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Zhangzhou Travel Resources

Zhangzhou Travel Resources

Zhangzhou Fujian, China Travel Guide

Chronological Planning Timeline

Plan early for a seamless trip.

Your Journey Starts Here

Strategic preparation results in a memorable and stress-free Zhangzhou experience.

3

Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6+ months). Apply for your China visa early.

Flights & Itinerary

Book international flights to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN). Research your itinerary.

Major Attractions

Identify major attractions you wish to visit in Zhangzhou and nearby areas.

1

Month Before

Accommodation & Insurance

Book accommodations in Zhangzhou, Tulou areas, or Dongshan Island. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

Health & Transport

Arrange required vaccinations. Book high-speed train tickets for inter-city travel.

Language

Begin learning basic Mandarin phrases to improve local interactions.

1

Week Before

Confirmations

Confirm all bookings (flights, hotels, tours, trains).

Apps & Banking

Download apps (VPN, WeChat, Alipay, Didi, The Baidu maps app, Pleco). Inform your bank of travel plans.

Packing & Documents

Pack climate-appropriate clothing and essential items. Make photocopies and digital copies of documents.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure essential elements of your trip well in advance.

Essential Reservations

  • Your China visa.
  • International flights to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.
  • High-speed rail tickets for inter-city travel.
  • Popular hotels, especially during peak season.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Gain a understanding of Zhangzhou before you arrive.

Informed Journey

  • Read about Zhangzhou's history and Minnan culture.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Fujian Tulou architecture and Hakka heritage.
  • Understand Chinese digital payment systems (WeChat Pay and Alipay).
  • Understand basic Chinese internet restrictions and the VPN requirement.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Ensure peace of mind by preparing your home before you leave.

Inform Contacts

  • Inform neighbors or friends of your travel plans.
  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
  • Arrange for pet care if needed.
  • Provide emergency contact information.

Secure Your Home

  • Secure your home by locking all doors and windows.
  • Ensure all non-essential appliances are off.
  • Unplug electronics to save energy and for safety.
  • Check smoke detectors.

Digital Safeguards

  • Review home security system status.
  • Consider smart home device settings.
  • Back up important digital files.
  • Organize travel documents digitally.

Home Secure

Inform neighbors, stop mail, arrange pet care, and book your home before departure.

Arrival Checklist for Zhangzhou

These steps assist with a smooth entry upon your arrival.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs

    Clear immigration and customs at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN).

  • 2
    Connectivity

    Obtain a local SIM card or activate your eSIM to ensure connectivity.

  • 3
    Currency

    Get local money from an ATM or exchange a bit of cash.

Orientation Strategies & Initial Purchases

  • Local Area Overview

    Familiarize yourself with your hotel's immediate surroundings.

  • Locations

    Find nearby restaurants, convenience stores, and public transport stops.

  • City Layout

    Use The Baidu maps app or Amap to get an overview of the city arrangement and areas.

Transportation from Entry Point to Accommodation

Pre-booked Transfers

Utilize any pre-booked transfers from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN).

This offers direct and stress-free transport to your Zhangzhou accommodation.

High-speed Rail

Consider high-speed rail from Xiamen North Station to Zhangzhou Station.

A quick and efficient option for inter-city travel.

Didi/Taxi

Use Didi (ride-sharing app) or a local taxi from the airport or train station.

Confirm the best route based on your hotel's location for efficiency.

Arrival Tips

Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay upon arrival if not done already for seamless transactions.

Departure Preparation from Zhangzhou

Prepare for your departure to ensure a stress-free exit.

Souvenir and Shipping Considerations

  • Purchase souvenirs a few days before your departure.
  • If you plan to ship items, use China Post services.
  • Be aware of customs regulations for both export from China and import into your home country.
  • Keep all receipts for any high-value purchases.

Return Trip Preparation

  • Confirm your return flight details and any onward connections.
  • Pack efficiently, ensuring no things you can't bring are in your carry-on luggage.
  • Keep your passport, boarding pass, and other travel documents readily accessible.
  • Plan your route to the airport, considering potential traffic.

VAT Refund Procedures

China has a limited VAT refund scheme for foreign tourists.

Considerations

  • Applies to specific goods purchased.Designated Stores
  • Requires a high minimum purchase amount.Threshold Applies
  • Check current regulations at major departure airports.Xiamen Gaoqi
  • Inquire at point of purchase.Merchant Guidance

Pre-Departure Timing Recommendations

  • Allow ample time for travel to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.
  • Allocate 2-3 hours for transport from Zhangzhou to the airport.
  • Add 2-3 hours for airport procedures (check-in, security).
  • This helps account for potential traffic or unforeseen delays.

Smooth Departure

Confirm return flights, pack efficiently, and keep all travel documents accessible for a stress-free exit.

Plan your journey to the airport with plenty of buffer time.

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