Fujian

Fujian (福建, Fújiàn) is an attractive coastal province with a long seafaring history. As a significant stop on the maritime Silk Road, its cities developed an easy cosmopolitan outlook and visitors are surprised by the traces of elsewhere in its architecture, food, language and people.

Xiamen is the star attraction for visitors, with its long seaside promenade and easy access to little Gulang Yu, a hip island enclave just offshore. Many travelers also pass through the area en route to the Taiwanese island of Kinmen.

Away from the coast, the Unesco World Heritage–listed tǔlóu (roundhouses) rise out of the countryside and for generations have housed traditional Hakka and Fujianese communities. Further north, the hill station of Wuyi Shan offers year-round hiking opportunities and a memorable river cruise on bamboo rafts.