5-Day 4-Night In-depth Travel Guide to Xiamen and Fuzhou

🚘Transportation Xiamen to Fuzhou: High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train from Xiamen North Station or Xiamen Station to Fuzhou Station or Fuzhou South Station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and is the most convenient way to travel between the two cities. Self-driving: Take the Shenhai Expressway, covering approximately 260 km. This option is suitable for travelers who prefer independent travel but requires attention to road conditions and rest stops. ✅Must-visit Attractions in Xiamen 🩷Gulangyu Island Must-visit spots: Shuzhuang Garden, Haoyuan Garden, Most Beautiful Corner, Sunlight Rock. 📸Photo spots: Take artistic photos at the Most Beautiful Corner, climb Sunlight Rock for panoramic views, visit the Piano Museum in Shuzhuang Garden. 🩷South Putuo Temple Must-visit spots: Heavenly Kings Hall, Great Buddha's Hall, Five Old Peaks. 📸Photo spots: Take photos in front of the Heavenly Kings Hall, climb Five Old Peaks for city views. 🩷Xiamen University Must-visit spots: Furong Lake, Shangxian Field, Lovers' Valley, Furong Tunnel. 📸Photo spots: Stroll by Furong Lake, photograph Shangxian Field's scenery, explore Lovers' Valley, admire student murals in Furong Tunnel. 🩷Zengcuo'an Must-visit spots: Art shops, seafood restaurants, beach. 📸Photo spots: Shop for unique souvenirs, enjoy seafood, take beach photos. 🩷Island Ring Road Must-visit spots: Baicheng Beach, Huangcuo Beach, Yanwu Bridge. 📸Photo spots: Cycle or walk along the ring road, enjoy sea views, take photos at beaches and Yanwu Bridge. 🗺️Xiamen Itinerary Day 1: Full day at Gulangyu Island (book ferry tickets one day ahead) → Evening at Zhongshan Road Walking Street for local snacks. Day 2: South Putuo Temple → Xiamen University (enter through temple's back gate) → Cycle Island Ring Road (start from university's Baicheng gate) → Zengcuo'an. 🍲Xiamen Food Recommendations 🍲Oyster Omelet: Local specialty with crispy exterior and tender interior. 🍲Satay Noodles: Traditional dish with rich broth and chewy noodles. 🍲Ginger Duck: Nourishing dish with tender duck and ginger flavor. 🍲Grass Jelly: Perfect summer refreshment. 🏨Xiamen Accommodation Tips 🏨Gulangyu Guesthouses: Experience island life, recommended near beaches or attractions. 🏨Xiamen City Hotels: Convenient location, various options for different budgets. ✅Must-visit Attractions in Fuzhou 🩷Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Must-visit spots: Confucian Temple, Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, Liu Family Mansion, Water Pavilion Theater. 📸Photo spots: Take photos at Confucian Temple, visit Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, explore Liu Family Mansion, watch traditional opera. 🩷West Lake Park Must-visit spots: Kaihua Temple, Xieping Island, Wanzai Hall. 📸Photo spots: Boat riding, lake views, prayers at Kaihua Temple. 🩷Wu Mountain Scenic Area Must-visit spots: Black Pagoda, White Pagoda, Daoshan Pavilion. 📸Photo spots: City views from mountain top, pagoda photos, scenic views from pavilion. 🩷Yuantai Mountain Must-visit spots: Stone House Church, Former US Consulate, Cangqian Mountain Park. 📸Photo spots: Artistic photos at church, historical site visits, city views from park. 🩷Shangxia Lane Must-visit spots: Guan-Yue Temple, Qingjing Temple, Confucian Temple, Longping Road. 📸Photo spots: Temple photos, historical sites, traditional street life. 🗺️Fuzhou Itinerary Day 1: Full day at Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (history lovers should buy combo tickets) → Evening at Shangxia Lane for local life and snacks. Day 2: West Lake Park → Wu Mountain Scenic Area → Yuantai Mountain (plan ahead for timing). 🍲Fuzhou Food Recommendations 🍲Fuzhou Fish Balls: Fresh and chewy local specialty. 🍲Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: Traditional delicacy with premium ingredients. 🍲Lychee Pork: Sweet and sour traditional dish with tender meat. 🍲Guobianhui: Essential Fuzhou breakfast, rice crepe with various toppings. 🏨Fuzhou Accommodation Tips 🏨Hotels near Three Lanes and Seven Alleys: Convenient location, popular choice. 🏨Fuzhou City Hotels: Various options for different budgets. ‼️Travel Tips ‼️Book Gulangyu ferry tickets in advance to avoid queues. ‼️Some attractions in Three Lanes and Seven Alleys require separate tickets; consider combo tickets for savings. ‼️Stay hydrated and use sunscreen in summer; keep warm in winter. ‼️When driving to Fuzhou, mind road conditions and take breaks; check traffic restrictions and plan routes. ‼️Be cautious of prices when shopping at tourist spots; buy souvenirs from legitimate stores or supermarkets.