2-Day Xiamen & Tulou Tour: From Island Charm to Hakka Heritage

Day 1

When you arrive, our friendly guide will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point, holding a sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.” From the very first moment, you will feel cared for as our guide helps with your luggage, offers local insights, and ensures a smooth start to your journey. After the day’s sightseeing, the guide will drive you comfortably back to the agreed drop-off point. Your Way Holiday believes in helping every traveler experience a destination deeply and authentically. Our motto, travel like a local, is about creating moments that connect you to the heart of each place you visit.

Your journey begins on Gulangyu Island, one of Xiamen’s most enchanting destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Island of Music,” Gulangyu blends European-style villas, lush gardens, and coastal scenery into a peaceful retreat away from the city’s bustle. Cars are not allowed here, so you can wander freely through narrow lanes lined with old banyan trees, charming cafés, and hidden courtyards. The island carries a unique blend of colonial history and local culture. Once home to consulates, churches, and piano schools, it remains a place where history echoes in every note of music and every wave that brushes against its rocky shores. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the island’s past, its architectural treasures, and the lives of the people who shaped its character, helping you see why Gulangyu is often called a living museum of culture and art.

Your exploration begins at Shuzhuang Garden, a poetic seaside garden that perfectly blends the beauty of classical Chinese landscaping with the charm of the ocean. Built on gentle slopes overlooking the sea, the garden is divided into two main sections, Canglang Pavilion and Zangwan Pavilion. Here, you can walk along zigzag bridges, through elegant pavilions, and past hidden courtyards where the sound of waves mingles with the whisper of bamboo. Your guide will explain the garden’s symbolic design, which reflects the philosophy of harmony between man and nature, and point out the best photo spots overlooking the coastline. Just beside the garden is the Piano Museum, an exquisite collection of more than 100 pianos from different eras. Inside, your guide will share stories about each rare instrument, from ornate European grand pianos to century-old uprights once used in royal courts, allowing you to appreciate not only their craftsmanship but also the music culture that shaped Gulangyu Island’s identity as the Island of Music.

Next, you will visit Sunlight Rock, the highest point on Gulangyu Island and one of its most iconic landmarks. As you climb the stone steps surrounded by lush greenery, your guide will point out small details along the way, such as the carved inscriptions and historic markers that tell stories of the island’s past. Reaching the summit, panoramic views unfold, revealing red-tiled rooftops, winding alleys, and the sparkling blue sea stretching to the horizon. Your guide will bring history to life by sharing legends of Zheng Chenggong, the national hero who once used the island strategically, and explain how Sunlight Rock became a symbol of Xiamen’s resilience and pride. You will have time to take photos, breathe in the fresh sea air, and observe the intricate layout of the island from above, appreciating both its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

After returning to the main island, you will visit Nanputuo Temple, one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples nestled at the foot of Wulao Mountain. The temple complex consists of grand halls, incense-filled courtyards, and stone pathways leading to tranquil shrines, each with its own story. Your guide will walk you through the temple’s rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, explaining Buddhist rituals, architectural details, and the symbolism behind the golden statues and carved eaves. You can light incense for blessings, listen to the soft chanting of monks, or climb the back mountain trail for a peaceful view overlooking Xiamen University and the coastline. The guide will also point out hidden spots and quiet corners where you can pause, reflect, and fully immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural atmosphere of this sacred site.

Finally, the day ends at Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, a lively hub where old Xiamen meets modern life. Here, you can wander among colonial-era buildings lit up with warm evening lights, shop for souvenirs, and taste famous local snacks like oyster omelets, peanut soup, and fish balls. Your guide will recommend the best food stalls and hidden spots known only to locals, ensuring that you experience the authentic flavors of Xiamen.

After a full day of exploring, your guide will drive you back to your hotel, ensuring you travel comfortably and safely. As you look back on the day’s experiences, you will feel not just like a visitor but like a traveler who has truly connected with the culture, stories, and rhythm of Xiamen.

Day2

Your journey begins at Chengqi Lou, the most iconic round Tulou in Fujian and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enormous earthen building, constructed during the Ming Dynasty, rises four stories high and was designed to house dozens of families within its thick, protective walls. As you walk into the central courtyard, you will notice the harmonious layout of living quarters, kitchens, and ancestral halls. Your guide will explain the ingenious architectural features that provide both natural insulation and strong defense while fostering a close-knit community. You will have the chance to explore the narrow wooden corridors, climb the inner balconies, and admire intricate carvings and inscriptions that reflect centuries of local culture. Throughout the visit, your guide will share captivating stories about the daily life, family traditions, and festivals of the Hakka people, helping you connect deeply with the history and spirit of this extraordinary building.

Next, you will visit Zhencheng Lou, a remarkable square Tulou that showcases the architectural diversity of the Hakka communities. This multi-story building is organized around spacious courtyards with wooden stairways and communal areas that highlight practical design and artistic craftsmanship. Your guide will point out the differences between round and square Tulous, explaining how each layout served defensive needs and reflected cultural values. You can explore the living quarters, observe traditional furniture, and appreciate decorative motifs on wooden doors and beams. Your guide will enrich the experience by explaining the social structures, family dynamics, and communal customs that have been preserved here for generations. By seeing the square Tulou up close, you will gain a fuller understanding of how architecture and culture intertwined to support both protection and daily life in Hakka society.

Finally, you will visit the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, a stunning arrangement of five Tulous in a flower-like pattern, with one round Tulou at the center and four square Tulous surrounding it. Walking through the cluster, you will be able to appreciate the scale, symmetry, and harmony of these historic structures. Your guide will share insights into how each building was constructed for defensive strength, communal living, and social cohesion, pointing out architectural details and historic features that might otherwise go unnoticed. You can step inside the courtyards, explore living spaces, and marvel at the earthen walls, wooden beams, and intricate craftsmanship that have stood for centuries. This immersive experience will allow you to witness the engineering brilliance of the Tulous while understanding the enduring culture, traditions, and community spirit of the Hakka people.

After a full day of exploration, your guide will drive you safely back to your hotel, providing a comfortable conclusion to a day filled with history, culture, and authentic local experiences that embody the Your Way Holiday motto, travel like a local.

Price Per Person in US Dollars