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NOV 22 - DEC 1, 2026 · 10 DAYS

Journey of the Min River: A Fujian Homecoming

Trace the footsteps of your Fujianese (Hokkien, Foochow, Hakka) ancestors as we travel along the Min River and four vibrant destinations with historical migration abroad: Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou and Xiamen. We'll explore the historical and cultural heritage of those who journeyed abroad by visiting coastal cities and villages and learning about the lives and contributions of overseas Fujianese communities that went to Southeast Asia, the Americas, Europe, and beyond. This homecoming experience celebrates Fujianese culture and heritage by exploring ancient temples and vibrant markets to savoring the region’s renowned cuisine, influenced by fishing in the coastal seas and trade and migration between Fujian and Southeast Asia. 

Who This Experience Is For
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Curious Returnee

If you are an immigrant, child/grandchild/great-grandchild of immigrants, third culture kid or an adoptee who has rarely had an opportunity to go back to your motherland, this trip gives you a chance to dive deep into your ancestors' history in a way that is deeply personal.

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Reflective, Community
Oriented Traveler

During our experience, Grace and Yongjian will lead guided breakout sessions designed to foster emotional connection and a sense of community. We will have the opportunity to talk about our immigrant family experiences and have conversations about the conflicts we have with our identity in a safe space. 

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 Overseas Chinese History Enthusiast

Overseas Chinese History is often reduced to the typical "coolie" narrative - overlooked in classes and stereotyped as railroad and restaurant workers. By visiting museums and villages, this trip will teach you about the wider stories that shaped the overseas Chinese experience - one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable contributions.

Note: Itinerary may change, changes will be communicated

to travelers in advance when possible. 

 Itinerary

    • Day 1: Arrival Day and Welcome Dinner

    • Day 2: Fuzhou City

      • Delve into the heart of Fuzhou's heritage by exploring the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Historical Area, a captivating neighborhood that once housed renowned Fuzhounese politicians, military leaders, poets, and writers.

      • Glimpse into the city's vibrant past in the Shang Xia Hang Historical Area, offering a unique window into Fuzhou's commercial history.

      • Embark on a night cruise along the majestic Min River, enjoying the city's enchanting skyline illuminated against the twilight.

      • A visit to the Fuzhou Museum and the China Fujian Cuisine Culture Museum will provide insights into the city's rich historical, cultural, and culinary legacy.

      • Moments of tranquility will be found at Westlake Park and the serene Xichan Buddhist Temple

    • Day 3: Villages of Fuzhou

      • ​Our journey in Fuzhou will extend to the historical villages and its districts (e.g. Changle) 

        • We will visit revered ancestral family temples, explore traditional village homes that have a strong Southeast Asian influence, and learn more about the waves of migration of Fuzhounese people to various parts of the world.

        • To conclude this homecoming trip to the villages, we will indulge in a delectable seafood feast in the charming coastal district of Mawei, savoring the freshest flavors the region has to offer. 

    • Day 4: In Quanzhou, we'll delve into the history of this major port city along the Maritime Silk Road and home of many Chinese who emigrated to Southeast Asia.

      • At the Overseas Chinese Museum and the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, we'll trace the remarkable journeys of Quanzhou immigrants who shaped Southeast Asia.

      • A stroll through historic West Street will transport us to the Song dynasty.

      • Visit the majestic Kaiyuan Temple and the ancient Qingjing Mosque, showcasing the city's historical openness to different faiths

    • Day 5: On the second day, we will take a 1.5 hour drive to a Tieguanyin tea plantation to learn about how Tieguanyin tea (one of China's most famous teas) is made, the various grades of tieguanyin tea, and you will get a chance to try the various teas yourself! 

    • Day 6: Take a day trip to Dai Mei Ancient Village, a well preserved village dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties and known as the Water Palace of Zhangzhou. Established by the Chen clan, this village showcases Southern Min (Minnan) architecture that show authentic rural Fujian life. ​

    • Day 7: You've probably seen the famous Fujian Tulous​ in the movie Mulan. These massive, fortified earthen buildings were constructed by the Hakka and Minnan people between the 12th and 20th centuries, primarily as defensive communal homes. We will visit either the Nanjing, Yongding, or Zhao'an Tulou and the villages inside the tulous. On this day, we will have a private driver. 

    • In Xiamen, will visit the Overseas Chinese Museum, which is notable for its comprehensive collection of artifacts related to the overseas Chinese experience.

    • Take a stroll along Zhongshan Road, the oldest commercial street in Xiamen Old Town, will transport us back in time.

    • Next, we will immerse ourselves in the artistic ambiance of Shapowei.

    • Our exploration will continue with visits to the Railroad Culture Park and the serene Hongshan Park, offering breathtaking city views.

    • Visit the Nanpu Buddhist Temple before wandering to the beach for a breathtaking sunset and then indulging in a delectable seafood feast

  • Escape to a tropical paradise at Gulangyu Island. Feel the sun and sea breeze at Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Botanical Garden, Haoyue Park, Gulangyu International Calligraphic Carving Museum, Organ Museum, Piano Museum, and Photography Museum.

  • On the final day, take a high speed train to return to Fuzhou. If you would like to go to an alternative destination, let us know in advance. 

Highlights

Fujianese Cooking Class

Learn how to make classic Fujianese dishes at the Fujian Cuisine Culture Museum

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Visit Tulous & Villages

Immerse yourself in living history at the ancient tulous, made famous by the movie Mulan

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Tieguanyin Tea Tasting

Walk through lush tieguanyin tea fields & taste various grades of tieguanyin in its birthplace 

Tea Pickers

What Is Included 

    • Grace & Yongjian will accompany you on entire experience (except to/from airport and during free time). Together, we are fluent in English, Mandarin, and Spanish. 

    • Whenever necessary, we will have local guides and drivers accompanying us as well.

    • For all our experiences, we strive to pick accommodations that are clean and authentic.

    • Whenever possible, we choose to support small, local guesthouses run by people from the community.

    • Costs differ between single and double occupancy, please review the costs below

    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be covered for the entire trip, unless stated otherwise in the itinerary. 

    • If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, etc.) or food allergies, please inform us in advance of the trip so we can make this trip enjoyable and safe for you. 

    • In this virtual pre-departure orientation, we will cover essential apps (payment, maps, VPNs, eSIMs) and practical on the ground tips that will help you navigate China like a local.

    • It's also an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and ask us any questions!

    • For any sites mentioned in the itinerary that require an entrance ticket, the cost of the ticket for each traveler will be covered.

    • Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. 

    • All overland transportation, including high speed trains, buses, and rideshares.

    • Metro rides within cities are not covered.

    • Transportation during free time is not covered. 

    • Any transportation to Shanghai (flight or train) before the trip begins is not covered and any transportation after Day 11 is not covered.

    • To remember your trip, you will receive a From Roots to Bridges themed goodie bag! 

What Is Not Included 

- International Flights

- Travel Insurance (REQUIRED for every traveler)

- Chinese Tourist Visa (if required)

- Meals Not Included in the Itinerary 

- Alcoholic drinks 

- Personal Expenses (souvenirs, gifts, etc.)

- Room service, laundry, incidentals 

- Activities not a part of the itinerary 

- Hospital bills and related medical expenses 
- Damaged or lost personal possessions 

Costs

White Bedroom

Single Occupancy

$2299 USD (includes VAT)*

You will have a room and bathroom to yourself

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Double Occupancy

$1999 USD (includes VAT)*

You will share a room with a person of the same gender (if available) or your requested roommate

*Prices are based on a 4-person travel group minimum and are subject to increase if travel group is below this number. 

Price doesn't include WeTravel service fee (~$20 USD).

I'm Interested! What's Next?

Book via WeTravel

Secure your spot via WeTravel. At the time of booking, you will submit a 20% deposit to hold your spot. The deposit counts towards your total payment. If you cancel your spot, we are unable to refund your deposit. If the trip doesn't run due to a lack of participants, you will receive your deposit back.

Join Our Community

All travelers in your group will be onboarded to an online community platform so you can get to know your fellow travelers as you prepare for this group travel experience. On the platform, you will receive a full itinerary and you can ask questions and submit any special requests.

Submit Full Payment

Full payment will be requested 90 days prior to departure. If you’re booking within 90 days of your departure, you will be asked to make the full payment immediately. Payments are made on WeTravel.

Attend Pre-Departure Orientation

30 days prior to departure, we will host a virtual pre-departure orientation where you will view the full detailed itinerary, healthy and safety measures, what to pack, what apps to download, and any other details that will help you feel prepared for the experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

    • If you would like to join this experience but with a shorter length, email us at hello@fromrootstobridges.com and we will consider that for a future iteration of this experience if there are enough interested travelers to fill a group. 

    • Otherwise, if you decide to join an experience late or leave early, whether planned or unplanned, you will still be responsible for the full cost of the experience.

    • To avoid unexpected expenses from early departures, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip interruption coverage

    • This group experience is designed for adults, 21 years and older. 

    • If you have minors who would like to join an experience like this, we can arrange a private experience specifically for your family.

    • Please note that each minor requires at least one adult 21+ years old to accompany them.

    • Refer to our Private Experiences to learn more. 

    • When booking this group travel experience in WeTravel, please respond to the question "Is there a place not mentioned in the itinerary that you'd like to go to?"  and if there is enough interest in visiting that destination, we will consider adding it to the itinerary if possible. The cost of the experience may change. 
    • Alternatively, we can host a Private Experience for you to your family's hometown. 
  • Absolutely! While our journeys are designed for the overseas Chinese diaspora reconnecting with their heritage, we warmly welcome travelers with other meaningful ties to the region—whether through family, partners, friendships, or a deep interest in its culture, history, or language.

    We simply ask that you join with respect for the diasporic voices at the heart of these experiences. Your curiosity and perspective can enrich the group’s dynamic, as long as you listen actively and engage thoughtfully.

    Have a specific connection or reason for joining? We’d love to hear about it!

    • Yes, we generally advise our travelers coming to China to get a Chinese tourist visa in your country of residency. If you have confirmed that your trip to China can be done under the 10 or 30 day visa free policy, then you do not need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa. ​

    • Visa-Free Entry Policies

      • 10-Day Visa-Free Transit: Travelers from many countries (e.g., US, UK, Canada) can stay up to 10 days in certain Chinese cities (like Beijing or Shanghai) if transiting to a third country (proof of onward ticket required).

      • 30-Day Visa-Free Access: Citizens of 38 countries (e.g. France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan and Negara Brunei Darussalam) can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under mutual agreements.

      • Note: Policies may change—always verify with this official webpage before travel. 

    • From Roots to Bridges will not accept responsibility if you are refused entry to China because you lack the correct visa documentation.

    • You can book your departure flight from your home country to Fuzhou Changle International Airport or Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

    • Prior to entering China, you should download WeChat (communication and payments) and AliPay (payments and more).

    • If you need to use Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, or Google Apps during the trip, download a VPN.

    • Refer to our China Apps guide to see which other apps are required and recommended. 

    • Please refer to these CDC Guidelines for what vaccines to get prior to traveling to China. 

  • Please refer to our Cancellation Policy Page

    • We understand that medical emergencies may cause you to not be able to attend this experience or cut the experience short.

    • Therefore, we require our travelers to buy travel insurance before the experience begins to cover unforeseen cancellations. 

Contact us

Experience You Are Inquiring About

What Our Travelers Say 

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 Beverly 🇺🇸🇨🇳

Grace and Yongjian went above and beyond in this Homecoming Guangdong trip. From the initial calls where they got to know my background and goals for the trip, to creating a  schedule that explored many places in the entire province. They were able to find my family's ancestral temple and people associated to my family that I did not know, incredibly and unexpectedly. From tourist sites to off the tourist path, we saw the range of offerings. I loved meeting local people so I can continue to practice Chinese and learn about everyday Chinese life. They are also amazing company to be around on this extensive trip. Thank you both for a life changing trip through China for the first time. 
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Aline 🇫🇷

Although I had already spent a month traveling in China before joining Grace and Yongjian, the road trip I took with them to Kaiping and Jiangmen was unforgettable. Traveling in China without speaking Mandarin can be challenging and exhausting. But with Grace and Yongjian, everything went smoothly as we explored remote villages, interacted with locals, and enjoyed authentic Cantonese dishes. Their deep knowledge of Chinese history and culture made the experience enriching, relaxing, and well-organized, yet flexible. Above all, Grace and Yongjian are incredibly passionate and enthusiastic about what they do. Their energy and love for sharing their culture made the whole experience so special.

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Max & Nikki 🇩🇪

We had traveled to China independently before. This time, we wanted to delve deeper and get to know aspects of the country that remained closed to us as solo travelers without a Chinese driver's license and language skills. Grace and Yongjian organized a road trip to the less touristy province of Guizhou. They took us to remote villages, hidden viewpoints and neighborhood restaurants that we would never have reached on our own. The trip was characterized by their enthusiasm for the country, its people and food, as well as the very personal stories and experiences they shared. It was like a road trip with friends; except we didn't have to take care of anything ourselves.
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Jurrien & Sandra 🇳🇱

Together with Grace and Yongjian, we travelled for almost 2 weeks through the province of Yunnan. Having never been to China, we felt a bit overwhelmed with the required preparations for this huge country. Even before we crossed the border from Vietnam to China, they prepared us in every possible way. From how to use Alipay and WeChat, to buying SIM Cards and setting up a VPN.  Their knowledge about the area was astounding. Especially on the topics on (local) cuisine and culture, they introduced us to so much we didn't know. The itinerary chosen, suited well with our interests and the execution went very well. 
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Sebastien 🇪🇸

China wasn’t on my travel list until Yongjian and Grace's captivating passion and deep knowledge opened my eyes to its wonders. Their guidance was essential in securing a SIM card, managing payments, booking trains and ordering food. This allowed me to fully embrace Yunnan’s rich diversity, from vibrant markets and museums to stunning landscapes and historical sites. The region’s varied ethnic groups and incredible cuisine enriched every moment. This trip not only left me with precious memories and a new perspective on travel and China but also the gift of friendship with two remarkable people I now call friends. 
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Angela & Yang 🇩🇪

During our trip to China, especially in Fuzhou, Grace and Yongjian made our experience truly unforgettable. Although we have visited China several times before and speak the language (more or less), it can still be challenging to navigate the country, as everything changes so quickly. What made the journey even more special were the fascinating stories they shared about their own trips and the history and culture of the region. Touring with Grace and Yongjian was an absolute pleasure, and I would highly recommend their services to anyone, who want an effortless and memorable trip!
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Matt 🇺🇸

I've lived in mainland China for over seven years and I was thrilled to join Yongjian and Grace for my first visit to Fujian Province. Together the three of us made stops at the historic district of the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Xichan Temple, and the Overseas Chinese Museum. It was a pleasure touring Fuzhou with Yongjian and Grace, who were kind enough to introduce local delicacies and locate vegetarian restaurants to accommodate my dietary restrictions. I would wholeheartedly recommend booking a tour with Yongjian and Grace--you will not be disappointed!
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 Ted (Aug '24) 🇺🇸

I had a wonderful time traveling with Yongjian and Grace. They created a comprehensive itinerary with unique, hard-to-find experiences while remaining flexible and open throughout the trip. Their approach to travel planning reflects their commitment to cultural authenticity and meaningful engagement
with the communities they visit.
I would definitely go on another trip with them!

Our Travel Philosophy

We started traveling around China in 2023 with a desire to reconnect with our ancestral homeland. From then to now, we have traveled to half of China's provinces & regions. In the process, we realized that the beauty, history, and cultural diversity of China goes well beyond the typical path that tourists take (Beijing, Shanghai, etc). We want to show you the real China, from the cities to village in China's undiscovered provinces and regions. Whether or not you can speak Chinese, we want to help you navigate all the complexities that come with traveling around China and foster an environment that allows you to connect on a deeper level with Chinese culture, people, language, and food. Learn more from our videos!

Helpful Resources

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How to Apply for a Chinese Visa
[for Americans & Canadians] 

The first step to traveling to China is applying for a Chinese visa. We know that paperwork can be daunting and want to streamline the process for you in our step-by-step guide!

Image by Alice Donovan Rouse

Our Recommended
Travel Packing List 

Heading on a domestic or international trip soon? We have a packing list that you can use to make sure you have packed every essential for your next trip!

Image by Adem AY

What Apps To Download
for a Trip to China 

Check out our detailed guide of 10 essential apps that facilitate your travels in China. From ride share to booking tickets and making payments,

we got you covered! 

Contact us

Experience You Are Inquiring About
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From Roots to Bridges

© 2025 by From Roots to Bridges

From Roots

to Bridges

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