Day 1: All over the country → → Xiamen ★ Gathering day
All day
Ding ding ding, today is the gathering day for the event~
Remember to check in at the hotel by yourself and just report "China-Travel Note + Name" to the front desk. After that, it's free time!
Hotels are generally located in the center of Xiamen, with convenient access to subways, buses, and taxis.
Recommended attractions
Ring Road: Head to Huangcuo and Yefengzhai Beaches for a relaxing bike ride along the coast. When you're tired, head to Shapowei for a bite to eat. This renowned art haven is also a popular foodie destination in Xiamen.
Wanshi Botanical Garden: Highly recommended for photography enthusiasts. The Araucaria lawn, Rainforest World, and succulent plant area are all great places to capture stunning photos! (Rainforest World is open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.)
Day 2: City hotel → Gulangyu Island → Bagua Tower → Longtou Road → Embassy District → Shuzhuang Garden → Private villa → Xiamen city hotel
All day
Today's Topic: Music is flowing architecture, architecture is solidified music
1. In the morning, take a ferry with your tour guide to Gulangyu Island, the Garden on the Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey begins at the Bagua Tower, one of Gulangyu Island's landmarks. Listen to your guide's "Bagua" (eight trigrams) about the legendary history of this red-domed Western-style building over the past century. Then, admire the breathtaking collection of ancient organ treasures at the Organ Museum, and experience what it means to be a one-person, one-organ symphony orchestra. There's also a sea-facing viewing platform where you can take photos of the Red Hat and the Twin Towers. Limited reservations are available, so the scenery is beautiful with few people (approximately 1 hour). Then, admire various Amoy Deco buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.
2. At noon, you'll wander around the bustling Longtou Road for a bite to eat. Later in the afternoon, you'll visit the embassy district in the southwest of the island. Here, you'll find a changing scene, including the International Buildings: red-brick consulates, a Spanish Gothic-style cathedral, and more.
3. A mountain and sea garden that stands out from the three major Chinese garden models: [Shuzhuang Garden] – This is the private garden of the famous Taiwanese Lin Erjia. Pavilions, rocks, grass and trees will satisfy your romantic imagination of "I want a house facing the sea, with spring flowers blooming"; at the same time, we are in the Piano Museum, which has the largest collection of pianos in China. There are pianos of all styles from various countries, which are dazzling, including three-seaters, 90° corners, double-deckers... and occasionally encounter a pianist on the sea playing a warm and meaningful ballad.
4. In the afternoon, come to the private villa of the overseas Chinese who guards the island, enjoy Nanyang afternoon tea, put on cheongsam/Republic of China gown and dream back to a hundred years ago, and listen to him/her tell the story of the century in this building.
5. Return to Xiamen Island at night and enjoy the sunset over Gulangyu. Tourists can freely explore the Eight Markets and Zhongshan Road at night.
Day 3 Xiamen → Yongding Tulou Prince Scenic Area → Xiamen City Hotel
All day
1. In the morning, go to Yongding Tulou Prince Scenic Area (about 2 hours by car), and take the scenic battery car to [Zhencheng Tower] (you will have to wait in line during peak season, the actual situation on site will prevail)
2. A conversation with Mr. Agenbo, the Tulou keeper (or his children who have returned to take over).
▶ Tianhou Temple – A pilgrimage to the sea (10-15 minutes).
Interpreting faith: From the "Goddess of the Sea" to the "Hakka Guardian God," understanding the Hakka spiritual essence.
▶ Zhencheng Building – The Wisdom of Architecture (40-50 minutes)
. Exterior: The I Ching-inspired layout of a circular exterior and a square interior / Four-layer firewall / Sound-hole alarm system...
Interior: Atrium / Water supply system / Kitchen / Storage / Observing the cantilevered structure...
▶ Agenbo's Study – A hidden sense of family and country, and a mission within the eaves (10 minutes).
Memories of the Tulou Keeper: Precious images from different eras bear witness to the attention and support given to traditional Hakka architecture by all sectors of society, and also serve as a testament to the tulou keeper's mission.
▶ Agenbo's Dining Table (45-60 minutes)
. A Continuation of Life: Experiencing the spirit of heritage amidst the rustic atmosphere of everyday life, enjoying lunch at Agenbo's own dining table.
▶Hakka Family Precepts Museum (20 minutes)
Cultural Heritage: Through the family precepts inscribed on the walls and earthen buildings, you can experience the Hakka people's wisdom in management: respecting culture and education, and the spirit of farming and studying to pass on the family tradition.
3. Panoramic Tulou Tour (45-60 minutes): Visit the square-shaped Five-Phoenix Tower [Fuyu Tower], a palace-style building, the Potala Palace-style [Kuiju Tower], and the miniature round building [Rusheng Tower], said to be the residence of the witch in Big Fish and Begonia. At around 4:00 PM, take an electric car back to the Visitor Center parking lot at the Tianhou Temple entrance, arriving in Xiamen at around 6:30 PM.
Day 4 Xiamen City Hotel → Xiamen → Drop off at Xiamen Airport/Xiamen North Railway Station
All day
1. Visit Xiamen University, a romantic landmark in Xiamen: discover the quintessential Tan Kah Kee-style architecture, known for its suits and conical hats. Stroll along Furong Lake and interact with the graceful black swans. Walk through the Furong Tunnel and hear the secret story behind the graffiti "I love you, goodbye." Reminisce about your youth at the sea-facing Shangxian Field, where Gao Xiaosong wrote "My Deskmate."
Special reminder: If you encounter Xiamen University traffic control, the itinerary will be adjusted to [Jimei University Village] (which also has Tan Kah Kee-style buildings)
2. After lunch, the Southern Fujian Architecture Tour will end and you will be dropped off at Xiamen Airport/Xiamen North Railway Station. Please purchase train tickets departing after 2:00 PM or flights departing after 3:00 PM to avoid missing your flight.
