Cycle in China
Cycle in China
Cycle in China
Cycle in China
Cycle in China
Cycle in China

Fujian 福建 A Cyclist's Paradise of Coastal Dreams and Mountain Mysteries

Nestled between the turquoise waters of the Taiwan Strait and the mist-shrouded peaks of the Wuyi Mountains, Fujian is a province of captivating contrasts. It’s a land where ancient traditions breathe life into sprawling tulou earth buildings, where the scent of oolong tea wafts through lush highland plantations, and where bustling port cities meet serene fishing villages. For a cyclist, this diversity translates into an unparalleled variety of routes, each offering a unique window into the soul of this remarkable region.

Why Cycle in Fujian?

  • Dramatic Coastlines: Ride along the “Rainbow Highway” on Xiamen’s Island Ring Road or explore the stunning granite pillars of Pingtan Island.

  • Cultural Immersion: Pedal through the heart of Hakka culture in the rolling hills of Yongding, where colossal, centuries-old tulou complexes rise from the earth.

  • Lush Mountain Passes: Challenge yourself on the climbs of the Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rewarded with breathtaking views and descents through tea plantations.

  • Excellent Infrastructure: Well-maintained roads, a developed network of hotels and guesthouses, and generally considerate drivers make touring here a pleasure.

Signature Cycling Routes in Fujian

1. The Xiamen Island & Gulangyu Loop (Coastal Leisure)

  • Distance: 20-30 km (customizable)

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Highlights: This is the perfect introduction to Fujian’s coastal charm. The dedicated cycling path of the Island Ring Road is a beautifully maintained “Rainbow Highway” that circles the main island. You’ll pass golden beaches, modern landmarks, and parks with ocean views. A short ferry ride to the car-free Gulangyu Island allows for a delightful pedestrian and bicycle exploration of its colonial-era architecture and leafy lanes.

  • Best For: Families, casual riders, and anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic ride with all urban amenities close at hand.

2. The Tulou Cluster Explorer (Cultural Adventure)

  • Distance: 40-60 km per day (multi-day tour)

  • Difficulty: Moderate (with some rolling hills)

  • Highlights: Start in the Yongding or Nanjing county areas and spend days weaving through verdant valleys and rustic villages. This route takes you deep into the heart of Hakka culture, allowing you to discover the magnificent Fujian Tulou – circular or rectangular fortified earth buildings. Cycle from one cluster to another (like the “Four Dishes and One Soup” in Tianluokeng or the “Prince of Tulou” in Zhencheng), experiencing rural life and stunning architecture up close.

  • Best For: Culture enthusiasts, photographers, and cyclists who enjoy a mix of gentle climbs and valley cruising.

3. The Wuyi Mountain Tea & Scenery Route (Mountain Challenge)

  • Distance: 50-80 km (can be point-to-point or an out-and-back)

  • Difficulty: Challenging

  • Highlights: For the cyclist seeking a lung-busting challenge with incredible rewards, the roads around the Wuyi Mountains are unmatched. The winding ascent into the national park offers dizzying views of the “Danxia” landscape – jagged red sandstone peaks draped in emerald greenery. The air is filled with the scent of the region’s famous Da Hong Pao and oolong teas. The descent is an exhilarating experience. Base yourself in the town of Wuyishan to tackle this route.

  • Best For: Experienced cyclists, climbers, and nature lovers.

4. The Pingtan Island Ocean Road (Island Escape)

  • Distance: 30-100 km (the main island can be circled)

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (subject to strong coastal winds)

  • Highlights: Pingtan is China’s fifth-largest island and a newly developed special zone. It features a unique landscape of wind farms, granite sea stacks, and blue-tiled stone houses. A newly built coastal scenic road offers spectacular ocean views. Don’t miss the “Stone Pope,” a natural rock formation, and the vast, sandy beaches. Be prepared for wind, which can be a cyclist’s best friend or fiercest foe.

  • Best For: Adventurous riders looking for a raw, oceanic landscape and wide-open spaces.

5. The Fuzhou to Quanzhou Coastal Heritage Ride (Multi-Day Tour)

  • Distance: 200+ km (over 3-4 days)

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Highlights: This point-to-point tour connects two of Fujian’s most historic cities. From Fuzhou, the provincial capital with its historic Three Lanes and Seven Alleys district, you’ll ride south along coastal and rural roads. The journey culminates in Quanzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage port city that was the start of the Maritime Silk Road. En route, you’ll pass fishing ports, ancient bridges (like the Luoyang Bridge), and experience the gradual shift in culture and dialect.

  • Best For: Touring cyclists seeking a multi-day adventure that blends coastal scenery with deep history.

Practical Tips for Cycling in Fujian

  • Best Time to Go: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Avoid the hot, humid, and typhoon-prone summer.

  • Getting There & Around: Major airports are in Xiamen (XMN) and Fuzhou (FOC). High-speed trains efficiently connect all major cities. Bikes can be transported on Chinese trains, but regulations can be complex; using a bike bag is often required.

  • Fuel: Fujian is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the fresh seafood, “Buddha Jumping Over the Wall,” Shaxian snacks, and, of course, countless varieties of exquisite tea.

Whether you seek a leisurely coastal ride, a cultural pilgrimage, or a mountainous test of will, Fujian’s roads are ready to welcome you with unforgettable scenery and warmth.

Fujian 福建 A Paradise of Coastal Dreams and Mountain Mysteries

Get special offers, and more from Traveler

Subscribe to see secret deals prices drop the moment you sign up!