10 Days in Xiamen

Take the 20-min ferry (cars are banned on the island). Climb Sunlight Rock for the panorama, then wander the colonial-era streets.

1. Gulangyu Island

Morning incense at the seaside Buddhist temple, then walk the adjacent university campus, one of China's most scenic.

1. Nanputuo Temple
2. Xiamen University

The arcaded pedestrian street and surrounding old-town lanes. Come hungry — local snacks concentrate here.

A slower second island day. The Piano Museum sits inside Shuzhuang Garden, built along the shoreline.

1. Gulangyu Piano Museum

The 19th-century coastal fortress holds a giant Krupp gun. Continue along the island ring road and its beaches.

The artist village by Baicheng beach. Snack street, small galleries, and sunset on the boardwalk.

1. Zengcuoan Ancient Village

Two to three hours each way to the UNESCO Hakka earthen buildings. Chengqi Lou is the classic stop.

1. tulou yongding

Under an hour by rail to the ancient maritime port. Kaiyuan Temple and its stone pagodas anchor the old town.

1. kaiyuan temple quanzhou

The Eighth Market breakfast crawl and shrimp noodle soup. A deep dive into Minnan food culture.

Buy Fujian oolong at the tea market, then an unhurried baywalk morning before departure.