east · Fujian (Extended) (Fújiàn)
Fujian (Extended) Travel Guide
Fujian faces Taiwan across the strait and is home to two of China's most distinctive cultures: the Hokkien coastal merchants of Xiamen and Quanzhou, and the inland Hakka people with their massive round Tulou houses.
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TL;DR
Southeastern coastal province famous for Gulangyu Island (Xiamen), Fujian Tulou (Hakka round houses, UNESCO), and the Maritime Silk Road city of Quanzhou.
Quick facts
| Capital | Fuzhou |
|---|---|
| Population | 41.9 million |
| Area | 124,000 km² |
| Best season | October–December and March–May |
| Famous for | Gulangyu Island, Fujian Tulou (UNESCO), Tieguanyin oolong tea, Mazu temples |
| UNESCO sites | 2 sites |
Why visit Fujian (Extended)
For Gulangyu — the car-free island with colonial architecture, piano museum, and beach. For the Tulou — the Hakka round houses, some 500+ years old. For Quanzhou — UNESCO Maritime Silk Road heritage.
Key cities
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Fujian (Extended)
- Fujian Tulou (inscribed 2008)
- Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China (inscribed 2021)
Getting there & around
Getting there: Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN) has international flights. HSR from Shanghai: 4-5h to Xiamen.
Getting around: Xiamen has a metro. Gulangyu is a 10-minute ferry. For Tulou, take a tourist bus from Xiamen (2-3 hours).
Suggested itineraries
3 days — Xiamen + Gulangyu
Day 1: Xiamen old town. Day 2: Gulangyu Island. Day 3: Xiamen University + beach.
5 days — Xiamen + Tulou + Quanzhou
Add 2 days: Tianluokeng Tulou + Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road sites.
Local cuisine
Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (Fó tiào qiáng)
A legendary soup with 20+ ingredients, one of China's most elaborate dishes
Oyster Omelette (Hǎijiān)
Xiamen street food — fresh oysters cooked with eggs and sweet potato starch
Frequently asked questions
Is Gulangyu worth visiting?
Yes — one of China's most charming spots. Car-free, with 19th-century colonial architecture, the Piano Museum, and beaches.
What are Tulou?
Hakka earthen round houses — some 500+ years old, 3-4 stories tall, housing entire clans of 200-300 people.
Is Quanzhou worth visiting?
Yes — UNESCO Maritime Silk Road site with 25+ monuments. Kaiyuan Temple, Qingjing Mosque, maritime museum.