Xiamen Friendship Tour

25 April – 5 May | 11 Days
A cultural journey celebrating the Wellington–Xiamen Sister City relationship

The Wellington Xiamen Association together with the Sunshine Coast Sister City warmly invites you to join an immersive cultural journey through China’s Fujian Province.

This thoughtfully curated tour celebrates the long-standing sister city relationship between Wellington, Sunshine Coast and Xiamen, offering participants the opportunity to experience southern China beyond the usual tourist routes — through historic port cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, mountain landscapes, and living village traditions.

Designed for culturally curious travellers, the journey balances guided sightseeing with meaningful local encounters and shared experiences.

Tour Highlights:

• Explore vibrant Xiamen, including UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island
• Visit Xiamen University and the new Xiamen Library
• Discover Quanzhou, a major Maritime Silk Road port described by Marco Polo
• Experience Mount Wuyi, a UNESCO Natural & Cultural Heritage Site
• Bamboo rafting along the scenic Nine-Bend (Jiuqu) River
• Walk through tea plantations and ancient villages
• Overnight stay in an authentic Hakka Tulou
• Visit traditional Minnan and Hakka villages rarely seen by tourists
• Cultural exchange with local communities and friends in Xiamen

Itinerary Overview

Days 1–4 | Xiamen
Arrive in Xiamen and explore key cultural landmarks including Botanic Gardens, Hulishan Cannon Fort, Xiamen University, and the UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island.

Day 5 | Quanzhou
Travel to historic Quanzhou, once one of the world’s busiest ports on the Maritime Silk Road. Visit temples, pagodas, China’s oldest mosque, and traditional villages.

Days 6–7 | Mount Wuyi
Journey by high-speed train to Mount Wuyi. Enjoy mountain scenery, bamboo rafting, tea culture, ancient streets, and heritage villages within this UNESCO-listed region.

Days 8–9 | Fujian Tulou & Villages
Visit the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster and stay overnight in a traditional earth building. Explore authentic Hakka and Minnan villages including Shiqiao, Taxia, and Daimei.

Days 10–11 | Xiamen
Return to Xiamen for cultural exchange with local friends in Hensheng Village before departing for home.

The full detailed day-by-day itinerary will be provided to registered participants.

Dates & Group Size

Travel dates: 25 April – 5 May
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Group size: 12–20 participants

Tour Cost (per person, twin/double share)

• 12–15 participants: RMB 6,500 (Approx. NZD $1,553)
• 16–20 participants: RMB 6,000 (Approx. NZD $1433)
• Single room supplement: RMB 3,000 (Approx. Extra NZD $720 if you want your own room)
• Please note NZ price subject to change as per the currency exchange rate

Price Includes

• 10 nights accommodation (twin or double share) with breakfast
• All transfers and sightseeing by private coach
• Local English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary
• High-speed train travel (2nd class): Quanzhou – Wuyishan – Nanjing
• Meals as listed (7 Chinese lunches)

Price Excludes

• Flights and travel insurance
• Dinners and some own arrangement meals
• Tips for guide and driver
• Personal expenses

This thoughtfully curated itinerary reflects the spirit of cultural exchange at the heart of the Wellington–Xiamen sister city relationship. Whether exploring ancient temples, sharing meals with local communities, or drifting down a mountain river on bamboo rafts, participants will gain insights and memories that extend far beyond sightseeing.

We warmly invite you to register your interest and be part of this meaningful cultural journey.

Please email: secretary@wxa.nz or president@wxa.nz