This journey takes you into the cultural heart of Chaozhou, Shantou, and Fujian. Stroll through the ancient city of Chaozhou, walk across Guangji Bridge, visit Kaiyuan Temple, listen to traditional Chaozhou opera, and savor a cup of local tea to experience the charm of a thousand years of Chaozhou culture. In Meizhou, explore Hakka roundhouses and the Tulou in Yongding, learning about the wisdom and unity of the Hakka people while experiencing traditional architecture and lifestyles. In Quanzhou, the ancient city, East and West Towers, and the Five Stores Street area tell the historical stories of the Maritime Silk Road. Finally, on Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island, the red-brick villas and musical atmosphere blend Chinese and Western cultures in a romantic setting. Along the way, local delicacies—Chaozhou Twelve Towns Feast, salt-baked chicken, whole goose banquet, and Hakka clay pot dishes—are part of the cultural experience, allowing you to taste history and local traditions.
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon arrival in Xiamen, transfer by car for a scenic drive along Huandao Road and enjoy a distant view of Kinmen Island. Stroll along the Yanmwu Bridge viewing platform and see Xiamen’s landmark Twin Towers. After dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
After breakfast, travel to Shantou. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal promenade, visit Shipaotai Park, and explore Laomagong, the earliest building established before Shantou’s opening as a port. You can also freely sample Laomagong’s traditional rice dumplings. Continue to Xiaogongyuan and the Old Town Qilou (arcade building) district.
After breakfast, visit the Lingnan “Little Forbidden City” – Chen Cihong Residence, and enjoy the scheduled Chinese martial dance performance, Yingge Dance (performance times: 10:00–10:40, 15:00–15:40). Then drive to Chaozhou Ancient City (with electric shuttle service). Stroll along Binjiang Road, view the iconic Guangji City Gate and ancient city walls, and cross Xiangzi Bridge (Guangji Bridge), one of China’s four famous ancient bridges. Visit the Tang-Song era Kaiyuan Temple, wander through Chaozhou Ancient City and Zhuangyuan Street, and enjoy a special tea-tasting experience with Chaozhou opera at Zaiyang Teahouse.
After breakfast, travel to Meizhou and visit the Hakka Museum, the only museum in China dedicated to showcasing and preserving Hakka culture, as well as the former residence of late-Qing patriotic poet Huang Zunxian, Renjinglu (closed on Mondays; if closed, the visit will be swapped with Songkou Ancient Town). Explore Jiaying Ancient City, and enjoy an authentic Hakka clay pot feast for dinner inside a traditional Hakka roundhouse.
After breakfast, visit Songkou Ancient Town, the first stop for Hakka people emigrating to Southeast Asia. Then proceed to Yongding to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Yongding Tulou Scenic Area, including Chengqi Lou, Wuyun Lou, Shize Lou, and Qiaofu Lou. Afterwards, continue to Zhangzhou, known as the “Land of Fruits and Flowers,” and enjoy free time strolling along the Ming and Qing dynasty ancient streets.
After breakfast, travel to Quanzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the thousand-year-old Kaiyuan Temple and the iconic East and West Towers of Quanzhou Ancient City. Stroll along West Street and the Bell Tower, take photos at the popular Xunpu Village (optional flower-adornment experience), and explore the traditional Minnan red-brick buildings in the Five Stores Street area.
Return to Xiamen and visit Jimei School Village, the hometown of patriotic overseas Chinese leader Mr. Chen Jiageng, featuring the Jiageng Architecture Complex and Dragon Boat Pool. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, the “Garden on the Sea,” stroll along Longtou Road commercial street, explore the international-style buildings, discover the most picturesque corners, with electric shuttle service included.
After breakfast, visit the popular Eighth Vegetable Market and stroll along Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your flight back.
