- Verified itinerary · Updated regularly
8-Day Xiamen and Chaoshan Dual City Adventure
Explore southeast China through a rich 8 day Xiamen and Chaoshan dual city adventure, combining coastal Xiamen, UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island, traditional Fujian Tulou, and the historical and cultural city of Chaozhou.
8 Days / Private Tour
Xiamen and Chaoshan cultural journey.
Top Experiences
Gulangyu Island, Fujian Tulou, Chaozhou Ancient City, and Nan’ao Island.
Private Guided Journey
Private guide, high-speed train support, and smooth transfers.
Best For
Culture lovers, food travelers, photographers, and repeat China visitors.
What Makes This Journey Different
A Hong Kong–registered travel group
Backed by a Hong Kong group, with local teams across China.
Secure payments
Pay safely by Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
24/7 support
Real human assistance before, during, and after your journey in China.
Custom experiences
Activities and pacing tailored to your interests and travel style.
8-Day Xiamen & Chaoshan Route at a Glance
| Day | Destination | What You’ll Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xiamen Arrival | Easy arrival, hotel transfer, and free time to explore Xiamen city at your own pace. |
| 2 | Xiamen City Highlights | Visit South Putuo Temple, Huandao Road, Zhongshan Road, and enjoy Xiamen’s coastal lifestyle and local snacks. |
| 3 | Gulangyu Island | Explore Gulangyu Island, Shuzhuang Garden, Organ Museum, old villas, sea views, and car-free island lanes. |
| 4 | Fujian Tulou | Discover Fujian Tulou, Hekeng Tulou Cluster, Hakka earth buildings, and authentic Hakka village culture. |
| 5 | Xiamen to Chaozhou | Travel to Chaozhou Ancient City and visit Guangji Gate Tower, Paifang Street, Kaiyuan Temple, and Xiangzi Bridge. |
| 6 | Chaozhou Culture Day | Explore Longhu Ancient Village, Han River scenery, Teochew opera culture, traditional snacks, and local tea culture. |
| 7 | Shantou & Nan’ao Island | Visit Shantou Small Park, taste Chaoshan food, then continue to Nan’ao Island and Qing’ao Bay. |
| 8 | Departure | Enjoy a relaxed morning before private transfer to the airport or railway station for your next journey. |
A Seamless 8-Day Journey Through Xiamen & Chaoshan
This 8-day private China tour is designed to connect the coastal charm of Xiamen with the rich heritage of Chaoshan in the smoothest and most immersive way. From Gulangyu Island and Fujian Tulou to Chaozhou Ancient City and Nan’ao Island, the route blends local culture, food, history, and seaside scenery while keeping travel comfortable and well-paced.
Domestic Flights for Longer Distances
High-Speed Trains for Shorter Routes
Why Travelers Love This Xiamen & Chaoshan Journey
This journey blends coastal scenery, Fujian heritage, Hakka culture, Chaoshan food traditions, and historic old towns into one smooth and immersive experience across southeast China.
Taste the Culinary Heart of Chaoshan
From famous Chaoshan beef hotpot and fresh seafood to oyster omelets, handmade snacks, and traditional kung fu tea, this tour lets you experience why Chaoshan is considered one of China’s greatest food regions.
Walk Through Living Fujian Tulou Villages
Explore authentic Fujian Tulou and step inside real Hakka earth buildings where families still live today. Visit quieter tulou villages beyond the busiest tourist routes and experience genuine Hakka culture, local tea, and traditional village life.
Slow Down on Gulangyu Island
Escape the traffic and crowds as you wander through sea-view lanes, colonial villas, gardens, piano-filled streets, and hidden corners of Gulangyu Island, one of China’s most charming UNESCO heritage sites.
Discover the Soul of Chaozhou Ancient City
Walk through Paifang Street, cross the historic Xiangzi Bridge, visit Kaiyuan Temple, and admire centuries of Teochew architecture shaped by the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Experience Chaoshan’s Living Traditions
See a side of China many travelers miss — from Teochew opera and Yingge dance to local markets, ancestral halls, tea houses, and traditional craftsmanship still preserved in daily life.
Balance Coastal Relaxation with Cultural Discovery
Unlike fast-paced city tours, this route is designed with a comfortable rhythm — combining islands, ancient towns, local food, cultural heritage, and scenic coastal drives into one relaxed private journey.
Your 8-Day Southeast China Coastal & Cultural Journey
This route connects Xiamen, Shantou, Chaozhou, Nan’ao Island, Gulangyu Island, and Fujian Tulou into one smooth private journey. It is designed for travelers who want more than sightseeing — with coastal scenery, Chaoshan food, ancient city culture, Hakka heritage, and relaxed local experiences all in one trip.
Day 1 – Xiamen Arrival | Coastal City First Impressions
Welcome to Xiamen, one of China’s most livable coastal cities. Your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you comfortably into the city.
Begin your journey with a visit to South Putuo Temple, a famous Buddhist complex with Tang Dynasty origins, peaceful courtyards, incense-filled halls, and scenic views near Xiamen University and Wulao Peak.
Ride the Bell and Drum Cableway above the forested hills for panoramic views of Xiamen city, the coastline, and distant Gulangyu Island.
Later, wander through Zengcuo’an, once a fishing village and now a lively arts district filled with cafés, local snacks, boutique shops, dessert stores, and creative spaces loved by younger travelers and photographers.
In the evening, your guide can recommend local seafood restaurants or hidden snack streets popular with locals rather than tourist groups.
Day 2 – Xiamen to Shantou | Enter the World of Chaoshan
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for a smooth high-speed train journey into the Chaoshan region.
Upon arrival in Shantou, your private guide will introduce you to one of China’s most fascinating cultural regions — famous for Teochew cuisine, traditional craftsmanship, and overseas Chinese history.
Visit the Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Teochew culture, dialects, migration history, folk customs, Yingge Dance, Teochew Opera, and traditional architecture.
Continue to Shantou Small Park, the symbolic old district of the city, where arcaded streets, old department stores, vintage signs, and colonial-era buildings reveal the city’s prosperous trading history.
Walk through hidden alleys, local markets, and traditional streets while tasting authentic Chaoshan snacks recommended by your guide.
Day 3 – Nan’ao Island | Sea Views, Lighthouses & Coastal Relaxation
Today is dedicated to the spectacular coastline of Nan’ao Island.
Cross the dramatic Nan’ao Bridge, where ocean views unfold across both sides of the sea. The island offers a slower pace, cleaner air, fishing villages, and scenic coastal roads.
Visit the historic Zongbingfu, an ancient military defense site from the Ming and Qing dynasties that protected the southeastern coastline.
Stop at the famous Tropic of Cancer Marker, one of the island’s best-known landmarks.
Relax at Qing’ao Bay, known for soft sand, blue water, sea breeze, and peaceful scenery far from large city crowds.
Photographers especially love the island’s scenic roads, fishing harbors, wind turbines, and the iconic Sancongya Lighthouse overlooking the ocean.
Fresh seafood dinner is highly recommended tonight.
Day 4 – Chaozhou Ancient City | The Soul of Chaoshan Culture
Drive to Chaozhou Ancient City, widely regarded as the cultural heart of Chaoshan.
Walk across the legendary Guangji (Xiangzi) Bridge, famous for combining stone arches with floating bridge sections over the Han River — a masterpiece of ancient Chinese engineering.
Visit Guangji Gate Tower, one of the best-preserved historical gates in southern China.
Explore Kaiyuan Temple, originally built during the Tang Dynasty and admired for its wooden architecture, Buddhist carvings, courtyards, and profound spiritual atmosphere.
In the afternoon, slow down inside a traditional Gongfu Tea House, where you can experience authentic Chaoshan tea culture while enjoying Teochew opera, traditional string music, or local storytelling performances.
At night, discover the lively atmosphere of Paifang Street, where locals gather for snacks, desserts, braised goose, oyster dishes, handmade rice cakes, and traditional Chaoshan street food.
Day 5 – Chaozhou to Xiamen | Hidden Villages & Local Traditions
Before returning to Xiamen, visit Longhu Ancient Village, a lesser-known cultural gem filled with Song, Ming, and Qing dynasty residences.
The village is famous for detailed wood carvings, porcelain decorations, ancestral halls, and narrow stone lanes that preserve authentic Chaoshan life away from mass tourism.
Your guide will share stories about local clans, architecture, trade history, and family traditions still maintained today.
Later, board the high-speed train back to Xiamen, where your guide will escort you comfortably to your hotel.
The evening is free for café hopping, seaside walks, or seafood dining.
Day 6 – Gulangyu Island | Xiamen’s UNESCO Heritage Island
Today you’ll explore the famous Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for colonial villas, gardens, piano culture, and pedestrian-only streets.
After the ferry ride, walk through elegant lanes lined with old consulates, churches, tropical gardens, and historical mansions blending Chinese and Western architecture.
Visit the Organ Museum, home to one of China’s most impressive pipe organ collections.
Explore Shuzhuang Garden, beautifully designed beside the sea, where bridges, pavilions, and ocean scenery merge together.
Climb Sunlight Rock for sweeping panoramic views over Xiamen city, Gulangyu Island, and the coastline.
You’ll also have free time to explore cafés, dessert shops, local boutiques, and hidden photography spots at your own pace.
Day 7 – Fujian Tulou | Hakka Earth Building Discovery
Today’s journey takes you deep into the mountains of Nanjing County to explore the UNESCO-listed Fujian Tulou.
First visit Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, a peaceful riverside village known for old banyan trees, stone paths, streams, and traditional Hakka life.
Explore Hegui Building, a remarkable square tulou built on marshland that has remained stable for centuries thanks to ingenious engineering.
Continue to Huaiyuan Building, admired as one of the most elegant and symmetrical tulou in Fujian Province.
Finally, discover the spectacular Hekeng Tulou Cluster, where multiple earth buildings are arranged across the hills in a unique “Big Dipper” pattern.
Unlike crowded tourist spots, this area still preserves a quieter atmosphere where local Hakka families continue their traditional lifestyle.
Return to Xiamen in the evening.
Day 8 – Xiamen Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some final free time before your private transfer to the airport or railway station.
Whether it’s one more seafood meal, a seaside coffee, or a final walk along the coast, your guide will help make the end of your journey smooth and memorable.
Hotel Options & Location
We select clean, quiet, and well-located hotels to keep transfers short and rest quality high. Exact hotel names are confirmed after booking and tailored to your style.
- 4-star comfort in the best locations (standard).
- 5-star / star hotel upgrades or boutique hotels on request.
- Family rooms or connecting rooms available (subject to availability).
Tip: Share your preferences (location, breakfast, gym/pool, quiet rooms) and we’ll recommend the best match.
Tour Price & Inclusions
From US$1,929
per person
Tour Code:CN-XM-CS-8D
- Indicative price for a private tour (2 adults) with well-located 4-star hotels.
- Price includes basic travel insurance and a complimentary translation device for easy local interaction.
- Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, room type, and hotel level (boutique / star hotel upgrades on request).
- Domestic flights and/or high-speed train tickets are arranged based on the confirmed itinerary.
Comfort-first private touring
Private guide & driver in each city — flexible pace.
Designed around you
We tailor sights, timing, and hotel level to you.
Clear pricing, no surprises
Inclusions confirmed before you book.
What’s Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all scheduled transfers
English-speaking local guide for all included sightseeing
All entrance tickets and activities listed in the confirmed itinerary
Domestic flights and/or high speed train tickets between itinerary cities (as per plan)
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (4-star standard; boutique hotels / star hotel upgrades optional)
Government taxes and service charges
24/7 support while you are traveling
What’s Not Included
International flights to and from China
China visa fees (if applicable)
Meals not specified in the itinerary (many lunches are included; dinners often flexible)
Personal expenses and optional experiences
Booking & Payment Details
- Deposit: 20% to confirm your booking. The deposit is refundable within 48 hours after confirmation if plans change.
- Balance: Due 15–20 days before arrival, or upon confirmation for late bookings.
- Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Changes: Free minor itinerary adjustments up to 14 days before the trip starts.
- Cancellation: Flexible cancellation policy. Specific terms will be confirmed based on travel dates and hotel selection.
Customize Your Journey (Optional)
This is a fully flexible private tour. Let us know how you’d like to adjust the itinerary — our travel specialists will take care of every detail.
Popular customization options include:
Adjusting the travel pace or adding rest time
Extending the journey or adding nearby destinations
Upgrading hotel standards or choosing scenic stays
Accommodating dietary preferences and special requests
Simply share your ideas, and we’ll tailor the journey to match your travel style.
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- Visa-Free Entry to China — check if your passport is eligible.
- How to Visit China Without a Visa — 144-hour transit options.
- eSIM & Mobile Payments in China — WeChat Pay, Alipay and bank cards.
- China Weather by Month — plan around seasons and festivals.
Start Planning Your 8-Day Xiamen & Chaoshan Cultural Adventure
Tell us your travel dates, arrival details, and preferred travel pace, and we’ll help you create a smooth private journey through Xiamen, Gulangyu Island, Chaozhou Ancient City, Nan’ao Island, Fujian Tulou, and other Chaoshan cultural highlights — with local food experiences, coastal scenery, flexible planning, and authentic cultural discovery.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities are included in this 8-day Xiamen and Chaoshan tour?
This private tour covers Xiamen, Gulangyu Island, Shantou, Chaozhou Ancient City, Nan’ao Island, and Fujian Tulou areas in Nanjing County. It combines coastal scenery, historical sites, Chaoshan culture, and Hakka heritage.
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
This is a fully private tour. You will have your own private guide, driver, vehicle, and flexible schedule throughout the journey.
Are high-speed train tickets included?
Yes. The itinerary may include high-speed train connections between cities such as Xiamen and Chaoshan depending on the final route arrangement. Your guide will assist with station transfers and boarding.
What food can we try during the tour?
You’ll have opportunities to taste famous Chaoshan and Xiamen local cuisine, including beef hotpot, seafood, oyster omelets, braised goose, handmade snacks, Gongfu tea, and traditional Fujian dishes.
Is the tour suitable for seniors or families with children?
Yes. This tour is designed with relaxed pacing and comfortable transfers. Most sightseeing involves easy walking, making it suitable for couples, families, seniors, and first-time visitors to Fujian and Chaoshan.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. We can adjust the route, hotel standard, sightseeing pace, food experiences, and destinations according to your travel dates, interests, and preferred travel style.
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