A total of 8.8 million Fujian natives live in more than 90 countries and regions across the world, mainly in Southeast Asia, and Fujian is also the ancestral home of many other people of Chinese descent living throughout the world.

Day 1: Three Lanes and Seven Alleys in Fuzhou 三坊七巷

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, located in the centre of Fuzhou City, is a well-preserved architectural complex from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. As a famous ancient district, this area is an important symbol of the long history of Fuzhou. Some of the buildings are still inhabited by the local people.

Transport: take bus No.5, 18, or 22 and get off at the Shuangpao Bridge stop  (双抛桥) to start your visit from South Backstreet.

Entry: It’s free to wander along the streets, but if you want to visit some former residences of famous persons, tickets are 60 yuan for each location and 120 yuan for all locations.

Day 2: Meizhou Island 湄洲岛

Apart from the beautiful beach scenery, Meizhou Island is also known for being the home town of Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea. The Mazu Temple (妈祖庙) on the island is famous in China and abroad. Meizhou Island is a splendid and sacred land for all overseas Chinese and Chinese sailors.

Transport: Ride the ferry from the Wenjia Wharf (文甲码头) in Putian (莆田) to Meizhou Island Wharf. Tickets cost only 7 yuan per person.

Opening Hours: The ferry runs from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Day 3: Qingyuan Mountain 清源山

Located in the northern suburbs of Quanzhou City, Qingyuan Mountain a cultural symbol and an important spot for several religions Earliest mentions of the area (now a national park) date from the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC). The area has been host to Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist influences, all competing with each other, as well as evidence of Muslim, Manichaean and Hindu involvement.

Transport: Special tourist route 601 or the minibus route 3.

Entry: 55 yuan/person

Opening times: 5:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Day 4: Gulangyu Island 鼓浪屿

Across the bay from Xiamen (Amoy), Gulangyu is a quiet pedestrianised island where you can walk around and enjoy the food and the old foreign buildings. Gulangyu is known for its beautiful scenery, and has been called a ‘garden on the sea’ and likened to an exhibition of architecture from every nation.

Transport: Take the 7-minute ferry ride across the harbor from Xiamen Ferry Terminal. The first and last services from Xiamen depart at 5:45 a.m. and 0:30 a.m.

Tickets: 35 yuan/person for ferry boat

Day 5: Yunshuiyao ancient town 云水谣

Yunshuiyao, which was called Changjiao (长教), is an ancient village in Nanjing County and named after a moving Chinese film The Knot that was set here. Yunshuiyao makes a refreshing change from busy urban life.
Transport: take a coach to Nanjing County (南靖) and transfer to a special bus to Tulou (土楼) .