Overview
Climb Western Fujian's mist-shrouded 1,818m Huanglianyu ridge, then sleep beside the UNESCO World Heritage Hakka earthen roundhouses of Yunshuiyao and Hekeng.
About This Tour
This private 3-day tour pairs one of Fujian's wildest highland treks with its most iconic cultural treasure: the UNESCO-listed Hakka Tulou earthen roundhouses. Beginning in the old port town of Zhangzhou, you explore the lantern-lit ancient quarter before heading inland to the Longyan World Geopark. Day two is a roughly 10km ridge hike up Huanglianyu, at 1,818m the highest peak in Xinluo District, where primeval forest gives way to ten-mile cliffs, vast alpine meadows and rolling seas of cloud, earning it the nickname 'Fujian's Wugongshan'. You overnight at Yunshuiyao, a centuries-old Hakka village of ancient banyans, water wheels and softly glowing tulou. The final morning, ahead of the crowds, you wander Yunshuiyao and the exquisite Huaiyuan roundhouse, then the secluded Hekeng cluster, where 13 of its earthen towers were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008 and arranged in a celestial 'Big Dipper' pattern. Ideal for active travelers who want striking mountain scenery and authentic Hakka heritage in one trip. Best from spring through autumn, when meadows are green and skies clear. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: March-November for green meadows and clear cloud-sea views • Fitness level: moderate; Day 2 is a ~10km ridge hike with forest, cliffs and meadow sections • Huanglianyu summit reaches 1,818m; bring layers as ridge weather changes fast • Most meals are self-arranged or pay-as-you-go group meals; carry trail snacks for hiking day • Single travelers are paired with a same-gender roommate at no single supplement
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Zhangzhou｜Ancient Town & Transfer to Longyan
Meet at Guangzhou South or Shenzhen North station and take the high-speed train to Zhangzhou (Zhangzhou-based guests join around 13:00). On arrival, transfer by private vehicle to the atmospheric Zhangzhou Ancient Town, a hidden gem of southern Fujian. Wander the old lanes and riverside streets, soaking up the slow-paced Minnan culture, traditional shophouses and local snacks. In the late afternoon continue inland to Longyan, gateway to the Longyan World Geopark, and check in to your boutique hotel to rest before tomorrow's mountain trek. Meals: none included. Overnight: boutique hotel in Longyan.
2
Day 2: Huanglianyu Peak｜Fujian's Wugongshan Ridge Trek
After breakfast and check-out, drive to the trailhead at Jiangshan Caishen Temple and begin the roughly 10km Yandingshan-Huanglianyu circuit. Climb through dense forest, scramble past dramatic cliffs and cross open alpine meadows as the landscape opens into sweeping highland views, the reward for reaching this 1,818m peak. Huanglianyu, the highest summit in Xinluo District and core of the Longyan World Geopark, combines primeval forest, ten-mile cliffs, vast meadows and rolling clouds, which is why hikers call it 'Fujian's Wugongshan'. Descend in the afternoon and drive to Nanjing County's Yunshuiyao. After check-in, dinner is at leisure; the village's lantern-lit tulou and ancient banyans make for a magical evening stroll. Meals: breakfast. Overnight: boutique hotel in Yunshuiyao.
3
Day 3: Yunshuiyao & Hekeng｜UNESCO Hakka Tulou, then Return
Rise early to enjoy Yunshuiyao and the Huaiyuan roundhouse before the day-trippers arrive, when mist drifts over ancient banyans, earthen towers, streams and water wheels for picture-perfect scenes; Huaiyuan is the most finely crafted, best-preserved double-ring tulou in Nanjing and a filming location for the animation 'Big Fish & Begonia'. Continue to the lesser-known Hekeng cluster, the densest concentration of Fujian tulou, where 13 of its towers were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008, laid out in a striking 'Big Dipper' pattern. Climb Lion Mountain viewpoint for the full panorama, then step inside the roundhouses. After a village lunch, transfer to Zhangzhou station for the high-speed train back to Shenzhen/Guangzhou. Meals: breakfast. Overnight: not included.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Round-trip high-speed rail (Guangzhou/Shenzhen–Zhangzhou, 2nd class) Private vehicle & transfers Zhangzhou–Longyan throughout 1 night boutique hotel in Longyan (twin room, breakfast) 1 night boutique hotel in Yunshuiyao (twin room, breakfast) Yunshuiyao entrance ticket Hekeng Tulou cluster entrance ticket Service staff costs
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Lunches and dinners (or optional AA group meals) Personal expenses Tips
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.9★★★★★Based on 122 reviews
Felix M.🇸🇪 Sweden★★★★★2025-04
The part around the trail was unhurried, which mattered more to me than squeezing in one more stop. Hangzhou was a good counterpoint.
Sofia J.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2024-07
What helped was simple: transport to the trailhead was the piece I would not have wanted to arrange myself. Once there, the day felt simple. I would still leave extra time for the trail.
Isabel C.🇳🇿 New Zealand★★★★★2026-06
Looking back, my legs noticed the climbs the next morning. I would still do the same route, just with lighter shoes and fewer things in my daypack. With 3 days to work with, the balance felt sensible.
Daniel J.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★★2026-01
Looking back, I would book this again for the pacing, not because every stop was spectacular. The ordinary transitions made Hangzhou feel like a place rather than a set of postcards.