I've been to Fujian five times, and here's my travel guide! A song led me to this city

🎵“Eight Min lands, stories abound, mountains and seas intertwined, beautiful as a painting, Tulou standing majestically in the mountains, the sound of drums, waves, and zithers intoxicating the world…” Whenever the song "Fujian" rings in my ears, the melodious melody and deeply affectionate lyrics are like a magic key, opening the door to my yearning for this magical land. In March of this year, filled with longing, I traveled to Fujian for a wonderful six-day journey. Come along with me! 🌆 Fujian, located on the southeast coast, boasts a beautiful blend of mountains and waters, as well as a rich cultural heritage. In March, Fujian experiences the return of spring, with pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and lush greenery. Here, you can find the artistic romance of Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, where exotic architecture complements the melodious music; the magnificent Yongding Tulou, with its unique round and square buildings bearing the history of families; and mouthwatering delicacies such as Satay Noodles and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, each bite imbued with the passion and wisdom of the Fujianese people. Nature and culture blend perfectly, and every corner exudes a unique charm. 🚌 Transportation Guide: ✈️ After arriving at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport or Fuzhou Changle International Airport, you'll find convenient and well-developed transportation within the province. Xiamen Island has an extensive network of buses and subways, and you can easily reach Gulangyu Island by ferry. To visit suburban attractions such as Yongding Tulou, take a special tourist bus or a bullet train and transfer to a local bus. Along the way, you can admire Fujian's mountain and sea scenery, idyllic landscapes, and experience the diverse regional customs😃. 🎯 Recommended Itinerary: Day 1-2: Xiamen - Gulangyu Island - Xiamen University - Island Ring Road Day 1: Morning: Take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, as if stepping into a dream island. Wander through the quiet alleys, lined with buildings in various international styles, from Gothic spires and Baroque carvings to bougainvillea blooming brilliantly in the corners. Stroll along, admire the old villas, listen to the occasional piano music, and immerse yourself in the rich artistic atmosphere. Noon: Enjoy Satay Noodles on Gulangyu Island. The rich satay soup base is paired with smooth and chewy noodles, along with fresh seafood, springy fish balls, and other ingredients. One bite, and the spicy and savory flavors will warm you up. Afternoon: Visit Xiamen University, one of the most beautiful universities in China. Furong Lake shimmers, black swans stroll gracefully along the shore, and the unique Jiageng-style buildings on campus blend Chinese and Western elements. Take a walk and experience the fusion of youthful energy and academic atmosphere. In the evening, cycle along the Island Ring Road, with the sea breeze on your face, the vast ocean on one side, and the dazzling city on the other, enjoying a relaxing time. Day 2: Morning: Visit Gulangyu Island again. As dawn breaks, climb Sunlight Rock for a panoramic view of the island, with its red tiles, white walls, and lush greenery, starting a day full of energy. Noon: Have a seafood feast in downtown Xiamen. Steamed crabs, boiled shrimp, and other fresh ingredients showcase the culinary charm of this coastal city. Afternoon: After a short rest, head to Zengcuoan, where you'll find a variety of snacks and handicraft shops. Eat and stroll, experiencing the lively atmosphere. Day 3-4: Yongding Tulou Day 3: Morning: Travel to Yongding Tulou, enjoying the rural scenery of western Fujian along the way. Upon arrival, your first glimpse of the Tulou, the magnificent round and square buildings standing majestically in the mountains, will leave you in awe. Enter the Tulou to learn about the history of family settlements and experience the unique folk culture. Noon: Enjoy Hakka cuisine near the Tulou. Try the Mei Cai Kou Rou, a dish of braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens. The pork is rich but not greasy, and the mustard greens are salty and flavorful, making it a perfect meal. Afternoon: Continue to visit Tulou of different styles, such as Zhencheng Lou. The intricate wooden structure and exquisite carvings inside demonstrate the wisdom of the ancients. Day 4: Morning: Wake up early to experience the tranquility of the Tulou village, breathe in the fresh air, and watch the smoke curl upwards, starting a leisurely day. Noon: Enjoy a local specialty, Beef Pocket Soup. The beef is tender, and the soup is delicious and nutritious. Afternoon: After a short rest, stroll around the Tulou, admire the rural scenery, chat with the locals, and experience the simple life. Day 5-6: Fuzhou - Three Lanes and Seven Alleys - Gushan Mountain Day 5: Morning: Head to Fuzhou, a historic city with a rich ancient charm. Step into Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, a network of lanes with white walls and black tiles, preserving a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visit the former residences of famous figures such as Yan Fu, learn about their stories, and experience the historical heritage of Fuzhou. Noon: Enjoy Rouyan, a Fuzhou specialty, in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. The thin, translucent wrapper encloses a tender meat filling, and the soup is delicious and flavorful. Afternoon: Climb Gushan Mountain, admiring the cliff carvings along the way and experiencing the accumulation of history and culture. Reach the summit for a panoramic view of Fuzhou. Day 6: West Lake Park - Return Trip Morning: Visit West Lake Park. In spring, the lake and mountains are picturesque, and flowers are in full bloom. Stroll along the lake and enjoy the tranquility and beauty. Noon: After a simple lunch nearby, embark on your return journey, filled with memories and fondness for Fujian. 🌟 Must-Visit: 📍 Sunlight Rock on Gulangyu Island: With the towering rock peak, the panoramic view of Gulangyu Island, and the azure sea as the backdrop, taking photos on the top of the rock will capture the most iconic artistic image of Fujian, leaving a stunning travel memory. Whether it's a clear sky or a sunset glow, the scenery is unique. 📍 Chengqi Lou in Yongding Tulou: With the magnificent Tulou buildings, the lively scenes of life inside, and the surrounding rural scenery as the backdrop, taking photos here creates a wonderful atmosphere, showcasing the ancient and majestic charm of Fujian. 💕 Travel Experience: This six-day trip to Fujian was a carnival of culture and cuisine. The romance of Gulangyu Island and the profoundness of Yongding Tulou immersed me in the charm of Fujian. The spicy Satay Noodles and the delicious Rouyan made me fall in love with this city. Fujian in March, with its diversity and vibrancy, captivated me. I left with a heart full of reluctance, looking forward to returning and continuing my story with it. 🍱 Local Food Recommendations: 🥘 Satay Noodles: Rich satay soup base, chewy noodles, and various toppings. 🥩 Mei Cai Kou Rou: Braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens, rich but not greasy. 🥟 Rouyan: Thin, translucent wrapper, tender meat filling, and delicious soup. 🥘 Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: A luxurious and nutritious soup with various ingredients. 🥓 Fuzhou Fish Balls: Springy fish balls in a rich and flavorful soup. Fujian's cuisine is as tempting as its scenery. Come and experience it, and you might, like me, fall in love with this city because of a song!