3-Day Quanzhou Tour with Anxi Oolong Tea Experience

Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road

Starting from the southeast coast of China and ending in East Africa and Europe, the Maritime Silk Road was a sea route enabling economic and cultural exchange between medieval China and the rest of the world.

It took its initial shape in the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC – 220 AD), flourished in the Tang and Song dynasties (618–1279), and reached its heyday in the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368).

Quanzhou was designated as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road by UNESCO in 1991. It was the largest oriental port in the middle ages. Marco Polo called Quanzhou's port "one of the two greatest havens in the world for commerce" and "the Alexandria of the East".

Our 3-day trip to Quanzhou and Anxi will enable you to learn about the splendid history of the Maritime Silk Road and the adventurous spirit of mankind in conquering the sea, experience traditional Minnan (southern Fujian) culture, and enjoy the special Fujian flavors, which include the original and best oolong tea.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Witness an oceangoing vessel of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) unearthed in Quanzhou

Visit Quanzhou Overseas Communication Museum to see the medieval ocean vessel and learn about its unique Chinese watertight compartment technology. Appreciate technologies of shipbuilding and navigation that reached the most advanced level in the world in China in the Middle Ages.

Listen to the Stories of the Ancient Maritime Silk Road

Explore Quanzhou's historical and cultural relics, many over a thousand years old, to learn about a splendid oceanside civilization that witnessed huge cultural exchanges between countries and continents.

Experience the Unique Minnan (Southern Fujian) Folk Culture

Visit two different local fishing villages to learn about the stories of Xunpu women, who have amazing "garden" hairdos, and the industrious Hui'an women, who have eye-catching clothes, as well as their unique traditions.

Explore an Exclusive Tea Farm and Taste the Best Oolong Tea

Visit the hometown of oolong tea — Anxi, which boasts the cultivation of more than 60 superior varieties of oolong tea, with Tieguanyin tea top among them. Spring and fall are the best seasons to take this experience.

Have a Bite of Quanzhou — a True Taste of Minnan

Quanzhou has been selected as a 'famous Chinese gourmet city'. With fresh materials, a delicious and light taste, and rich nutrition, Quanzhou food is rated as the real taste of China by the "A Bite of China" TV series.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Viaggio da sogno Un grazie a Lily che ci ha fatto vivere Pechino e dintorni, ci ha aiutato a capire la storia di questa fantastica città, ci ha dato consigli preziosi e suggerito piatti tradizionali deliziosi! Una guida TOP per la capitale. Per il prossimo viaggio in questa terra magnifica sceglieremo sicuramente voi, a presto! Grazie. more Dec 2024, bibie Giu

China trip as a solo traveler An den jeweiligen Orten wurde ich bei Ankunft bereits von ReiseleiterIn / FahrerIn in den Bahnh?fen / Flugh?fen und der Anlegestelle (am Ende der Yangtze-Kreuzfahrt) erwartet und abgeholt. Alles war perfekt organisiert, da auch alle Züge und Flüge (für mich als Deutschem aktuell leider keine Selbstverst?ndlichkeit mehr) auf die Minute pünktlich waren!Besonders hervorheben m?chte ich die spektakul?ren Bergpanoramen in Zhangjiajie und die sehr angenehme Art der dortigen Reiseleiterin Rachel. Sie war es auch, die mich motivierte, leckere kulinarische Spezialit?ten auszuprobieren, was mir im weiteren Verlauf der Reise sehr zugute kam.Auch Tensing E. m?chte ich erw?hnen, der mir Lhasa n?herbrachte und mit dem ich w?hrenddessen interessante buddhistisch-philosophische Diskussionen führte. more Dec 2024, Otto Mane

Beijing Tour with Selinda We had a great time exploring Beijing with Selinda as our guide. She made traveling with both kids and elderly parents much easier by adjusting the pace to suit everyone and giving our parents a heads-up on the walking distances. Selinda’s restaurant recommendations were spot on, offering delicious local dishes that pleased everyone in the group. She also helped capture many lovely photos for us, so we could focus on enjoying the trip. more Nov 2024, Chrisy23

Tour Map

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Visit Quanzhou Overseas Transportation History Museum to learn about the glorious ocean culture of the city.
At Kaiyuan Temple and Qingjing Mosque witness the cultural exchange between China and other Asian countries.
Appreciate the exquisite art of oyster shell houses and Xunpu women's elaborate hairdos in Xunpu Fishing Village. Xunpu was part of the Maritime Silk Road in ancient times.
Visit Luoyang Bridge — China's earliest stone bridge built in the seaport. It's construction stimulated the flourishing of Maritime Silk Road trade in Quanzhou. Stay overnight in Quanzhou.

In the morning, visit Chongwu Ancient Town, which is "the most intact" seaside granite town still preserved in China.
Then explore Hui'an Dazha Fishing Village, which is the birthplace and home to the famous Hui'an women. 'Covered head, exposed belly; thrifty shirt, wasteful trousers' — this pithy saying sums up the special dress of Hui'an women and their hard-working and virtuous morality. You will have a chance to wear their traditional clothes and take pictures.
We can transfer you to a Quanzhou Railway Station or Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport for your departure, or even back to downtown Xiamen. The choice is yours.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.