How to spend 48 hours in Fujian, China

Once you have your flights secured, the next step is figuring out where to stay. Since most of the attractions are in or near Jinjiang in Fujian, I recommend booking a room at Baohui Hotel. This hotel offers a breakfast spread packed with authentic Hokkien dishes like dumplings, sweet and savoury buns, congee, pork floss pastries, chiffon cake, soya milk, and even yoghurt.

The rooms here are spacious, complete with slippers, towels, and other bathroom essentials. The hotel also has amenities such as a sauna and gym for travellers who don’t want to skip their workout routines, even while on a trip.

See also: How to spend 48 hours in Shanghai

Day One: Immerse yourself in Fujian’s culture and food scene

First stop, Anping! Nature lovers will enjoy this area, as it is surrounded by mountains and tall trees. One of the must-visit attractions here is the Anping Bridge, a long stone bridge built during the Song dynasty. Here, you can take a stroll, snap photos, or simply take in the breathtaking views enveloping the bridge.

Tatler tip: Make sure to wear a jacket that comes with a hood during your visit. It can get very windy on the bridge, which might cause your cap to fly off.

After crossing the bridge, you can head over to the park area to rest or walk even more. There’s also a Buddhist temple nearby if you’d like to see and experience more of the local culture.

A trip won’t be complete without trying authentic Hokkien food! I highly recommend 印象烧烤 (Impression Barbecue) for lunch or dinner. They offer barbecued meats such as duck, chicken and pork. Each set meal comes with soup that perfectly complements the salty meats and hot rice.

If you still have room for a drink afterwards, try Chagee milk tea. Chagee is the most prominent milk tea chain in China, and some must-try drinks include Jasmine Green Milk Tea, Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea and Da Hong Pao Tea.

Towards the afternoon, you can embark on a short hike up Lingyuan Mountain to catch amazing cityscape views. At the peak, you’ll find a temple and several photography spots, perfect for commemorating your visit.

The last stop of the day is Wulin Traditional Village, a haven for anyone who loves food and shopping. Here, you can buy souvenirs such as postcards and porcelain tea sets. There are also pop-ups selling various kinds of coffee, snacks and desserts. To make your visit even more memorable, I recommend renting traditional clothing as you walk around the village—just imagine how great your photos will turn out!

Read more: How to spend 48 hours in Barcelona: El Born

Day Two: Discover the beauty of Fujian’s nature and landmarks

The second day will start a bit earlier—7am to be exact—since there will be some hiking involved. One of Fujian’s most famous attractions is the statue of Zheng Chenggong, a general from the Ming dynasty. This massive statue can be seen from afar (that’s how big it is), but seeing it up close is still much better. You’ll need to hike up to the peak where the statue stands. Apart from the statue, you can also marvel at the beautiful city of Quanzhou from up there.

Your next destination on day two is the Quanzhou Museum, which will transport you to the history of Fujian. Inside the museum are art pieces, ancient statues and exhibits that tell the story and culture of Fujian.

The last destination of the day is West Street. There are so many places to visit and dishes to try here, so allotting the rest of the day to this is just fitting. Make sure to drop by Kaiyuan Temple, Quanzhou Clock Tower and the famous Green Dragon statue. Along the street, you’ll find several local cafes and snack stalls. I recommend Guming Cafe, as they offer a wide selection of coffee, fruit tea, and milk tea!

As you walk further down the street, you’ll pass by stalls, souvenir shops and diners. Some stalls offer skewers, mixed meatballs and tanghulu if you’re looking for something light. Alternatively, you can get dumplings, noodles and steamed buns from some of the diners if you prefer a full meal. You’ll also find tables and chairs along the street or inside the park area if you want to rest or have a picnic during your visit.

Day Three: Shop ‘til you drop before bidding farewell to Fujian!

Before flying out, you can still do some last-minute shopping at Wanda Plaza in Xiamen. This shopping mall houses several local and international brands and boutiques, making it the perfect place to get something to commemorate your trip or souvenirs to bring back home to your loved ones. You can also have lunch or dinner here, depending on the time of your flight. If you have more time to spare, there’s even a movie theatre where you can catch a film before heading to the airport.

1. Install WeChat, the main cashless payment and communication app used in China.

2. For transportation, make sure to have Didi Chuxing installed.

3. To navigate your way around, Baidu Maps is your best friend.

4. If you need a translator, install and use Waygo.

5. Always carry cash with you, as some stores may not accept cashless payments.

6. Leaving a tip at restaurants is not necessary and is usually refused.

7. Try to learn a few phrases in Mandarin and Hokkien, such as greetings and how to ask for directions.

8. Avoid pointing with your finger; use both hands when giving or receiving something from locals or establishments.

9. Strictly follow dress code rules and show respect when visiting temples and other religious sites.

NOW READ

8 walkable cities that make excellent destinations for first-time solo travellers

7 romantic getaways for a spontaneous Valentine’s Day

The best luxury resorts in Asia for a tranquil and tropical escape