2-Day Private Tour to tour around the Highlights of Xiamen and Quanzhou City

Day 1 · Gulangyu Island- Nanputuo Temple-Huli Mountain Fort-Ring Island Road

1. 1

   Gulangyu Island

   2 hours Admission included

   Meet your guide at your hotel lobby at your chosen departure time. Then your private driver will take you to the Wharf to take the 10-minute ferry to Gulang Island. When you board the ferry, you could sit on the second floor and overlook the endless sea from a height. Once ashore, absorb the island’s relaxed atmosphere and discover some of its prettiest spots. You will first walk along the coastline along the Gulangyu Island. Take a peaceful walk and admire the majesty of various old buildings before visiting Shuzhuang Garden, a beautiful seaside garden ,and inside it ,there is a famous Piano Museum with an extensive collection of unique pianos that would impress even the non-musicians. Enjoyed the walk on the bridge along the coast, with great view of the sea and surrounding landscape. Then take the ferry back to Xiamen Island.

2. 2

   Nanputuo Temple

   one hour

   Then enjoy a short car ride and arrive the Nanputuo Temple. The temple grounds includes multiple temples, gardens, lots of carvings, a beautiful representation of China's history. You can learn more about Buddhism and culture along the way up and get a sense of inner peace during visiting these well kept temples within.

3. 3

   Huli Mountain Fort

   one hour Admission included

   Follow your friendly guide and head to Huli Mountain Fort. It used to be a fort that overlook the waterway formed by Xiamen and mainland China. It was used during the Qing dynasty to prevent aggressors from landing into mainland and now is maintained as a heritage site for visitors to view the canons used and explore the layout of the fort. While most history in China is based in ancient times, this fortress tells its story of pre and post colonial times, opium wars and the small part it played in shaping this region of modern China. Take your time to read some of the plaques to get a better understanding.

4. 4

   Huandao Road Muzhan Avenue

   one hour

   After that, head to Ring Island Road which is one of the most famous scenic spots in Xiamen and the most beautiful sightseeing route in Xiamen. As a must-see place for Xiamen's tourism, Ring Island Road has become one of Xiamen's business cards. It is built along the coast and covers 31 kilometers. While sitting in the car, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset and scenery along the road. You can also choose to stop at a beach and take some photos. After that, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel

Day 2 · Xiamen- Qinyuan Mountain- Kaiyuan Monastery-South Shaolin Temple

1. 1

   Qinyuan Mountain

   2 hours Admission included

   Meet your tour guide in your Xiamen downtown hotel at your chosen departure time and aboard a comfortable private vehicle to Quanzhou (about 90 minutes). Once arrive, you'll first visit Qingyuan Mountain which is considered to be the best natural and cultural landscape in Quanzhou and is known as “No.1 Penglai Mountain in Fujian Province” and the “Back garden of Quanzhou” .The mountains are not high, the trees are lush and the water is murmuring. There is an old monarch rock which is famous all over the world. It is a statue of Taoist Lao Tzu shaped by a huge mountain body. It has also become a landmark landscape of Qingyuan Mountain. The mountain has gathered rock calligraphies of Taoism, Confucius, Buddhism, Muslim, Muni, as well as many fine calligraphy since Tang and Song Dynasties, hence the name of “Museum of Stone Carving”. Next enjoy a delightful local lunch with the recommendation from your guide.

2. 2

   Kaiyuan Monastery

   one hour Admission included

   Then visit Kaiyuan Temple. It has a rich and long history, back to the Song Dynasty. The two pagodas inside are very beautifully built, and they withstood strong earthquakes over the centuries. After that, take some time to tour around the famous street ‘Xijie’. As early as the Song Dynasty, it has already symbolized Quanzhou's prosperity. It is also the most intact ancient street area in Quanzhou, and it retains a large number of historical buildings.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   2 hours

   After a short break, head to another famed temple - ‘South Shaolin Temple’. It was built in the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Song Dynasty. It has been in existence for thousands of years. Then continue your tour to Luoyang Bridge which is one of the four famous bridges in ancient China. Then your private driver will drive you back to your hotel.