Longyan

Longyan, Fujian is a seriously underrated treasure city, with awe-inspiring World Heritage tulou, beautiful Danxia landscapes, and authentic Hakka cuisine. Here is a curated 3-day, 2-night highlights itinerary to help you explore Longyan with ease!

3-Day, 2-Night Highlights Itinerary

• Day 1: Tulou Wonders and Hakka Culture
  • Morning: Head to the Yongding Chuxi Tulou Cluster. Compared with more popular scenic areas, this spot is quieter and less crowded. You can overlook a panoramic view of tulou and terraced fields, and it was one of the filming locations for *Big Fish & Begonia*.

• Afternoon: Visit the Yongding Gaobei Tulou King Scenic Area and check in at the magnificent Chengqi Lou, experiencing the architectural marvel known for being “four stories high, with four concentric rings.”

• Evening: Stay at a tulou guesthouse and experience the rustic atmosphere when red lanterns light up at night, or enjoy authentic Hakka dishes.
• Day 2: Danxia Landscapes and Ancient Village Exploration
  • Morning: Visit Guanzhai Mountain and admire the Danxia wonder known as “Wuyi in the north, Guanzhai in the south.” Taking a boat ride on Shimen Lake is recommended for an easy and relaxing experience.

• Afternoon: Head to Peitian Ancient Village, stroll along Hakka old streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and experience well-preserved clan architecture and a slower pace of life.

• Evening: Arrive in Changting County, enjoy the night views of Tingzhou Ancient City, and try night-market snacks.

• Day 3: Ancient City Stroll and Food Crawl
  • Morning: Explore Changting Ancient City in depth. Check in at Jichuan Gate, Diantou Street, and Wolong Academy, and experience the blend of revolutionary history and southern Fujian arcade culture.

• Afternoon: Taste specialty snacks inside the ancient city, buy souvenirs, then set off on a relaxed return journey.

Must-Visit Attractions

Longyan’s attractions are fairly spread out, with tulou, landscapes, and ancient cities each offering their own character. Here are the core highlights:

Must-Try Hakka Food List

Longyan is an important center of Hakka cuisine, with flavors leaning fresh and savory. Here are the foods you should not miss:

In addition, marinated duck feet, dengzhan cake, and beef dou soup are also must-try street snacks. For souvenirs, Liancheng dried red-heart sweet potatoes, Shanghang dried radish, and Longyan salted crispy peanuts are recommended.

Transportation and Pitfall-Avoidance Guide

• Transportation tips: Longyan’s attractions are relatively spread out. The tulou, Guanzhai Mountain, and Changting are not in the same area, so self-driving or hiring a car is the most convenient option. If taking high-speed rail, look for “Longyan Station” or “Guanzhaishan South Station”; some scenic areas have direct shuttle buses.
• Ticket tips: For Yongding Tulou, it is recommended to buy a joint ticket, which is better value than buying individual tickets; student IDs and senior IDs can receive half-price discounts.
• Travel tips: Guanzhai Mountain requires walking uphill, so be sure to wear comfortable athletic shoes. Tulou scenic areas can be crowded during holidays, so entering before 7 a.m. is recommended to avoid the crowds.
• Dining tips: Hakka dishes are usually served in generous portions, so order according to the number of people to avoid waste. When buying local specialties, try to go to supermarkets in the urban area, as prices in scenic areas may be higher.