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Easy–moderate: mainly walking through old towns and villages, with no mountain hiking sections

Expect 2 to 4 hours of walking daily, mainly on stone-paved paths and across the thresholds of ancestral halls. Day nine is a full-day trip involving a return ferry crossing to Kinmen; the return boat runs on a fixed schedule.

Overview

On day one, arrive in Guangzhou and check into the hotel. On day two, take the high-speed rail to Shantou, view the qilou arcade architecture in the Old Public Square area, and read letters sent home by overseas Chinese at the Qiaopi Cultural Heritage Museum. On day three, travel by coach from Shantou to Puning; after enjoying morning tea, visit historic dwellings, then proceed to Jieyang to see the Jieyang Confucian Temple and City God Temple. On day four, make a day trip to Chaozhou, walking across the Guangji Bridge, visiting the Han Wengong Shrine and the Paifang Street, then returning to Jieyang for the night. On day five, take the high-speed rail from Chaoshan Station into Fujian Province, first visiting the Wulin Village in Jinjiang; subsequently, explore the ancient city of Quanzhou, the Anxi tea factory, and the Tulou in Nanjing. On day eight, travel by coach from Yunsuiyao to Xiamen; on day nine, subject to document verification and ferry availability, undertake a day trip to Kinmen from Wutong Wharf; on day ten, transfer to the airport or railway station for the confirmed flight or train. Experiences such as Yingge dance, Nanyin music, puppet theatre, and tea picking will be scheduled according to performance availability and the tea season.

— Travel with Suicheng

Itinerary can be adjusted to your dates and group size. A minimum of 2 people is required to form a group.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Qianbi Cultural Relics Museum: National Sentiment in Every Silver Letter
  • Guangji Bridge: Eighteen Ferries and Twenty-Four Islets
  • Yin'ge Dance: To be scheduled according to the performance calendar
  • Hongtao Gao: Handcrafted Festival Pastries for Blessings
  • Xunpu Flower Hairpins: Traditional Attire Photo Shoot
  • Nanyin and Puppetry: The Living Fossil of Chinese Music
  • Xunian Tea Tasting: The Orchid Aroma of Tieguanyin
  • Nanjing Tulou: UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Golden Gate: Check Documents and Ship Schedule
  • Visit the Shantou Qiao Pi Museum to see overseas remittance letters, then follow the place names mentioned in them to explore the hometowns of the overseas Chinese.
  • Walk across the stone piers and floating bridge of Guangji Bridge in Chaozhou, then explore the arcade-style buildings and stone archways on Pailou Street.
  • Sip Phoenix Dan Cong oolong tea in Chaozhou; Ying Opera performances are scheduled according to travel dates.
  • Experience handcrafted red peach dumplings on Paifang Street, watching the dough being pressed into peach-shaped wooden moulds.
  • Explore the oyster-shell houses in Xunpu Village and experience a traditional flower-bun photoshoot.
  • Stroll down Quanzhou's West Street; Nanyin music and string puppet performances will be scheduled according to the theatre timetable.
  • Watch the tea-making process and compete in tea tasting in Anxi; plucking experiences are scheduled according to the tea season.
  • Head to Nanjing to explore HeGui Lou and Huaiyuan Lou, then follow the ancient path along Yunshuiyao Creek.
  • Subject to the required permits, cross by boat from Xiamen to Kinmen for a visit, returning in the evening.
Tour route mapTour route: Guangzhou, Shantou, Jieyang, Chaozhou, Jinjiang, Quanzhou, Anxi, Zhangzhou, XiamenGuangzhou · ArrivalsD1ShantouD2JieyangD3ChaozhouD4JinjiangD5QuanzhouD6AnxiD7ZhangzhouD8Xiamen · DeparturesD9–D10

Things to do

Pressing peach dumplings by hand, Chaozhou
01
Wearing flower-crown headpieces in Xunpu Village, Quanzhou
02
Host a tea tasting competition in an historic factory, Quanzhou
03
Pressing peach dumplings by hand, ChaozhouHandcrafted
Wearing flower-crown headpieces in Xunpu Village, QuanzhouFolk Traditions
Host a tea tasting competition in an historic factory, QuanzhouTea
Pressing peach dumplings by hand, ChaozhouHandcrafted
Wearing flower-crown headpieces in Xunpu Village, QuanzhouFolk Traditions
Host a tea tasting competition in an historic factory, QuanzhouTea
Pressing peach dumplings by hand, ChaozhouHandcrafted
Wearing flower-crown headpieces in Xunpu Village, QuanzhouFolk Traditions
Host a tea tasting competition in an historic factory, QuanzhouTea

Itinerary

Arrivals

Guangzhou · Day 1

Guangzhou
Guangzhou
Guangzhou

Day 1 · Arrive in Guangzhou

Touchdown, check-in, and rest. No sights planned today—let the jet lag from the long flight settle in Guangzhou.

Pick-up at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport or high-speed railway station Upon arrival in Guangzhou, you will be met at the designated location and driven to your city-centre hotel. The specific meeting point and vehicle arrangements are subject to the order confirmation document.
Check in to a hotel in central Guangzhou Upscale hotels in the city centre. Leave the afternoon free to catch up on rest.
Free time to explore the pedestrian streets of Shangxiajiu or Beijing Road We recommend visiting the Shangxiajiu or Beijing Road pedestrian streets. The Qilou arcades reflect everyday Guangzhou life, with dessert and sugarcane juice stalls open until late. Get an early night's rest tonight; we're catching the high-speed rail first thing tomorrow.

Accommodation — 4-diamond hotel in Guangzhou city centre, upgradeable upon request · Dining — Room only

High-speed Rail3 hours

Shantou · Day 2

Shantou
Shantou
Shantou

Day 2 · A century-old trading port, a coastal cradle of culture

Take the high-speed rail south to the Chaoshan region. Wander through the arcaded buildings around Xiaogongyuan in the afternoon, visit the Qiaopi Cultural Relics Museum at dusk, and let Longyan South Road’s food scene take care of your evening.

Hotel breakfast After breakfast, proceed to Guangzhou South Station and take a high-speed train to Shantou.
Take the high-speed train from Guangzhou to Shantou Second-class seat, about three hours. The view outside the window shifts from the Pearl River Delta to the rice paddies and ancestral hall rooftops of the Chaoshan plains.
Signature Shantou Lunch Start with a proper Teochew meal—beef balls and rice noodles to fuel your afternoon walk.
Shantou Small Park and Laomu Temple The Xiaogongyuan area features a radial street grid with arcaded buildings dating from the 1930s, centred on the Zhongshan Pavilion. Just two streets away lies the Mother Temple, its roof ridges adorned with intricate porcelain inlay depicting figures, birds and flowers.
Overseas Chinese Remittance Cultural Museum Qiaopi are letters sent by overseas Chinese back home from Southeast Asia, with money enclosed in each one—so each letter was also a remittance. The museum displays original documents: the handwriting, rattan trunks, and account books are all preserved. Every Western-style mansion and ancestral hall visible along this route was funded by the money inside these envelopes.
Longyan South Road Food Street Stroll and sample: beef balls, kway teow, oyster omelette, and rice rolls — one of each. No need to sit down at every stop.
Check in to hotel in Shantou Sheraton Shantou or similar.

Accommodation — Sheraton Shantou Hotel or similar, upgradeable at client's request · Dining — Room only

Private Car1 hour

Jieyang · Day 3

Jieyang
Jieyang
Jieyang

Day 3 · Water-town ancient village, cradle of Confucian culture

Take a car from Shantou to Puning for morning tea and a visit to historic dwellings; in the afternoon, explore Jieyang Confucian Temple and City God Temple. The next two nights are spent in Jieyang.

Puning Cantonese Morning Tea Drive from Shantou to Puning. For morning tea, select from shrimp dumplings, siu mai, cheung fun, and chicken feet to suit your taste; meal costs are on your own.
Nigou Village Chang'an Li Fifteen courtyard residences in the traditional "Sidianjin" and "Xiashanhu" styles stand side by side. These terms denote classic Chaozhou architectural layouts: the Sidianjin features four wings surrounding a central courtyard, while the Xiashanhu has two lower side rooms. The beams are adorned with carved woodwork, and the roof ridges decorated with enameled ceramic assemblies.
De An Li and Surrounding Lunch The largest cluster of traditional courtyard-style ancestral residences in the Chaoshan region, laid out in the 'hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix' pattern. Stroll through the alleys, then enjoy lunch nearby.
Jieyang Confucian Temple and City God Temple The Confucian Academy was formerly an官办 school and temple, with its halls arranged along a central axis. A two-hundred-metre walk brings you to the City God Temple, still vibrant with incense smoke. The sculptural styles of the two sites differ entirely: one reflects literary tradition, the other folk belief.
Jieyang Vegetarian Buffet Chaoshan vegetarian cuisine is meticulously crafted, achieving the layered depth of meat dishes using mushrooms and soy products. After a day's walks, this meal was a light and refreshing indulgence.
Check in to a hotel in Jieyang city centre Four-diamond hotel in Jieyang city centre or equivalent, for two consecutive nights.

Accommodation — 4-diamond hotel in Jieyang city centre, upgradeable upon request · Dining — Room only

Private Car1 hour

Chaozhou · Day 4

Chaozhou
Chaozhou
Chaozhou

Day 4 · Tidal Echoes, Timeless Nights: Intangible Heritage Unfolds

Take a round trip from Jieyang to Chaozhou, visiting Guangji Bridge, the Han Yu Shrine, and Paifang Street. Yingge dance performances are scheduled according to the show timetable, with a return to Jieyang in the evening.

Travel to Chaozhou by car It takes about an hour to get from Jieyang to Chaozhou, and you can be standing on the bridge well before noon.
Guangji Bridge One of China's four ancient bridges, known locally as Xiangzi Bridge. Its structure is described as 'eighteen sailing boats and twenty-four islets': stone piers at each end with a floating bridge formed by eighteen wooden boats in the middle. Every evening, the boats are untethered to allow ships to pass, splitting the bridge into two sections—a design that dates back to the Song Dynasty.
Teochew Braised Goose Banquet A whole lion-head goose is braised, with the liver, wings, and feet served separately on a platter, accompanied by chopped garlic and white vinegar. This is the feast laid out for Chaoshan locals when hosting guests.
Han Wengong Shrine Nestled against the mountains and overlooking the river, this ancestral hall commemorates Han Yu. He served in Chaozhou for just eight months, founding schools, freeing enslaved people, and exorcising crocodiles—after which the river was renamed the Han River and the mountain the Han Mountain. This is the root of the Chaoshan people’s deep reverence for education.
Dongchong Oolong Tea and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Yingge Dance Sip a cup of Phoenix Dancong tea; if your travel dates coincide with a performance, witness the masks, double mallets and formations of Yingge Opera. Please confirm the specific showtime before your trip; if no performance is scheduled, we will arrange another intangible cultural heritage experience in Chaozhou instead.
Paifang Street and Handmade Hongtao Rice Cakes Twenty-three Ming and Qing dynasty stone arches line the street, with Nanyang-style shophouses on either side and snack stalls below. Pick a stall to make hong tao kueh: knead dough coloured with red yeast rice, stuff it with glutinous rice filling, press it into peach-shaped wooden moulds, and steam until soft—a symbol of good fortune. Take your finished kueh away with you.
Xima Road Food Street A night market for Chaozhou locals. Yumoi noodles, fermented-bean curd cakes, oyster omelettes and beef offal with rice noodles — walk the whole street to savour them all.
Chaozhou Old Town Light Show The buildings and ramparts at Guangji Tower are illuminated, with lights tracing the outlines of the ancient structures—the best views are from across the river.
Ah Rong Claypot Congee Late-night supper. The seafood claypot congee is made from raw rice and cooked to order, with grains blooming but not mushy. The Chaoshan night begins with this pot.
Return to Jieyang hotel The drive takes about an hour, so you'll still be staying in Jieyang tonight.

Accommodation — 4-diamond hotel in Jieyang, with option to upgrade · Dining — Room only

High-speed Rail

Jinjiang · Day 5

Jinjiang
Jinjiang
Jinjiang

Day 5 · Taking the High-Speed Rail into Fujian, Exploring Jinjiang

Head to Chaoshan Station from Jieyang and catch the high-speed train into Fujian. In the afternoon, explore Wulin to see its red-brick traditional homes and overseas Chinese-style mansions.

From Jieyang to Chaoshan Station, take the high-speed rail to Quanzhou South Station Travel from Jieyang to Chaoshan Railway Station, then take the high-speed train to Quanzhou South Station and transfer to Jinjiang. Schedules and travel times are subject to your booking confirmation.
Wulin Traditional Village A 600-year-old village. Beneath the swan-tail ridges of traditional Minnan red-brick ancestral homes stand Western-style mansions built by overseas Chinese with designs brought back from Southeast Asia—some left half-finished when funding ran out, now standing empty. The red brick is local; the Roman columns are foreign, both coexisting in the same alleyway.
Quanzhou Ginger Duck Braised番duck with ginger, sesame oil, and rice wine arrives at the table still bubbling in a clay pot — a cherished Minnan remedy, especially savoured through autumn and winter.
Luojia Temple A coastal temple, its halls facing the sea. The wind is strong, and the sound of bells merges with the waves. Bring a jacket.
Stay at Jinjiang Hotel Quality 4-diamond Jinjiang Hotel or equivalent.
Jinjiang Sunshine Night Market A night market blending Min and Taiwan flavours. Oyster omelettes, four-fruit soup, wheat vermicelli congee — stroll until 10pm.

Accommodation — 4-diamond quality hotel in Jinjiang, upgradeable upon request · Dining — Room only

Private Car40 minutes

Quanzhou · Day 6

Quanzhou
Quanzhou
Quanzhou

Day 6 · Half a city of mortal bustle, half a city of immortal grace

In the morning, visit Xunpu Village to view the oyster-shell houses and experience flower-pinning; in the afternoon, stroll along West Street in Quanzhou. Southern Music and string puppets will be scheduled according to the theatre's performance times.

Xunpu Village and the Oyster Shell House Alleys Wander through the narrow alleys of Xunpu Village, admire the house façades inlaid with oyster shells, then follow the lanes to the village’s living quarters.
Xunpu Floral Headdress Travel Photoshoot Create a flower-topped bun in the style of Quanzhou's Zhanciyuan tradition. Enjoy your makeup and styling session during your booked time slot, and capture photos in the alleys of the oyster-shell houses; specific locations may change depending on the weather.
Oyster Risotto in Stone Pot and Oyster Omelette The oysters in Xunpu are small but flavourful. The risotto is served bubbling in a stone pot, while the oyster pancake is pan-fried with sweet potato starch until the edges are crisp and golden.
West Street and Twin Pagodas in Quanzhou Ancient City West Street is the main thoroughfare of the old city, lined on both sides with red-brick minnan-style houses, while the twin East and West Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple rise above the rooftops. In the Song and Yuan dynasties, this was a key port on the Maritime Silk Road; today, stalls beneath the pagodas sell mianxianhu (noodle congee) and runbing (spring rolls).
Nanyin Music and String Puppetry Nanyin is performed in the Quanzhou dialect, while string puppets are controlled by fine threads. The number of shows and their order are subject to the theatre schedule confirmed prior to your trip.
Stay at a hotel in Quanzhou city centre Boutique four-diamond hotel in Quanzhou city centre, or equivalent. Dinner is at your own expense; the old town is just outside the hotel.

Accommodation — Premium 4-diamond hotel in Quanzhou city centre, upgradeable based on client request · Dining — Room only

Private Car1.5 hours

Anxi · Day 7

Anxi
Anxi
Anxi

Day 7 · Blessings, Tea Tasting, and Pilgrimage: A Faith Journey

In the morning, visit the Guan Di Temple to observe how locals in southern Fujian worship, then head into the mountains. Anxi is the birthplace of Tieguanyin.

Divining fortune at the Guan Di Temple in Quanzhou In southern Fujian, 'bai bai' (worship) is an everyday occurrence rather than a formal ritual. The temples are full of people throughout the day casting jiaobei (divination blocks), drawing fortune slips, and seeking interpreters to explain them. Ask your guide to translate each line of your fortune slip for you.
Depart for Anxi The road into the mountains has many bends; passengers prone to motion sickness should sit in the front.
Tiangong Pavilion, Qingshui Rock A complex of pavilions and halls built into the mountainside, rising in layered tiers. When clouds roll in, the entire structure appears to float halfway up the slope. First constructed during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Anxi Speciality Lunch Home-style dishes from the mountains feature tea-oil stir-fries and dried bamboo shoots as the stars.
Anxi State Tea Factory and Dou Cha Tea-Tasting The old factory is still in operation, with decades-old wooden withering trays and rocking machines. After watching the process, you can try your hand at斗茶 yourself: given three identical cups, you'll compare their aroma, liquor colour, and infused leaves, guided by an expert on how to tell them apart. The orchid fragrance of Tieguanyin is coaxed out during the rocking process — it's not added.
Dinner and overnight stay at Anxi Hotel Anxi four-diamond hotel or equivalent. There is another session at the tea plantation tomorrow morning.

Accommodation — Anxi 4-diamond hotel, upgrade available on request · Dining — Room only

Private Car2.5 hours

Zhangzhou · Day 8

Zhangzhou
Zhangzhou
Zhangzhou

Day 8 · World Heritage Tulou

In Anxi, experience tea picking or watch the tea-making process according to the tea season, then travel by car to Nanjing. In the afternoon, visit the Tulou and Yunshuiyao. After dinner, head to Xiamen.

Tea Picking or Tea Making Experience During tea season, guests can experience plucking in the tea gardens; outside the picking season, tours move to the processing plant to observe manufacturing and enjoy a tea-tasting competition. Specific arrangements depend on the travel season.
Travel to Nanjing Tulou A two-and-a-half-hour drive on mountain roads. As you near Tianluokeng, the car will stop at a bend, revealing a full panorama of the five earthen buildings spread out below.
Tulou Hakka Private Kitchen Stuffed tofu, bamboo shoot and free-range chicken soup, and foraged mountain vegetables. Dine together in the open-air courtyard of the tulou, surrounded by a wooden gallery overhead.
Hegui Building and Huaiyuan Building Helou and Huiyuan Tower, a five-storey square structure built on marshland, stands alongside Huiyuan Tower, a double-ring circular building with a central ancestral hall. Walk through the rammed-earth walls into the inner courtyard to see the different encircling layouts of the two towers. Fujian Tulou has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Yunshuiyao Ancient Town and the Ancient Banyan Boardwalk Rows of centuries-old banyan trees line the creek, their roots gripping the rocks; old waterwheels still turn, and bluestone paths follow the water’s edge. At the end lies Huaiyuan Tower. This stretch is flat and gentle — take your time.
Dinner in Yunshuiyao Riverside home cooking, featuring river fresh and mountain delicacies.
After dinner, transfer by car to Xiamen and check in to your hotel Depart by coach from Yunshuiyao and proceed to Xiamen. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. The exact arrival time is subject to the day's itinerary.

Accommodation — 4-diamond hotel in Xiamen, upgradeable on request · Dining — Room only

Private Car2.5 hours

Xiamen · Day 9 - Day 10

Xiamen
Xiamen

Day 9 · Jinsha Bond: Island-Hopping Across the Strait

If the permits and ferry schedule are confirmed, transfer to Kinmen from Wutong Wharf in Xiamen; otherwise, remain on Xiamen Island for the day.

Take a boat from Wutong Pier to Kinmen Before departing for Jinmen, cross-check travel documents against cross-border requirements and available ferry schedules; only finalise the departure from Wutong Wharf once feasibility is confirmed.
Railway Station and Milk Tea Street This district, converted from the old train station, features vintage signs lining the street and milk tea shops挨肩接踵. The pace of daily life here is half a beat slower than across the river.
Kinmen Snack Lunch Thick wheat vermicelli soup, stir-fried instant noodles, and oyster omelettes. Sharing the same origins as Quanzhou's versions, though the seasoning differs—ideal for a side-by-side comparison.
Chung Cheng Park A seaside garden with clusters of banyan trees and boardwalks tracing the coast. On windy days, waves crash against the rocks.
Qing Dynasty Jinmen Town General's Office The military and administrative offices of the Qing Dynasty remain intact in their original layout. Discover how they safeguarded an entire island as a strategic chokepoint.
Shanhou Folk Culture Village Eighteen traditional Minnan-style two-section courtyard houses are arranged in neat rows, forming a clan settlement built in the 19th century by overseas Chinese investors. The roof ridges feature dramatically upturned swallowtail eaves, executed in the same style as those found at Laogong Temple in Shantou.
Return to Xiamen by boat Return to Wutong Pier on the evening shuttle, with a private transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation — 4-diamond hotel in Xiamen, upgradeable on request · Dining — Room only

Day 10 · Farewell to鹭岛, A Wonderful Journey Home

Depart with ease. A private car will be arranged for a smooth transfer to the station, timed to your flight or high-speed rail schedule.

Free time on Huandao Road or Zhongshan Road Depends on your train schedule. The Huandao Road coastal cycling path offers expansive sea views, while Zhongshan Road is a historic arcade shopping street in the old town, where you can find both satay noodles and sandworm jelly.
Private transfer to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport or Xiamen Railway Station Arrange airport or station drop-off as per the confirmed flight or train schedule, concluding the itinerary.

Port of Entry and Exit — Arrive in Guangzhou, Depart from Xiamen · Dining — Room only

Departures

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Hotels

These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.

LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Guangzhou
LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Showcases a perfect fusion of Chinese culture and contemporary art.
NEWFeature Stay
Shantou
Sheraton Shantou Longkang Hotel
The accommodation specified in the itinerary is located in Shantou city centre. You will stay here on the second night of your trip. Room upgrades are available upon request; please refer to your confirmation document for details.
Jieyang
Jieyang Select Accommodations
Accommodation selected in Jieyang to the Four Diamond standard; the specific hotel will be confirmed on your voucher.
Jinjiang
Selected Accommodation in Jinjiang
Accommodation in Jinjiang, selected to Four-Diamond standards; the specific hotel will be confirmed in your booking voucher.
Quanzhou
Selected Accommodations in Quanzhou
Accommodation handpicked to a four-diamond standard in Quanzhou; the specific establishment will be confirmed on your voucher.
Anxi
Handpicked Accommodation in Anxi
Accommodation selected in Anxi to the Four-Diamond standard; the specific hotel will be confirmed on your booking voucher.
Xiamen
Xiamen Premium Accommodation
Accommodation in Xiamen selected to Four-Diamond standards; the specific hotel will be confirmed in your booking voucher.
LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Guangzhou
LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Showcases a perfect fusion of Chinese culture and contemporary art.
NEWFeature Stay
Shantou
Sheraton Shantou Longkang Hotel
The accommodation specified in the itinerary is located in Shantou city centre. You will stay here on the second night of your trip. Room upgrades are available upon request; please refer to your confirmation document for details.
Jieyang
Jieyang Select Accommodations
Accommodation selected in Jieyang to the Four Diamond standard; the specific hotel will be confirmed on your voucher.
Jinjiang
Selected Accommodation in Jinjiang
Accommodation in Jinjiang, selected to Four-Diamond standards; the specific hotel will be confirmed in your booking voucher.
Quanzhou
Selected Accommodations in Quanzhou
Accommodation handpicked to a four-diamond standard in Quanzhou; the specific establishment will be confirmed on your voucher.
Anxi
Handpicked Accommodation in Anxi
Accommodation selected in Anxi to the Four-Diamond standard; the specific hotel will be confirmed on your booking voucher.
Xiamen
Xiamen Premium Accommodation
Accommodation in Xiamen selected to Four-Diamond standards; the specific hotel will be confirmed in your booking voucher.
LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Guangzhou
LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Showcases a perfect fusion of Chinese culture and contemporary art.
NEWFeature Stay
Shantou
Sheraton Shantou Longkang Hotel
The accommodation specified in the itinerary is located in Shantou city centre. You will stay here on the second night of your trip. Room upgrades are available upon request; please refer to your confirmation document for details.
Jieyang
Jieyang Select Accommodations
Accommodation selected in Jieyang to the Four Diamond standard; the specific hotel will be confirmed on your voucher.
Jinjiang
Selected Accommodation in Jinjiang
Accommodation in Jinjiang, selected to Four-Diamond standards; the specific hotel will be confirmed in your booking voucher.
Quanzhou
Selected Accommodations in Quanzhou
Accommodation handpicked to a four-diamond standard in Quanzhou; the specific establishment will be confirmed on your voucher.
Anxi
Handpicked Accommodation in Anxi
Accommodation selected in Anxi to the Four-Diamond standard; the specific hotel will be confirmed on your booking voucher.
Xiamen
Xiamen Premium Accommodation
Accommodation in Xiamen selected to Four-Diamond standards; the specific hotel will be confirmed in your booking voucher.

Included / Excluded

What's Included

  • TransportOne seat per person, including vehicle hire, fuel, parking, tolls, and the driver’s food and accommodation.
  • AccommodationD1: Premium hotel in Guangzhou city centre; D2: Sheraton Longguang Hotel; D3: Hotel in Jieyang city centre; D4: Hotel in Jieyang; D5: Quality hotel in Jinjiang; D6: Boutique hotel in Quanzhou city centre; D7: Hotel in Anxi; D8–D9: Hotel in Xiamen.
  • Admission ticketChenghuang Temple, Guangji Bridge, intangible cultural heritage Yingge Dance performance, making red peach kuku, Xunpu flower headdress travel photography, Southern music, puppet shows, Qingshui Temple, Anxi tea competition experience, Guandi Temple, Luojia Temple, Tulou ticket, Guilou, Kinmen Island.
  • InsurancePersonal travel accident insurance.

Not Included

  • Personal expensesExcluded: personal expenses, shopping, and other incidental costs.
  • Single supplementFor single occupancy, a supplementary room rate will apply.
  • Other ItemsItems not mentioned above.
  • DiningMeals at your own expense.

Special Notes

The following is a faithful listing of the original source material, with additional notes on items that depend on season, availability, or documentation requirements.

  • Minimum Group Size Requirements — Group booking for two or more people.
  • Golden Gate Sea Cross — On day nine, the plan is to take a ferry from Xiamen's Wutong Wharf to Kinmen and back. Cross-border documentation requirements vary depending on the traveller's circumstances, so documents, processing times and ferry schedules must be checked one by one before the itinerary is confirmed; if this does not apply, the day will instead be spent on Xiamen Island.
  • Intangible Cultural Heritage Yingge Dance — Yingge dance performances are scheduled according to the local performance calendar, with more shows during festivals and weekends. If there are no public shows on your dates, we will notify you in advance and arrange an alternative intangible cultural heritage live performance elsewhere in Chaozhou.
  • Southern Sounds and String Puppetry — The performance schedule for Quanzhou’s Southern Music and木偶戏 will be confirmed with you prior to your departure, according to the theatre's daily lineup.
  • Xunpu Floral Hairpin Photo Tour — Makeup and photography proceed according to the booked time slot on the day. In case of rain, the shoot moves to the covered walkway of the oyster-shell house and indoor settings; it will not be cancelled.
  • Tea picking — Tea picking on the ground follows the tea season, mainly in spring and autumn. During non-picking seasons, this is replaced by explanations of tea processing at the factory and a tea-tasting experience, with Oolong tea (Tieguanyin) still included.
  • Hotel — The exact hotel name will be as specified on your confirmation. “Or equivalent” always refers to hotels of the same category and comparable location.

Is Ten Days Your Length?

This is a 10-day/9-night itinerary, adjustable to your dates and travel party size.

Ten days to cover the entire route

Four days in eastern Guangdong, six days in southern Fujian — you’ll visit both the ancestral homelands of overseas Chinese, with not a single high-speed rail leg skipped in between.

Not enough days

We trim the itinerary, not the experience. Tell us what matters most to you, and we'll tailor the trip accordingly.

With elderly or children

You can take it even slower each day, and spend the entire day on Xiamen Island on the Golden Gate visit.

Good to Know

Group departure
Minimum group size: 2
Language
Full English-speaking guide
Shopping
The itinerary is entirely free of shopping stops or commission-driven detours.
Bespoke
Days, stops and pace can all be adjusted or rearranged — make all the changes before you confirm payment.
Import and Export Ports
Arrive Guangzhou, Depart Xiamen
Meals
Meals at your own expense; the guide will recommend and book according to your preferences.
Best Season
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable; tea harvesting seasons fall in spring and autumn, while Chaoshan and southern Fujian remain mild in winter

Your Private Concierge Service

Jenny. Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route.

Jenny

China Private Travel Route Consultant

“A concierge desk offering bilingual planning services for bespoke China journeys”

Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route.

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When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.

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Support throughout your journey

Cancellation terms agreed in writing
English-speaking concierge
Secure payment via Stripe

Guest Reviews

4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews

E
Emily Carter
🇺🇸 Seattle, USA

Perfect for couples

“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”

May 2026
C
Claire Brooks
🇬🇧 London, UK

Great for families

“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”

Apr 2026
L
Laura Bennett
🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada

Alisa made the whole experience easy

“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”

Mar 2026
M
Mark Henderson
🇺🇸 Denver, USA

Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly

“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”

Feb 2026
R
Rebecca Miller
🇺🇸 Boston, USA

Really listened to what we wanted

“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”

Jan 2026

China Ready

We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveller needs to know before arriving.

Do this before you fly

VPN & Internet Access

What's blocked

Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.

Download before you leave

It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.

Hotel Wi-Fi tip

Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.

Good news

WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.

Your concierge sets this up on Day 1

Paying in China

China is cashless

Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.

International cards now work

Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.

Carry some cash

We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.

Booking this trip

Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.

We handle the paperwork

Visa & Entry

Do you need a visa?

Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.

240-hour visa-free transit

Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.

Processing time

Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.

What we provide

Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.

Our responsibility, always

Safety & Practical Tips

Is China safe?

China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.

Emergency numbers

Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.

Health & medications

Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.

Language

English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveller.

Before You Book

Everything worth knowing before you book.

This itinerary is paced around the principle of ‘minimal luggage-hauling’: two nights in Jieyang, two nights in Xiamen, and on the Chaozhou day, even though you’ll be out late, you’ll return to the same Jieyang room. The three inter-city segments are done by high-speed rail, with direct private transfers otherwise — no long same-day round trips. Daily walking takes 2 to 4 hours through old towns and villages, with no mountain hiking. If you still feel it’s too tight, let us know; we’ll drop an entire area rather than squeeze each day.

Besides the signature dishes noted in the itinerary, such as the braised goose banquet and private kitchen Hakka meals, each remaining meal will be personally recommended and booked by your guide based on your preferences and location that day, with payment settled on the spot. This approach ensures you don’t miss the best local eats available—since this route is as much about food as it is about scenery, pre-booking fixed menus would only limit your options. If you’d prefer all meals included, just let us know: we’ll prepare a sample menu tailored to your taste before providing a quote.

You need to obtain entry permission from the Taiwan authorities in advance; this cannot be done on the same day. We will review your passport and travel documents before you confirm the itinerary and let you know how long the process takes. If time is tight or the arrangement is not applicable, Day 9 will be changed to an Old City, coastal and market tour of Xiamen Island instead, with fees adjusted accordingly — so you will not arrive at the pier and find yourself unable to proceed.

Yingge dance performances are scheduled according to local event calendars, with more shows during festivals and weekends; Southern Music and marionette shows follow the theatre’s daily timetable. We will confirm your show times for each item before you depart, and if any can’t be confirmed, we’ll let you know in advance and arrange a suitable alternative—we will never leave you to find out on the day that your chosen performance isn’t available. All these experiences are included in the ticket price.

An English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the journey, providing seamless station pickup in Guangzhou and drop-off in Xiamen. Locals conversing in Chaoshan or Minnan dialects will not pose a barrier to you; rather, it is the temple fortune slips, folk opera lyrics, and dish names that require line-by-line interpretation—precisely the primary role your guide plays on this route.

Yes, absolutely. The itinerary avoids serious trekking and high altitude; the most tiring parts are the flagstone streets of the old towns and the thresholds of ancestral halls. Children can fully engage in hands-on red peach pastry making, flower hairpin styling, and tea picking. For elderly companions, we can adjust the pace: for example, keep Day 9’s Kinmen visit entirely within Xiamen’s main island, or wrap up Chaozhou’s evening programme earlier on Day 4. Just let us know the ages of your travelling companions, and we’ll tailor the daily intensity accordingly.

Beyond the set meals outlined in the itinerary, such as the braised goose banquet and the tulou home-style lunch, your guide will recommend and book each meal around your tastes and your location that day, paid locally. This is a culinary route, and fixing every meal in advance would mean missing whatever is best on the day. If you would prefer all meals included, please let us know and we will curate a menu to your tastes before providing a quote.

It requires an entry permit from the Taiwan side, applied for in advance, and it cannot be arranged on the day. We check your passports and documents with you before you confirm the itinerary and tell you how long the process takes. If there is not enough time or it does not apply to you, day nine is replaced with the old town, coastline and markets on Xiamen island, with the price adjusted accordingly, so nothing is discovered at the pier.

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