Listening to the rain in the ancient alleys of Banyan City, savoring the melodious waves and piano music of Egret Island

Friday: Arrive in Banyan City, explore the lanes at night
Evening/Night: Arrive in Fuzhou and check into a hotel near Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (recommended: Mei Xi Yue She · Governor's Mansion near Dongjiekou Metro Station).
Night stroll through Three Lanes and Seven Alleys: Wander along Nanhou Street as the lanterns light up, soaking in the charm of Ming and Qing architecture. Must-visit spots:
- **Shuixie Theater Stage**: Often hosts Min Opera performances at night (check schedules in advance).
- **Three Lanes and Seven Alleys - Bing Xin's Former Residence**: A glimpse into modern history.
- **Wenru Lane / Yijin Lane**: Quiet alleys perfect for photos.
Late-night snacks:
- **Yonghe Fish Ball (Tower Lane Fried Bun)**: Chewy shark and eel fish balls.
- **Tongli Rouyan Old Shop (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys)**: Unique "meat-wrapped-meat" texture.
- **Houjie Laohua (Yadao Lane)**: Delicious broth with customizable toppings.

Saturday: Fuzhou’s ancient charm, high-speed train to Egret Island
Morning: Explore Three Lanes and Seven Alleys in depth
- **Xiaohuang Lou (Huang Lane)**: Exquisite gardens and architecture.
- **Ermei Study (Langguan Lane)**: Experience the ambiance of a scholarly family.
- **Humen Lin Zexu Memorial Hall (free)**: Learn about the national hero’s life (near Nanhou Street exit).
Lunch: **Old Fuzhou (Provincial Government Road Branch)**
Try lychee pork, fried liver, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (small portion), and taro paste.
Afternoon: Choose between **Zuohai Park** or **Fudao Trail**
- **Zuohai Park**: Leisurely stroll, admire the White Pagoda’s reflection, or take a boat ride.
- **Fudao Trail** (recommend entrance at Gate 3, exit at Gate 5): Urban forest walkway with panoramic city views (1.5–2 hours).
Evening: Head to Xiamen
Take a train from Fuzhou Station/Fuzhou South Station → Xiamen Station (preferred, closer to attractions)/Xiamen North Station (1.5–2 hours).
Night: Check-in & explore Zhongshan Road
Stay in a hotel in Siming District (near Zhongshan Road, Ferry Pier, or Zengcuoan).
**Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street**: Hunt for snacks under the arcade buildings:
- **Huangzehe Peanut Soup**: Sweet peanut soup with fried pastries.
- **1980 Braised Pork Zongzi**: Classic Southern Fujian-style sticky rice dumplings.
- **Jukou Mixed Noodles**: Peanut butter noodles with wonton soup in a hidden alley.

Sunday: Gulangyu’s piano melodies, coastal leisure
Morning: Highlights of **Gulangyu Island**
Key: Book ferry tickets (¥35 round-trip) 1–3 days in advance via **Xiamen Ferry Co.** (Xiamen International Cruise Center → Sanqiutian Pier). Board with ID.
Core route (3–4 hours):
1. **Sanqiutian Pier**: "Most Beautiful Corner" (turn left uphill from the pier).
2. **Organ Museum (Bagua Building)**: World-class organ collection.
3. **Longtou Road Snack Street**: Try Ye’s glutinous rice balls and Longtou fish balls.
4. **Shuzhuang Garden**: Ocean-view garden with a piano museum.
5. **Gangzaihou Beach**: Stroll the shore and gaze at Sunlight Rock (skip if short on time).
Return: Sanqiutian Pier → Xiamen Ferry Pier (near Zhongshan Road).
Lunch: On Gulangyu (e.g., **Lin Sixi** for Min cuisine, **Laohaiwu** for local dishes) or back at Zhongshan Road (e.g., **Jiawei Zaitian** for traditional snacks).
Afternoon: Choose between two coastal options:
**Option 1: Shapowei + Zengcuoan**
- **Shapowei Art Zone**: A transformed fishing port with creative shops and photo ops.
- **Shapowei Typhoon Shelter**: See docked fishing boats blending old and new.
- **Zengcuoan**: Lively artsy village for snacks (e.g., **Bapopo Herbal Jelly**, **Mushroom Legend**) and boutique shopping (1–1.5 hours).
**Option 2: Island Ring Road Cycling**
Rent bikes at **Baicheng Beach/Zengcuoan** and ride toward **Huangcuo**, enjoying sea breezes, coconut groves, and stops at **Music Square** or **Wanyue Slope**.
Evening: Departure
Allow ample time to reach the airport/train station (Xiamen/Xiamen North). Depart 1.5–2 hours early.

🏨 Accommodation Tips
- **Fuzhou**: Stay near Three Lanes and Seven Alleys/Dongjiekou for convenience.
- **Xiamen**:
- **Central**: Zhongshan Road/Ferry Pier (close to attractions).
- **Artsy & Coastal**: Zengcuoan (near beach, lively but noisy).
- **Luxury Seaview**: Island Ring Road (Huangcuo/Convention Center).

🍜 Must-Try Foods
- **Fuzhou**: Fish balls (Yonghe), rouyan (Tongli), laohua (Houjie), taro paste, lychee pork, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.
- **Xiamen**: Satay noodles (Sili/Yuehua), oyster omelet (Lianhuan), peanut soup (Huangzehe), pork zongzi (1980), ginger duck (Haodelai), sea worm jelly, herbal jelly (Bapopo), seafood (check prices).

📌 Pro Tips
1. **Ferry tickets are crucial!** Book Gulangyu tickets 3+ days early in peak season via official channels.
2. **Transport cards**: Use Fuzhou’s "Rongcheng Tong" or Xiamen’s "E-Tong Card" (or mobile NFC/Alipay).
3. **Gulangyu walking**: Wear comfy shoes—no vehicles allowed.
4. **Fudao Trail**: Opt for the scenic section (Gates 3–5) with good footwear.
5. **Weather**: Fujian summers are hot/rainy—pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and an umbrella.
6. **Food hunting**: Ask locals for hidden snack spots in old alleys.
7. **Pacing**: This itinerary is intense—adjust based on energy (e.g., skip Fudao or Shapowei/Zengcuoan).