Travelling north does not necessarily mean heading only to Shenzhen or Guangzhou. This summer, why not take a different route? A high-speed train can take you directly to southern Fujian, with Zhangzhou reachable in around three hours. From there, you can continue on to Xiamen and Quanzhou, taking in coastal scenery, artsy cafés, World Heritage sites and authentic Minnan cuisine—all at an ideal pace over four days and three nights.
Unlike the past, when travellers flying to Zhangzhou or Quanzhou often had to make connections, visitors can now depart from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and take high-speed rail directly to several cities in southern Fujian. The journey eliminates airport waiting and transfer times, while trains arrive directly in city centres, making the trip more convenient and comfortable for Hong Kong residents seeking a short getaway.
Must-Visit 1 | A “Sky Mirror” and Film Locations: A Leisurely Tour of Fujian’s Coast
Dongshan Island in Zhangzhou has emerged as one of Fujian’s most popular tourist destinations in recent years. One of its signature attractions is Yugu Sandbar, which appears only at low tide. The pristine white sandbar stretches towards the middle of the sea against a backdrop of blue waters, creating a “sky mirror” effect and making it a favourite photo spot among visitors.
Another unmissable attraction is Nanmen Bay, a filming location for the movie The Left Ear. Colourful houses line the coast, while seaside cafés offer the perfect setting for an afternoon break. Enjoy a drink, feel the sea breeze and slow down to holiday pace—an experience that has made the area particularly popular with younger travellers.
Must-Try 2 | From Ancient Towns to Night Markets: Ginger Duck, Four-Fruit Soup and Tulou Banquets
Beyond its scenery, southern Fujian is equally renowned for its food.
Zhangzhou Ancient City retains a strong Minnan character, with traditional snacks such as mochi and four-fruit soup available along its streets. At the World Heritage site of Nanjing Tulou, visitors can also enjoy an authentic Hakka long-table banquet and experience the region’s traditional culinary culture.
Quanzhou is another highlight for food lovers. Xijie is home to numerous long-established eateries, where specialities such as ginger duck and manjiangao are not to be missed. Strolling through the streets while sampling local delicacies offers an authentic taste of the old city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Must-Visit 3 | Artsy Cafés, Scenic Cable Cars and World Heritage Sites
Xiamen has long been popular with Hong Kong travellers. Once an old fishing port, Shapowei has been revitalised into a creative neighbourhood filled with cafés, independent cultural shops and street art, making it a must-visit for culture and design enthusiasts.
For a different perspective of Xiamen, take the Zhonggu Cableway. The approximately 40-minute ride offers panoramic views of the city, forests and coastline, with particularly beautiful sunset scenery in the evening.
Gulangyu, a World Heritage site, is also home to century-old villas and buildings showcasing a range of foreign architectural styles. A stroll around the island combines historical and cultural appeal with a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Travellers hoping to experience Fujian’s distinctive cultural traditions should also visit Xunpu Village in Quanzhou. Try the local zanhuawei floral headdress and take photographs in front of the traditional oyster-shell houses to experience the charm of this intangible cultural heritage.
A Different Way to Travel This Summer
Compared with the more popular cities in the Greater Bay Area, southern Fujian offers a more relaxed pace, combining quality seaside cafés, World Heritage sites, distinctive ancient towns and an abundance of authentic local cuisine. Most importantly, it can be reached directly by high-speed rail without an arduous journey, making it well suited to Hong Kong residents planning a leisurely four-day, three-night summer escape.
Whether travelling as a couple, with friends or with the whole family, visitors can enjoy a fresh northbound travel experience centred on food, sightseeing and photo opportunities.
High-Speed Rail Travel Information — Essential Reading for Hong Kong Travellers
- Hong Kong West Kowloon Station → Zhangzhou: approximately 3 hours at the fastest
- Hong Kong West Kowloon Station → Xiamen: approximately 3.5 hours
- Quanzhou → Hong Kong West Kowloon Station: approximately 4 hours at the fastest
Enquiries and ticket purchase:
https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/tc/trip-planner.html?id=WEK2YUX
High-Speed Rail Travel Guide — Discover More Direct Destinations, Travel Information and Offers:
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