Everything You Need to Know About Golf in Fujian, China
Ever wondered what golf in Fujian is really like? Situated along the south-east coast of China, Fujian may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of a golf holiday but with its combination of coastal courses, mountain fairways and relaxing hot spring resorts, the region offers a refreshing alternative to the usual golf destinations. Add to that rich culture, great food and year-round golfing and you have the recipe for a truly memorable trip. In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know to enjoy golf in Fujian to the fullest.
General weather and best time to golf in Fujian
If you’re planning a golf trip to Fujian, timing really does make a difference. Fujian has a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 17-21°C. I’ve played there in a number of different seasons, and I can tell you that autumn (September to November) is definitely the best time to hit the fairways. The weather is pleasantly cool, the skies are often clear, and the humidity drops just enough to make walking the golf courses a breeze. Spring (March to May) is also a great option, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers adding a touch of charm to your game.
General weather of 4 seasons in Fujian
- Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures gradually rise from around 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F) and the golf courses start to turn a beautiful green. Although there are occasional rain showers, this is still a great time to play golf before the heat of summer sets in.
- Summer (June to August): Temperatures gradually rise from 32–35°C (90–95°F), the hot and humid climate will exhaust you if you are not used to it. And there are even occasional typhoons in July and August that can affect your golfing experience, even causing a postponement of the match.
- Autumn (September to November): The autumn weather will be much cooler and more pleasant, dropping to 20–28°C (68–82°F). Add to that the low humidity and clear skies with light sunshine, making this the best time of year to play golf in Fujian. You can combine exploring and admiring the natural beauty of Fujian, the mountains and rivers become especially charming in the fall.
- Winter (December to February): The weather is relatively dry but not too cold. In coastal cities like Xiamen and Quanzhou, temperatures range from 10–18°C (50–65°F), while inland areas like Wuyishan can get a little colder, down to 5–10°C (41–50°F), especially in the early morning. There is little to no rain and the sun is still shining, making golfing easier. If you want to combine your golf with some exploring, this is also a great time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and cultural activities such as the New Year and Lantern Festivals.
Best golf courses in Fujian
Fuzhou Hot Spring Golf Club
Fuzhou Hot Spring Golf Club
Fuzhou Hot Springs Golf Club is located in the suburbs of Fuzhou, 25 kilometers from downtown Fuzhou and close to Fuzhou National Park. The 18-hole par 72 golf course stretches over 7,103 yards, designed by an international Japanese golf course designer. The course is built on a mountainside, with lakes and rivers running through it. All the designs are in perfect harmony with the beautiful surroundings. The course also offers a variety of facilities including hot spring baths, gyms, karaoke rooms and meeting rooms for relaxation, making it a great place for golfers to recharge their batteries. Imagine enjoying a round of golf amidst beautiful scenery and fresh air, sipping a drink while preparing for your next shot.
Wuyishan Scenery Golf Club
Wuyishan Scenery Golf Club
Wuyishan Scenery Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course located in the majestic mountains of the Wuyishan area and is listed as a world natural heritage by UNESCO. With a careful design, the course makes full use of the unique natural terrain in this area. The fairway bends along the hillside, and virgin forests and streams are intertwined. The hilly terrain brings diversity and challenges to each golf course and, at the same time, opens up the magnificent scenery of the surrounding primitive nature. Professional and amateur players can enjoy the well-maintained green, which features stable scrolling.
Fuzhou Amai Golf Club
Fuzhou Amai Golf Club
Fujian Amai Golf Club, located in the western suburbs of the city and at the foot of Qi Mountain, is the only 27-hole golf course in the city, with a par of 108 and an area of about 1,000,000 square meters. The course is divided into three parts: Yulan area, Yinghua area and Zonglu area, giving golfers a good impression. Fujian Amai Golf Club’s course is built at the foot of Qi Mountain. The natural and open view beautifies the front nine holes, while many villas have been built on the back nine holes. In general, the fairways are quite narrow. The tee shots need a certain distance to get the ball over the water.
Haixi International Golf Club
Haixi International Golf Club
Nestled in the lush natural landscape of Zhangzhou, Fujian, Haixi International Golf Club offers the ultimate golfing experience, perfectly combining the beauty of China’s Southeast coast with the timeless character of golf. Designed by renowned architects, the golf course at Haixi International Golf Club is a par-72 masterpiece that stretches over 7,000 yards. Each hole is meticulously designed, combining natural beauty with strategic play, with wide fairways, challenging bunkers and fast, smooth greens that test the skill and accuracy of every golfer. The course’s signature holes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rivers, creating memorable moments that linger long after the last putt.
> > > If you’re looking to explore beyond Fujian, China has no shortage of world-class golf destinations worth adding to your itinerary. From the dramatic mountain courses in Yunnan to the coastal fairways of Hainan Island, China golf tours offer an exciting mix of landscapes, luxury, and local culture, all tailored for passionate golfers.
What to do beyond golf in Fujian
Explore the Wuyi Mountains
Wuyi Mountain, one of the most beautiful mountains in China
Wuyi Mountain is famous as the most beautiful mountain range in Southeast China, about 15 km from the city center. It is also one of the world cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO for its unique natural landscape and diverse ecosystem. This place possesses majestic and mysterious beauty, with many high mountains, caves and steep cliffs dividing the stream below into 9 sections, creating an extremely impressive scene. Wuyi Mountain is also home to more than 20,000 species of flora and fauna, including many rare and endemic species, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.
Coming to Wuyi Mountain, visitors can participate in activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, … to explore the majestic beauty of the mountain range. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the rich ecosystem of flora and fauna here. At the same time, enjoy the delicious flavor of Tieguanyin tea – a famous product of Wuyi Mountain
Admire the impressive Tulou architecture
Fujian Tulou, the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tulou is a unique type of traditional house with a distinctive structure and shape. These structures are hand-built with earth combined with stone and wood, creating a fixed and solid structure, but no less impressive. Tulou can be up to 30 meters high, up to 70 meters in diameter, with a capacity of several dozen to thousands of people living. In 2008, Fujian Tulou was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. This is evidence of the unique historical, cultural and architectural value of these structures, affirming the important position of Tulou on the Chinese and world tourism map.
Take a trip to Kulangsu Island
Kulangsu, a historic international settlement
Famous as a precious gem in the heart of Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. With a modest area of only about 2km2, Gulangyu was originally named “Yuan Shazhou” from the rugged terrain of the island. In 2007, Kulangsu was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage, affirming the unique historical and cultural value of the island. This place has become a place of residence for many foreigners, so it possesses unique architecture with a strong European imprint with ancient villas, winding cobblestone roads and gardens with colorful flowers. Along with that, Gulangyu also attracts tourists by its beautiful natural landscape with pristine beaches, fine white sand, emerald green sea water and diverse ecosystems.
Try authentic Fujian cuisine
Besides the beautiful landscape and long-standing cultural heritage, Fujian is also famous for its culinary treasures imbued with the identity of the Southeast coastal region of China. Fujian cuisine is a harmonious combination of traditional and modern flavors, creating an irresistible appeal for tourists. With the principle of focusing on elegance and sophistication in flavor, Fujian cuisine is one of the eight major culinary schools of China, notable for its soup, stewing and seafood processing techniques.
Fujian cuisine, a flavorful taste of tradition
Hokkien Mee is a familiar dish, combining soft and chewy noodles, rich soy sauce and fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, and scallops. In addition, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup – a symbolic dish of the region, is elaborately prepared with more than 20 precious ingredients, creating a special aroma and high nutritional value. When visiting Quanzhou or Xiamen, visitors should not miss the steamed dumplings, crispy fried radish cakes, or fish soup – all prepared with fresh ingredients and retaining their natural sweetness. In particular, the night markets in Xiamen offer a vibrant culinary experience, where visitors can try many street foods such as fish cakes on skewers, grilled oysters, or local pearl milk tea.
Estimated cost to golf in Fujian
On-course fees
While not a popular golf destination, Fujian has a number of quality golf courses at reasonable prices. An 18-hole round will cost around $85 to $170, depending on the course and whether you play during the low or high season. You will also have to pay a caddie fee, which is almost mandatory and not included in the green fee, ranging from $20 to $40 per round. But you won’t regret it, as a caddie will be a great help in navigating the course, reading the greens, and speeding up your play. Finally, renting a golf cart will cost an additional $14 to $28 per round, depending on whether you are sharing or going it alone.
Accommodations
There are many accommodation options for you depending on your needs and budget. If you spend most of your time on the golf course and want the most convenience, choose hotels and resorts near or right on the golf course such as Wyndham Grand Plaza, Lakeside Hotel Fuzhou, … with prices around $110 – $210 per night, including services such as spa, breakfast buffet, … In addition, you can also choose mid-range hotels near the city center with prices around $40 – $70 per night. With cheaper prices, they are not too far from the golf courses and provide full service with basic amenities. The location in the city center also makes it easy for you to explore the attractions after golfing hours.
Estimated cost for a day golf in Fujian
Transportation
As a popular tourist city, Fujian has many international and domestic airports in major cities such as Xiamen, Fuzhou, and Quanzhou, so you can easily access it from anywhere. Moving around the city is also very convenient thanks to a modern transportation network such as high-speed trains and buses with a fare of only about $2 – $5 one way. However, if you are carrying bulky golf equipment or traveling in a group, a more convenient way to move is to take a taxi (about $10 – $20 per trip depending on the distance) or rent a private car with a driver (average about $70 – $110 per day).
Dining & other activities
After a day on the golf course, you’ll definitely want to indulge in Fujian’s rich and flavorful cuisine. For around $10–20 a day, you can enjoy everything from street food to mid-range restaurants. After your meal, explore the culture and nature. Consider taking a local tour to the Tulou villages of Yongding or the majestic Wuyi Mountains, which cost around $25–55 each, including a guide and transportation. If you’re a tea lover, a visit to the Da Hong Pao Tea Farm is a must. Tastings and guided tours typically cost around $10–20, but the experience of sipping world-famous oolong tea at the source is priceless.
Some practical tips for your Fujian golf trip
Having played a few rounds of golf around the region and learned from both wins and losses, I’ve come up with some useful tips to help you make the most of your Fujian golf trip, both on and off the course.
- Choosing a date: Avoid major holidays like Golden Week in early October or Chinese New Year as tee times fill up quickly and room rates skyrocket. Many golf courses may be hosting city-wide tournaments and may be closed for a few days, so check ahead to secure your tee time.
- Booking tee times through an agent: Many Fujian golf courses do not have online booking systems in English, which can be a hassle. Book tee times and golf packages with a reputable travel agent to ensure the complete golf experience.
- Check club rental availability: If you don’t bring your own golf equipment, contact the golf course to see if they offer rentals, as many courses have limited clubs and not all have left-handed or premium clubs.
- Pack wisely: Fujian’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in coastal areas, so bring a light polo shirt, a light raincoat or umbrella, and a hat in case of rain. Spikeless golf shoes are best, some clubs are limited to soft spikes, and spikeless shoes work better off the course.
- Payment methods: Most golf courses in China favor mobile payments, especially for caddie tips, club rentals, or snacks. If you don’t have Alipay or WeChat Pay installed, bring enough cash (RMB) as some places no longer accept foreign credit cards.
- Be prepared for longer rounds and a structured pace of play: Golf in China is generally more formal and slower-paced than in the West. You’ll likely be paired with a caddie, asked to take a lunch break after nine holes (yes, even if you’re not hungry), and may need to follow the pace set by the instructors. Relax, go with the flow, and enjoy the scenery.
With this guide, you are now fully equipped to plan a memorable golf trip to Fujian. From the best time to visit, to local etiquette and hidden gems off the fairways, Fujian offers a complete golf experience for every visitor. Ready to plan your golf trip to Fujian? Get in touch with our team at GolfLux – we’ll help you with tee times, hotels and local tips to make your trip a smooth and memorable one.
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