene, safety tips, and more!


Fujian, a province located in East China, is renowned for its beautiful coastline, lush mountain ranges, and rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural splendor and cultural delights of China. Whether you’re interested in hiking, exploring temples, or enjoying delicious local cuisine, Fujian has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Fujian, China.

Introduction to Fujian

Fujian is a province located on the southeastern coast of China. It is known as one of the country’s most picturesque and culturally rich provinces, with a long history that dates back more than 5,000 years. Visitors can explore ancient temples, hike through beautiful mountain ranges, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Fujian is also home to some of China’s most important tea-producing regions, making it a must-visit destination for tea lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Fujian

Fujian is home to a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. Here are some of the must-visit places to include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Tulou Cluster: UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient fortified buildings.
  2. Fujian Provincial Museum: museum featuring a collection of cultural relics.
  3. Fuzhou Three Lanes and Seven Alleys: historic neighborhood featuring traditional Chinese architecture.
  4. Taining Danxia Landscape: scenic site featuring unique red cliffs and rock formations.
  5. Yongding Earth Buildings: UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Hakka buildings.
  6. Nanputuo Temple: Buddhist temple located in Xiamen.

Natural Attractions of Fujian: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Wuyi Mountain National Park: UNESCO World Heritage site featuring scenic mountains and tea terraces.
  2. Gulangyu Island: pedestrian-only island featuring colonial architecture.
  3. Mount Taimu: scenic mountain offering hiking trails and panoramic views.
  4. Meizhou Island: island offering beaches and water activities.
  5. Qishan National Forest Park: scenic park featuring hiking trails and waterfalls.
  6. Jiuri Mountain: scenic mountain featuring hiking trails and hot springs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fujian

Fujian offers a range of hiking and biking routes for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular routes include:

  1. Wuyi Mountain Tea-horse Road: a 4-day trek through tea plantations and mountain villages.
  2. Mount Wuyi Ecological Hiking Trail: a scenic day hike through forests and waterfalls.
  3. Xinghua Ancient Trail: a 6-kilometer hiking trail featuring scenic views of the countryside.
  4. Hualin Temple to Cangshan: a scenic biking route featuring views of rice fields and mountains.
  5. Haicang Bay to Jimei: a coastal bike route offering scenic views of the coastline.

Best Things to Do in Fujian: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Fujian:

  1. Visit the Tulou Cluster in Yongding County.
  2. Go hiking in Wuyi Mountain National Park.
  3. Stroll through Fuzhou Three Lanes and Seven Alleys.
  4. Relax on the beaches of Meizhou Island.
  5. Explore the colonial architecture of Gulangyu Island.
  6. Take a tea tour through Fujian’s tea-producing regions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fujian

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Fujian:

Day 1-2: Explore the Tulou Cluster in Yongding County. Day 3-4: Hike in Wuyi Mountain National Park. Day 5: Visit Fuzhou Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. Day 6: Relax on the beaches of Meizhou Island. Day 7: Explore Gulangyu Island’s colonial architecture.

Food and Drink Scene of Fujian

Fujian is famous for its seafood, tea, and soups. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Oyster omelet: a popular Fujianese street food made with fresh oysters and eggs.
  2. Minced pork with green beans: a Fujianese classic featuring stir-fried minced pork and green beans.
  3. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup: a seafood soup featuring up to 25 different ingredients.
  4. Fried fish balls: a delicious snack made from fish paste and deep-fried.

Local Beverages

  1. Tie Guan Yin tea: a famous oolong tea produced in Fujian.
  2. Jasmine tea: a fragrant tea made from green tea leaves and jasmine flowers.
  3. Wuyi rock tea: a type of tea grown in Wuyi Mountain National Park.
  4. Rice wine: a traditional Chinese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.

Where to Stay in Fujian: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Fujian has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some recommended options include:

  1. Intercontinental Fuzhou: a luxury hotel located in downtown Fuzhou.
  2. Sky Rock Inn: a budget-friendly hostel located in Taining County.
  3. Hilton Xiamen: a luxury hotel located in Xiamen overlooking the sea.
  4. Wuyishan Resort: a resort located in Wuyi Mountain National Park.

What to Buy in Fujian: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Fujian offers a range of souvenirs and local products to bring home, including:

  1. Tea: Fujian is known for producing some of China’s best teas, including Tie Guan Yin and Wuyi rock tea.
  2. Lacquerware: traditional Chinese handicrafts made from lacquer.
  3. Jian Zhan teacups: handcrafted teacups made in Fujian.
  4. Oolong tea soap: soap made from Fujian’s famous oolong tea.

Local Culture and Customs of Fujian

Fujianese culture is heavily influenced by Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Visitors should respect local customs and dress appropriately when visiting temples and other religious sites. It is also customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.

Best Time to Visit Fujian

The best time to visit Fujian is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and wet.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fujian

When visiting Fujian, follow these do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
  3. Try local cuisine and tea.
  4. Bargain politely when shopping at street markets.
  5. Keep an open mind and embrace the local culture.

Don’t:

  1. Take photographs without permission.
  2. Disrespect religion or religious sites.
  3. Haggle aggressively with locals.
  4. Eat or drink in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fujian

Fujian is a relatively safe destination for travelers. Exercise normal precautions when traveling alone at night and avoid flashing expensive items in public.

Health in Fujian

Visitors should take precautions against common illnesses such as traveler’s diarrhea and respiratory infections. It is recommended to drink bottled water and practice good hygiene.

Getting to Fujian: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fujian

  1. Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
  2. Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC)
  3. Wuyishan Airport (WUS)

Bus Stations Near Fujian

  1. Xiamen Bus Station
  2. Fuzhou South Bus Station
  3. Yongding Bus Station

Other Options

Train travel is a popular and efficient way to get around China. There are several high-speed train stations in Fujian, including Fuzhou South Railway Station and Xiamen Railway Station.

How to Get Around in Fujian

Fujian has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and trains. Visitors can also rent bikes or scooters to explore the countryside.

Where to Go Next from Fujian: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Guangdong Province: neighboring province famous for Cantonese cuisine.
  2. Shanghai: China’s largest city offering a range of attractions.
  3. Hong Kong: a bustling city-state known for its food and shopping.
  4. Taiwan: a small island nation located only a short ferry ride from Fujian.

Conclusion

Fujian, China is a beautiful and culturally rich destination that offers visitors a chance to explore tea plantations, ancient temples, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in hiking through national parks or savoring local cuisine, Fujian has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your next adventure to this must-visit destination.

Mount Wuyi Mount Wuyi Lao Tse statue, Qingyuan Mountain, Quanzhou Lao Tse statue, Qingyuan Mountain, Quanzhou


    East Fujian
    Inland Fujian
    South Fujian