Located 600 meters to the southwest of Xiamen City, Gulangyu Island, or Drum Wave Islet which is always contained in the China travel packages, is an extremely beautiful island, nicknamed the "garden on the sea." Covering an area of 1.87 square kilometers (187 hectares), this small island is flooded by green trees and lovely flowers. Among the many scenic spots on the island, the most attractive ones are the Sunlight Rock and the Shuzhuang Garden.
The island is home to about 20,000 permanent residents, all of whom enjoy a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle. Only electric-powered vehicles are permitted on the island, so the environment is free from the noise and pollution of car engines.
The island was previously called Yuanshazhou Island and got its present name during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), because when the tide comes in, the waves pound the reef which sounds like the beating of a drum.
With the best of classical and romantic European-style architecture, the island truly deserves to be called a "museum of architecture." It is also known as the 'Cradle of Musicians' and 'Island of Music' because of its appreciation for music and the popularity of the piano.
Admission: 100 yuan(US$15.73)/person
2. Mount Wuyi
Located on the junction of Fujian and Jiangxi, Mount Wuyi is a famous scenic spot bearing red cliffs, lofty peaks, a deep and secluded valley, caves and fantastic rock peaks. Covering an area of 60 square kilometers (6,000 hectares), it is the most outstanding biodiversity conservation zone in the southeastern part of China.
Most of the hills here are made of red sandstones, rise steeply but are flat on the top. The peaks and rocks of grotesque shapes are girded by clear streams and embraced by green trees and bamboo plants. The Nine-bend River, 60 kilometers (37.28 miles) long, meanders among the hills, presenting the most charming tourist route within this scenic zone.
Mount Wuyi has a long cultural history. The site of the Wuyi Palace, built in the seventh century for emperors to conduct sacrificial activities, remains until this day. It had been an important center of China's Taoism and was listed as one of the top nine Taoist Temples in the 10th century. The mountain also boasts many other cultural relics, including stone inscriptions.
In 1999, Mount Wuyi entered the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, both on a natural and cultural level. Mount Wuyi should not missed for your tailor-made China tours
Admission: 140 yuan(US$22.02)/person
3. Three Lanes and Seven Alleys
Located in the downtown area of Fuzhou, Fujian's capital city, the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (Sanfang-Qixiang) is a street district featuring a cluster of ancient residential buildings and is the largest well-preserved historical heritage site in China, covering an area of 40 hectares.
With the Southern Street acting as their central axis, the original three lanes were in the west and the seven alleys are in the east. The layout dates back to the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, almost 1,000 years ago. The street is unique as it is the only existing street district in China bearing this pattern. Running from north to south, the lanes refer to Wenru Lane, Yijin Lane, and Guanglu Lane, whereas the alleys refer to Huang Alley, Gong Alley, Yangqiao Alley, Langguan Alley, Ta Alley, Anmin Alley, and Jipi Alley.
The lanes and alleys were home to hundreds of houses constructed by wealthy people of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and 159 buildings remain well-preserved to this day. As a result, the district has been nicknamed "an architectural museum of the Ming and Qing dynasties." The houses were built using huge old bricks and they carry seashell decorations-which were easy to get because of Fuzhou's coastal location. The ornaments, wood carvings and stone carvings all testify to the past glory of the area and its buildings.
The area has been home to many famous people, including politicians, military leaders, writers and poets. Some of their descendants still reside there today, keeping up the living fashions of their ancestors. Jiqi Alley, Yangqiao Alley and Guanglu Lane have now been converted into driveways. Only two lanes and five alleys remain.
Admission: Free
If you visit these attractions in Fujian and experience the essence of these places, you can totally feel the difference from that of Guilin tour.
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