Homecoming: Fujian

Trace the footsteps of your Fujianese (Hokkien and Foochow) ancestors, join us as we return to three 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.

NOVEMBER 2025 · 11 DAYS

Who This Experience Is For

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.

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.

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.

This experience does not qualify for the 10 day visa free policy.

Itinerary

Get oriented on your first day in China. Get SIM cards. Get to know your fellow travelers!

In Shanghai, our itinerary will encompass a captivating blend of historical and contemporary marvels.

Historical gems include the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a 5-acre masterpiece dating back to 1577, showcasing Ming dynasty pavilions, serene ponds, and picturesque rockeries adorned with arched bridges.

Visits to the Propaganda Art Museum and the French Concession Area, offering unique insights into the city's rich history and artistic heritage.

Iconic landmarks such as The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Lujiazui will present a stunning panorama of Shanghai's architectural evolution.

Modern marvels will be experienced in the vibrant Xintiandi district and the bustling Renmin Road Pedestrian Street.
Day 3: 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.

Day 4: Fuzhou City

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 5: 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.
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

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

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, a unique testament to the city's industrial past, 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.

On the final day, we will take a ferry to the pedestrian friendly Gulangyu Island, which was one of the ports opened to foreign trade following the First Opium War and home to residents from Britain, France, Japan, the Netherlands, and more.

We will wander the streets of Gulangyu, learn more about its colonial past, and visit the Piano Museum to learn why Gulangyu is called "The Island of Music".

On Day 12, you can choose to take a high-speed train from Xiamen to Hong Kong or a flight back to Shanghai to return back to your home country.

Highlights

Fujianese Cooking Class

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

Visit Tulous & Villages

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

Tieguanyin Tea Tasting

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

What Is Included

Grace & Yongjian will accompany you on entire experience (except to/from airport and during free time). We LOVE sharing the beauties of China with our friends and encourage you to ask any questions!

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
Every night, you will try different traditional dishes of the region we are in. Family style means you will share food with your fellow travelers. Both of us are HUGE foodies and we can vouch for the quality of the food we pick!

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! Inform us of your t-shirt size prior to the trip.

What Is Not Included

- Travel Insurance (REQUIRED for every traveler)

- Chinese Tourist Visa (if required)

- Meals Not Included in the Itinerary

- Breakfast, lunch, and 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

Single Occupancy

$2500 USD (includes VAT)

You will have a room and bathroom to yourself

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Double Occupancy

$2000 USD (includes VAT)

You will share a room with a person of the same gender or your requested roommate

What Our Travelers Say

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.

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.

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!

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!

Ted

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
We ask that you enter in our Interest Form where your family is from 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.
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 should book your departure flight from your home country to Shanghai and your return flight from either Xiamen, Hong Kong, or Shanghai.

Xiamen is the last city of our trip, where you can fly out of Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport or take a train from Xiamen to Hong Kong or Shanghai and fly out of either of those airports.
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.
Prior to traveling to China, we recommend you to buy a 3HK E-SIM.

If you would prefer to get a physical SIM card, we will bring you to a physical store in China to get a SIM card.
Please refer to these CDC Guidelines for what vaccines to get prior to traveling to China.

For this experience*, our cancellation policy is below. To cancel your spot, you must email us at hello@graceandyj.com. If applicable, you will receive a refund to your original form of payment between 5-14 business days, excluding bank transaction fees.

More than 60 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 20% of total price (deposit)

Between 45 – 60 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 40% of the total price

Between 30 – 45 Days: Cancellation fee of 60% of the total price

Less than 30 days prior to departure: No refund

After trip departure: No refund

*Note: Different experiences may have different deposit amounts and cancellation policies. Please refer to each experience page for the most up to date information.
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.

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

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa
[for Americans] [free]

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