South Fujian Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do in South Fujian, from natural attractions to must-try food and local culture. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary and transportation guide.


Introduction to South Fujian

South Fujian is a region located in the southeastern part of Fujian province in China. The region boasts of its unique culture, history, and natural scenery, attracting many tourists every year. South Fujian is home to several counties including Quanzhou, Xiamen, Zhangzhou, and Putian, among others.

List of Places to Visit in South Fujian

If you are planning a visit to South Fujian, these are the must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Quanzhou Maritime Museum: The museum is located in the ancient city of Quanzhou and showcases the Maritime Silk Road history.
  • Kaiyuan Temple: This temple was founded in the Tang Dynasty and has a huge Buddha statue, bell tower, and drum tower.
  • Tulou: These are unique round or square-shaped dwellings found in Yongding, Nanjing, and Hua’an counties of South Fujian.

Natural Attractions of South Fujian: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gulangyu Island: This island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful architecture, gardens, and beaches.
  • Wuyi Mountains: This area is famous for its tea plantations and is a great spot for hiking and scenic views of natural landscapes.
  • Xiamen Botanical Garden: This garden has a collection of various plant species, and visitors can enjoy a long walk and a picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Fujian

Hiking and biking are popular activities in South Fujian. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • Wuyishan National Park: This park has many trails for hiking, and visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and rivers.
  • Gulangyu Island: The island has a cycling route that goes around the island, allowing visitors to explore the island on two wheels.

Best Things to Do in South Fujian: Activities and Tours

  • Explore the Tulou Clusters: Take a tour of the Tulou buildings, learn about their history, and experience the local culture.
  • Try the local seafood: South Fujian has some of the best seafood in China. Try some of the local delicacies such as the fried oyster cakes, and grilled squid.
  • Visit the tea plantations: Wuyi Mountains is famous for its tea, and visitors can take a tour of the tea plantations and try some of the famous teas.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Fujian

Here is a suggested one-week itinerary for South Fujian:

Day Activity
1 Explore Quanzhou city
2 Visit Tulou clusters in Yongding and Nanjing County
3 Hike in Wuyishan National Park
4 Visit the tea plantations in Wuyishan
5 Explore Xiamen city, go to Gulangyu Island
6 Relax and enjoy the beaches in Xiamen
7 Visit Zhangzhou city and try some local snacks

Food and Drink Scene of South Fujian

South Fujian has a rich food and drink culture. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Oyster Omelette: A famous Fujian dish made of fried eggs, flour, and small oysters.
  • Spring Roll: Fujian-style spring rolls are usually made with seafood like shrimp and scallop.
  • Fried Rice Noodles: Made with rice noodles stir-fried with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and scallions.

Local Beverages

  • Tie Guan Yin Tea: A famous Wuyi Mountain tea with a unique aroma and taste.
  • Rice Wine: Made from fermented rice and water, the rice wine has a sweet taste and is best served warm.
  • Huangjiu: A type of Chinese wine with a unique fermented rice flavor.

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

Here are some accommodation options in South Fujian:

  • Xiamen International Seaside Hotel: A luxury hotel located in Xiamen city with sea views.
  • Yundu Hostel: A budget hostel near Gulangyu Island.
  • Hua Ting Guest House: A guesthouse in Quanzhou with a traditional Chinese courtyard.

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

  • Oolong tea from Wuyi Mountains: The tea is a famous product of the region and is a great gift for tea-lovers.
  • Woodcarving souvenirs: Woodcarving is a traditional craft in South Fujian, and visitors can buy souvenirs, including carved vases and furniture.
  • Ceramic tea sets: Ceramic tea sets are also a popular souvenir from the region.

Local Culture and Customs of South Fujian

South Fujian has a rich and unique culture that is influenced by its history, religion, and geography. The people are hospitable and often traditional in their lifestyle. The dialect spoken in South Fujian is Hokkien, which is different from the Mandarin spoken in other parts of China.

Best Time to Visit South Fujian

The best time to visit South Fujian is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoid visiting during the summer months as it can be hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Fujian

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try the local food and tea.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing for outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting temples or other religious sites.
  • Litter in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Fujian

South Fujian is a safe region for travelers. As with any destination, visitors should be cautious of pickpocketing and keep their valuables secure.

Health in South Fujian

Visitors to South Fujian should avoid drinking tap water and ensure that the food they eat is well-cooked and fresh.

Getting to South Fujian: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near South Fujian

  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport: Located in Xiamen, it has direct flights to many major cities in China and some international destinations.
  • Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport: Located in Quanzhou, it has direct flights to some major cities in China.

Bus Stations Near South Fujian

  • Xiamen Hubin Station: Located in Xiamen, it has daily buses to many cities in South Fujian.
  • Quanzhou Station: Located in Quanzhou, it has daily buses to many cities in South Fujian.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to South Fujian by train, taxi, or private car.

How to Get Around in South Fujian

Public buses and taxis are available in most cities. Visitors can also rent a car or hire a private driver.

Where to Go Next from South Fujian: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can travel to nearby destinations such as Hangzhou, Shanghai or Fuzhou, which are three to five hours away by train.

Conclusion

South Fujian is a region with a unique and rich culture, beautiful natural scenery, and delicious food. Visitors can explore ancient temples, traditional Tulou buildings, and tea plantations while enjoying scenic views of mountains and beaches. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan an unforgettable trip to South Fujian.

Luoyang Bridge is one of the magnificent stone bridges that have carried the old coastal road across the rivers estuaries Luoyang Bridge is one of the magnificent stone bridges that have carried the old coastal road across the rivers estuaries A typical traditional gabled stone house of Zhangpu County A typical traditional gabled stone house of Zhangpu County Rui'an Lou, a rare granite-and-adboe tulou, can be easily visited from Liu'ao Rui'an Lou, a rare granite-and-adboe tulou, can be easily visited from Liu'ao Wanbilou, the main building of the fortified village Zhaojiabao (Zhangpu County) Wanbilou, the main building of the fortified village Zhaojiabao (Zhangpu County) Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen. Note the ends of the top roof ridge resembling a swallow's tail, a distinguishing feature of Minnan architecture. Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen. Note the ends of the top roof ridge resembling a swallow's tail, a distinguishing feature of Minnan architecture.


    Anxi
    Chongwu
    Dehua
    Haicang
    Liu'ao
    Quanzhou
    Tong'an
    Zhangzhou