Essence of Three Cities in Southern Fujian: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Fuzhou (Culture + Nature) Morning Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (8:30-10:30) A must-visit in Fuzhou featuring Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Explore the Lin Zexu Memorial and Bingxin's Former Residence, and try local snacks like Tongli Rouyan (wonton) and Yonghe Fish Balls. Flower Lane Church (10:30-11:00) A pink Romanesque church perfect for photos. Noon Daming Food Street (11:30-12:30) Lunch recommendations: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (at Juchunyuan), Guobianhu (rice noodle soup), and Lychee Pork. Afternoon Fuzhou National Forest Park (13:30-15:30) Hike and breathe in fresh air while admiring ancient banyan trees. Short on time? Focus on the core area. Drum Mountain (16:00-18:00) Take a cable car for panoramic views of Fuzhou and visit Yongquan Temple. Evening Min River Night Cruise (19:30-20:30) Enjoy a light show on the boat before taking a high-speed train to Xiamen (~1.5 hours). Day 2: Xiamen (Island + Artsy Vibes) Morning Gulangyu Island (8:30-12:00) Book ferry tickets in advance (Xiamen International Cruise Center → Sanqiutian Pier). Must-sees: Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and the "Most Beautiful Corner." Try Ye’s Mochi. Noon Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (12:30-13:30) Lunch recommendations: Huangzehe Peanut Soup, Shacha Noodles, and Sea Worm Jelly. Afternoon Nanputuo Temple (14:00-15:00) A sacred Buddhist site with views of Xiamen University from Wulao Peak. Xiamen University (15:30-17:00) Visit Furong Lake and the Graffiti Tunnel (advance booking required). Evening Zengcuoan (18:00-20:00) Dine in this artsy fishing village—try Oyster Omelette and Ginger Duck. Stay overnight in Xiamen or take a train to Quanzhou (~30 mins). Day 3: Quanzhou (Ancient City + Religion) Morning Kaiyuan Temple (8:30-9:30) Fujian’s largest Buddhist temple—don’t miss the East and West Pagodas and the Mulberry Lotus Hall. West Street (9:30-11:00) Sample Runbingcai (spring rolls) and Hou Apo’s Zongzi, and snap photos at the Clock Tower. Noon Qingjing Mosque (11:30-12:00) China’s oldest surviving Islamic mosque (entrance fee: ¥3). Guanyue Temple (12:00-12:30) A bustling temple with Southern Fujian architectural flair. Afternoon Xunpu Village (14:00-16:00) Try the floral hairpin style (as seen on Zhao Liying) and photograph oyster-shell houses. Departure: Fly out from Quanzhou Jinjiang Airport or Xiamen Gaoqi Airport. Tips: 1. Transport: Fuzhou→Xiamen (1.5h by high-speed train), Xiamen→Quanzhou (30 mins). Opt for early trains. 2. Accommodation: Night 1 in Fuzhou/Xiamen, Night 2 in Xiamen/Quanzhou. Book Gulangyu homestays early if staying overnight. For Fuzhou, stay near Three Lanes and Seven Alleys or a subway station (e.g., Mei Xiyue She Hotel—Governor’s Mansion Branch) for a traditional vibe. 3. Must-try foods: Fuzhou fish balls, Xiamen shacha noodles, Quanzhou vermicelli soup. 4. Time management: Allocate ample time for Gulangyu and Xunpu Village; other spots are flexible.