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.

Albee Ning Surreal China Trip Albee Ning with China Highlights never fails to create the perfect vacation!!! She listens and understands what interests us and provides a guided tour that is surreal. We will remember and share the marvellous memories of this experience for the rest of our lives!! Thanks for everything Albee!!! (Including our dinner together by the elephant in Guilin!!) more Oct 2024, Mike and Lucy

Well organised and interesting Tom was very helpful and knowledgeable. The walk along the Wall was well planned and really enjoyable. The visit to the Summer Palace and Forbidden City were memorable with excellent guiding more Oct 2024, Robin

Tour of Beijing Tom from China tours guided us for a hike on the Jiansanling section of The Great Wall and then a one day tour of Beijing including Forbidden City Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. He was very friendly and accommodating from the begin. He answered all of our questions about Chinese history and culture and gave great explanations of the history of all the monuments we visited. The restaurants he chose and dishes he recommended were very tasty on both days. I would recommend him very highly to anyone looking for an English language tour in Beijing and particularly for people interested in history. more Oct 2024, Sam M

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.