Zhangzhou

Zhangzhou is an underrated little treasure of a city, where Minnan heritage, World Heritage tulou, and blue-sea islands come together. The pace is slow, prices are low, and there is so much good food, making it perfect for a relaxed wander-and-eat getaway! Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night route with no unnecessary detours. Feel free to follow it directly.

Transportation Guide

• Long-Distance Transport: Zhangzhou does not currently have a civil airport. It is recommended to fly to Xiamen Gaoqi Airport, then transfer to a high-speed train, which takes about 1 hour. For high-speed rail, Zhangzhou Railway Station is the best choice, as it is closest to the city center; a taxi to the ancient city takes about 20 minutes. For Dongshan Island, get off at Yunxiao Station; for the tulou, get off at Nanjing Station.
• Getting Around the City: Shared electric scooters are easy to find in the city and are very convenient for short trips, though they are prohibited in the core area of the ancient city during the day. The tulou and Dongshan Island are relatively far away, so it is recommended to carpool, charter a car, or take an official scenic-area direct shuttle to avoid repeated bus transfers.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Ancient City Strolls and Everyday Local Life

After arriving in the morning, head straight to Zhangzhou Ancient City. Start from Wenchang Gate and visit Zhongshan Park, the Catholic Church, and the old arcade streets of Hong Kong Road and Taiwan Road. At noon, have a bowl of braised noodles or guobianhu in the ancient city. In the afternoon, visit the Confucian Temple and the Puppet Art Museum. In the evening, go straight to Qingnian Road Snack Street, watch the ancient city lanterns light up at night, and eat your way through until you are full.

• Day 2: World Heritage Tulou and Slow Living in an Old Town

Depart from the city center and drive about 1.5 hours to Nanjing. In the morning, visit Tianluokeng’s “Four Dishes and One Soup” tulou cluster and Yuchang Building. In the afternoon, stroll around Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, with its century-old banyan trees and gently flowing streams. Watch the sunset in the old town toward evening. At night, you can stay in a Yunshuiyao guesthouse to experience the starry sky, or return to the city for satay hot pot.

• Day 3: Island Romance and the Return Trip

In the morning, head to Dongshan Island and check in at the colorful fishing village of Nanmen Bay and the filming location of *The Left Ear*. Walk along the coast to Nanyu Double-Sided Sea, making sure to check the tide table. In the afternoon, go to Jinluan Bay to see the mirror-like beach. Rent a small electric scooter and ride along the Sufeng Mountain coastal road, enjoying the sea breeze before returning at a relaxed pace according to your high-speed train schedule.

Must-Visit Attractions

Food and Snack Recommendations

• Zhangzhou Braised Noodles: The sauce is rich, savory, and full of flavor, the thick noodles have a good bite, and the toppings are generous. Afang Braised Noodles or old shops frequented by locals are recommended.
• Guobianhu: A top breakfast choice. The guobianhu on Qingnian Road comes with plenty of ingredients and is especially fragrant when paired with fried dough sticks.
• Jianguo Oyster Omelet: Pan-fried and deep-fried until golden and crisp, with fresh, sweet oysters and pickled radish to cut through the richness.
• Four-Fruit Soup: A summer-cooling essential. A big bowl comes loaded with seaweed jelly and ada zi, with a light, sweet syrup. The Four-Fruit Soup behind the former park gate is recommended.
• Satay Hot Pot: The soup base is rich, and freshly sliced diaolong beef turns tender after just a few seconds of swishing. Minnannan Satay Hot Pot is recommended, where you can eat until full for just a few dozen yuan per person.
• Specialty Snacks: Sun’s mochi, Li Ji satay pork tenderloin, Confucius Temple juice, Lusao stuffed eggs, and more can all be checked off on foot within the ancient city.

Accommodation Suggestions

• Around Zhangzhou Ancient City: The top area to stay in, with many guesthouses and budget hotels. You can walk around the ancient city for sightseeing and food, there are many bus hubs nearby, and it offers the best value for money. It is recommended to avoid overly noisy guesthouses inside the ancient city and choose quieter surrounding areas instead.
• Tongling Town / Nanmen Bay on Dongshan Island: Seaside guesthouses are clustered here, with the coastline right outside the door. It is convenient for watching sunrise and sunset, and suits travelers who enjoy slow island life. Book in advance during peak season.
• Inside Yunshuiyao Scenic Area: Hakka-style guesthouses where you can open the window to see streams and ancient banyan trees. They offer an immersive taste of tulou life and are suited to travelers who want to spend a night experiencing the quiet of the countryside.

Pitfall Avoidance and Things to Note

• Tickets and Transport: Do not casually join cheap roadside tours to the tulou, as they may include shopping stops. Prices on the main streets of the ancient city tend to be higher; the small lanes farther in are cheaper.
• Safety and Sun Protection: UV rays are strong by the sea, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are must-haves. At high tide, the path at Nanyu Double-Sided Sea can be submerged, so do not get stranded on the island. Do not go to unfamiliar wild beaches, and pay attention to tide times.
• Food Tips: After eating seafood, avoid drinking beer or tea and eating fruit for a short period to prevent stomach discomfort. Most shops in the ancient city only open after 10 a.m.; for breakfast, only a few places such as guobianhu shops are open.