5-Day Fujian Coastal Road Trip | Generated by AI
Trip Overview
I’ve planned a 5-day road trip itinerary for you, starting from Guangzhou on July 11 at 7 PM and returning by July 17 at 12 PM. The route forms a loop: Guangzhou → Xiamen → Longyan → Fuzhou → Guangzhou, covering all your requested destinations in Fujian Province. This allows for efficient driving while prioritizing your interest in oceans and beaches (focusing on Xiamen’s coastal spots and Fuzhou’s islands/beaches, with Longyan for cultural contrast via its famous Tulou earth buildings).
Key Details:
- Total Distance: Approximately 1,960 km round-trip.
- Vehicle: EV Neta with a 400 km range. I’ve planned conservative stops every 300-350 km for charging (assuming fast chargers; add 30-60 minutes per stop). China has extensive EV infrastructure on highways (e.g., via apps like Tesla Supercharger network, State Grid, or Teld for non-Tesla EVs). Use apps like AutoNavi or Baidu Maps for real-time station locations.
- Driving Assumptions: Average speed 80-100 km/h on highways; factor in traffic, especially near cities. July is peak summer—hot (28-31°C), humid, and potentially rainy/typhoon-prone in Fujian. Check forecasts daily via apps like China Weather.
- Preferences Incorporated: Emphasis on beaches and ocean views in Xiamen and Fuzhou. Longyan is inland, so I’ve allocated less time there for Tulou visits.
- Cares & Tips:
- EV-Specific: Monitor battery closely; charge to 80% for efficiency. Download charging apps (e.g., Xingxing Charge, Teld) and carry a portable charger/cables. Highways like G15 Shenhai Expressway have stations every 50-100 km.
- Weather: Hot and humid; pack sunscreen, hats, light clothing, rain gear, and insect repellent. Typhoons are possible—have backup plans for indoor activities.
- General: Book hotels/accommodations in advance (e.g., via Ctrip or Booking.com). Carry cash/ID for tolls (electronic tolls common). Stay hydrated, avoid midday heat for beach activities. Fuel costs: Expect 200-300 CNY in electricity; tolls ~500 CNY round-trip.
- Health/Safety: COVID rules may apply; wear masks if needed. Drive safely—rest if tired.
- Budget Estimate (excluding fuel/tolls): Accommodations ~1,500 CNY, meals ~500 CNY, attractions ~300 CNY (for 1 person; adjust for group).
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: July 11 (Evening Departure) - Guangzhou to Shantou (Midway Stop en Route to Xiamen)
- Departure: Leave Guangzhou at 7 PM.
- Route & Driving: Drive ~400 km northeast on G35/G15 highways toward Shantou (Guangdong Province). This is within your EV’s range; no mid-drive charge needed if starting full.
- Estimated Time: 4-5 hours driving (arrive Shantou ~11 PM-midnight).
- Charging: If low on arrival, charge in Shantou (plenty of urban stations, e.g., at service areas or hotels).
- Activities: Rest-focused; no major sights tonight.
- Overnight: Stay in Shantou (e.g., beachside hotel like Sheraton Shantou for ocean views if you want a teaser). Relax after drive.
- Meals: Dinner on the road (highway rest stops).
- Cares: Night driving—watch for fatigue. Shantou has coastal vibes if you arrive early enough for a quick walk.
Day 2: July 12 - Shantou to Xiamen; Explore Xiamen Beaches
- Morning Drive: Depart Shantou at 8 AM. Drive ~230 km to Xiamen on G15 highway.
- Estimated Time: 2.5-3 hours (arrive Xiamen ~11 AM). No charge needed (short leg).
- Arrival in Xiamen: Check into hotel by noon.
- Activities (Focus: Oceans & Beaches):
- Afternoon: Visit Baicheng Beach (near Xiamen University)—soft sand, clear water, ocean views. Swim, relax, or walk the promenade (1-2 hours).
- Late Afternoon: Head to Gulangyu Island (short ferry from Xiamen port). Explore its beaches like Gangzaihou Beach—picturesque with colonial architecture and sea breezes. Sunset ocean views are stunning.
- Evening: Stroll Huandao Road for more beach access; optional night market for seafood.
- Overnight: Xiamen (e.g., seaside hotel like Marco Polo Xiamen overlooking the ocean).
- Meals: Lunch in Xiamen (seafood noodles); dinner at beachside spot.
- Cares: High UV—apply sunscreen. Crowds on weekends; go early. EV: Charge at hotel if available.
Day 3: July 13 - Full Day in Xiamen (Beaches & Coastal Sights)
- Activities (Focus: Oceans & Beaches):
- Morning: Huangcuo Sand Beach or Pearl Bay—less crowded, great for swimming and ocean gazing (2-3 hours).
- Afternoon: Xiamen Guanyinshan Sand Sculpture Cultural Park—beach with sand art, water activities, and sea views.
- Evening: Relax at Nanputuo Temple (near beach) for cultural twist, then more beach time.
- No Driving: Stay local.
- Overnight: Same as Day 2.
- Meals: Beach picnics or local闽南 cuisine (oyster omelets).
- Cares: Hydrate; watch for jellyfish in summer waters. If rainy, visit indoor spots like Xiamen Underwater World.
Day 4: July 14 - Xiamen to Longyan; Visit Tulou
- Morning Drive: Depart Xiamen at 9 AM. Drive ~160 km west to Longyan on G76 highway.
- Estimated Time: 2 hours (arrive ~11 AM). No charge needed.
- Arrival in Longyan: Check in by noon.
- Activities:
- Afternoon: Explore Yongding Tulou (UNESCO site)—cluster of earthen buildings. Not beachy, but scenic hills and cultural immersion (hiking trails with river views).
- Evening: Visit Chuxi Tulou cluster for more architecture; optional Guanzhai Mountain for nature walks.
- Overnight: Longyan (e.g., Tulou guesthouse for authentic stay).
- Meals: Hakka cuisine (stuffed tofu).
- Cares: Inland heat; wear comfortable shoes for walking. EV: Charge in Longyan urban areas.
Day 5: July 15 - Longyan to Fuzhou; Explore Fuzhou Beaches
- Morning Drive: Depart Longyan at 8 AM. Drive ~320 km northeast to Fuzhou on G70/G3 highways.
- Estimated Time: 3.5-4 hours driving + 30-min charge stop midway (e.g., near Sanming—stations available). Arrive Fuzhou ~12:30 PM.
- Arrival in Fuzhou: Check in afternoon.
- Activities (Focus: Oceans & Beaches):
- Afternoon: Drive to Pingtan Island (~1 hour from Fuzhou center). Visit Longfengtou Bathing Beach—golden sand, clear waters, jetski rentals.
- Evening: Relax at the beach; ocean sunset.
- Overnight: Fuzhou or Pingtan (e.g., beach hotel on island).
- Meals: Seafood in Pingtan.
- Cares: Bridge to Pingtan may have tolls/wind. Charge before island (limited stations there).
Day 6: July 16 - Full Day in Fuzhou (More Beaches); Prepare for Return
- Activities (Focus: Oceans & Beaches):
- Morning: Nan’ao Beach or Changlexiang Bi’ao Beach—quiet bays for swimming and coastal hikes.
- Afternoon: More Pingtan exploration (seaweed farms, waves).
- Evening: Fuzhou city walk or beach downtime.
- No Major Driving: Local only.
- Overnight: Fuzhou.
- Meals: Local Fujian dishes (fish balls).
- Cares: Final EV full charge evening for long return drive.
Return: July 17 - Fuzhou to Guangzhou
- Early Departure: Leave Fuzhou at 2 AM (to meet 12 PM arrival). Drive ~850 km southwest on G15/G72 highways.
- Estimated Time: 9-10 hours driving + two 30-min charges (e.g., after 350 km near Xiamen/Shantou, and another near Meizhou). Total ~11 hours.
- Arrival: Back in Guangzhou by 12 PM (with buffer for traffic/delays).
- Activities: None—focus on safe drive.
- Cares: Early start; coffee/rest stops. Monitor weather for rain on highways.
This plan balances driving, rest, and your beach preferences. If you need adjustments (e.g., more rest days or hotel recommendations), let me know!