Sights in Xiamen

The term "Garden on the Sea" perfectly describes Gulangyu. Standing on Xiamen Island, looking across the Lujiang River, Gulangyu resembles an elegant bonsai. Wandering among the island's lush greenery and flowers is like entering a beautiful garden. Sitting on a rock formation by the Qinyuan Seashore, you can listen to the waves amidst the melodies of a zither. Surrounded by azure waters, Gulangyu boasts rugged reefs, a winding coastline, lush mountains, and undulating peaks. Nature's uncanny hand has shaped Gulangyu's vibrant and timeless island scenery.

Sunlight Rock, formed by two massive rocks, one vertical and one horizontal, stands side by side, the highest peak on Gulangyu Island. Beneath the rock lies a cave, a ventilation hole formed by the massive rocks. Known as the "Ancient Summer Resort Cave," it offers exceptionally cool air, perfect for visitors to cool off from the heat. Tianfeng Terrace, atop Sunlight Rock, is the best vantage point on Gulangyu Island. Visitors can gaze upon the clouds and sky, and from the balcony, gaze out into the distance, embracing the Dadan, Erdan, Big and Small Kinmen Islands, and other islands beyond Xiamen Island. Summer is particularly ideal for visiting Sunlight Rock, offering affordable accommodations, fresh seafood, and breathtaking scenery.

Shuzhuang was built by the sea, with the sea hidden in the garden. A cave was built beside the mountain, and the mountain was built with stones. It complements the distant mountains and waters, forming a harmonious whole. The pavilions and terraces are of different shapes, and the Jia Bridge has a low railing, resembling a swimming dragon. From the garden, you can enjoy the sea, the waves crashing on the shore, and the view from the railing is breathtaking. You can enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the sea, and the secluded caves. Flowers fill the paths, and trees line the grounds. This is a rare sight.

Haoyue Garden, centered around the statue of Zheng Chenggong, features a complex of Ming-style buildings. Blue glazed tiles, stone gates, pillars, steps, railings, and paths create a tranquil and magnificent scene against the backdrop of blue sky, beach, tide, trees, and massive rocks. The towering statue of Zheng Chenggong, perched atop Fuding Rock and overlooking the sea, is the garden's central architectural feature.

Qin Garden faces the Sunlight Rock in the east. It has Melody Square, Qinsi Square, Liuyin Garden, Yuyou Gate, etc., which are inextricably linked to the piano. On a sunny day, strolling along the streets and alleys, you will hear elegant piano music and violin singing from the depths of small buildings and courtyards, which makes people reluctant to leave.

Accompanied by the crashing waves of Gulang Island, 30 harpsichords stand quietly in an elegant display room, drawing gasps of admiration from amazed visitors. This is the Gulang Island Piano Museum. The museum showcases nearly 100 valuable pianos and over 60 harpsichord lamps, all treasured by the patriotic overseas Chinese Mr. Hu Youyi. Every half hour, impromptu performances on dedicated concert pianos are held. Journeying through the nearly 200-year history of the piano through the exhibits is both moving and enchanting.

Nanputuo Temple, a renowned ancient temple in Xiamen, boasts breathtaking scenery, nestled against a backdrop of breathtaking peaks and overlooking the turquoise harbor. Behind the temple, five peaks stand in awe, lush with pine and bamboo trees, and secluded ravines offer breathtaking views. Known as the "Five Elders Soaring to the Sky," it is one of Xiamen's Eight Great Scenic Spots. Nanputuo Temple is a popular destination, attracting a constant stream of pilgrims and tourists. Every year on the 19th day of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months, the birthdays of Guanyin, grand Buddhist ceremonies are held within the temple, with numerous devout believers, holding burning incense, kowtow, and praying for health and prosperity. Visitors can also sample the famous Nanputuo Temple vegetarian cuisine.

Xiamen University's campus nestles between mountains and the sea, with Wulao Peak at its back and Nanputuo Temple, an ancient temple in southern Fujian, adjacent. Just outside the Baicheng Gate lies a beach. With its unique architecture and stunning scenery, the campus is known as "China's most beautiful university campus." Flanked by Nanputuo Temple on one side and the seaside and Hulishan Fort on the other, the campus boasts attractions such as Furong Lake and the Lover's Valley Reservoir. The saying "Xiamen University is the place to talk about love" is particularly true. The beach outside the campus gates is especially popular with couples taking wedding photos, leaving many who visit the campus regretting not attending.

Hulishan Fort houses the world's two largest and smallest cannons. Its structure is part bunker, part wall, with a blend of European and Ming and Qing dynasty architectural styles. At the fort's front are the "Wangguitai" and "Panguitai," where visitors can use telescopes to survey Dadan Island and Erdan Island, both under Kinmen's jurisdiction. A large mural, "National Soul," has been newly constructed within the fort's grounds. To the left of this mural, a new "Rongquan" fountain has been added, creating a truly innovative experience.

The Ring Island Road, the main course for the Xiamen International Marathon, is known as the world's most beautiful marathon course. The greenery along the road is arranged like the musical score of "Waves of Gulangyu Island," and there are marathon statues along the road. The red road section is pedestrian-only. Cycling around the Ring Island Road, listening to the waves and feeling the gentle sea breeze is a delight. Nearby, Coconut Wind Village and Hulishan Fort are also great places to visit.

Wulao Peak, named after the white clouds surrounding it, resembles five white-haired elders gazing out at the vast ocean. From the summit, the view overlooks the boundless sea and the cityscape of Xiamen, creating a sense of grandeur. Deeper within, visitors can see the acacia trees that cover the peaks, also known as "Taiwanese acacia trees." Climbing the peaks offers unobstructed views of Xiamen University and Xiamen Harbor.

Jimei University Village is both a place of natural beauty and a scenic spot embodying a rich tapestry of beauty. Founded under the personal guidance of Tan Kah Kee, Jimei University Village's architecture blends Eastern and Western styles, embodying the typical architectural style of the Minnan overseas Chinese community. From the majestic school buildings to the elegant pavilions and terraces, each one embodies the unique "Takakkei style." During the day, admire the "Takakkei style" with its dragon-ridged eaves and phoenix-shaped eaves, carved beams and painted buildings; in the evening, sit on the shore, enjoying the sea breeze and collecting shells and crabs – truly a delightful experience.

Jimei Aoyuan Garden consists of three parts: the gateway, the Jimei Liberation Monument, and the Tan Kah Kee Mausoleum. The garden's numerous carvings, each of them intricate and diverse, embody Tan Kah Kee's philosophy of combining education with play. These magnificent displays are treasures of Fujian's stone carving art and are well worth a visit.

The former residence of Tan Kah Kee is a unique, single-story building covering 4,000 square meters. Its walls are made of white stone and its roof is covered with green tiles. It is a representative example of southern Fujian architecture. A bronze statue of Tan Kah Kee stands in front of the Guilai Hall. Today, exhibition halls celebrating Tan Kah Kee's life and deeds have been built on either side of the residence.

The majestic architecture of Brahma Temple, concentrated from bottom to top on a central axis, is magnificent in scale. Xiamen's Miaoshi Temple and Gulangyu's Riguang Temple are both its branches. Behind the temple stands the Wengong Academy, a Ming Dynasty building commemorating Zhu Xi, along with the Yangzhi Pavilion, Shizhan Pavilion, Thousand Buddha Pavilion, and Kuixing Pavilion. Lush trees and bamboo groves create an elegant setting. Nearby is the Brahma Temple Food City, a vibrant food destination perfect for both pilgrims and gourmets.

Su Song's former residence, Lushan Hall, boasts granite and red brick walls and a red tiled roof, imbued with the distinctive characteristics of southern Fujian. The front houses the Su family's main ancestral hall, consisting of a front hall and a main hall. Behind the hall, across a courtyard, stands the Su Song Ancestral Hall, rebuilt on the original site. It houses a modern statue of Su Song and is flanked by protective pavilions with hipped roofs. This is the birthplace of the Lushan branch of the Su family, which arrived in Fujian. Descendants from across the country flock here to trace their roots and pay homage to their ancestors, making the hall a vital connection for those residing overseas.

The Hero Three Islands, also known as the Dadeng Island Tourist Area, consists of Dadeng Island, Xiaodeng Island, and Jiaoyu Island. Kinmen Island lies to its south, just over a thousand meters away at its closest point. Visitors to these islands can enjoy the scenery of island fishing villages, fully experience the natural island scenery, and gaze out across the Strait, gazing at Taiwan's Kinmen Island in the distance.

The existing building is the Dacheng Hall, rebuilt during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. The Confucius Temple has now become the Tong'an District Museum, displaying over 200 stone carvings and inscriptions collected from across the county. Their diverse expressions and lifelike forms, combined with their exquisite craftsmanship, have captivated visitors, earning them the nickname "Tong'an Terracotta Warriors."

Yuanhua Film and Television City, adjacent to the ancient Brahma Temple, is an entertainment complex modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City. Here, visitors can enjoy displays of Minnan folk culture, acrobatic performances, and participate in activities such as impersonating an emperor, horseback archery, and forest exploration.

The Jinguang Lake Ecological Tourism Scenic Area, known as the "Xishuangbanna of Southern Fujian," is a forested area shaped like a lake, surrounded by six mountain ranges and two hills, forming a "gold" shape. The rising sun, the glistening dew on the leaves, and the golden light shimmer. With a forest coverage rate of 93%, the area surrounding Jinguang Lake is a rare "natural oxygen bar," allowing visitors to breathe in a high concentration of negative ions and enjoy a refreshing forest bath.

Wanshi Botanical Garden boasts rolling hills, bizarre rocks, and numerous cliff carvings. Combining natural wonders, cultural attractions, and botanical landscapes, it is a renowned tourist destination in southern Fujian. The garden is a year-round destination, with each scenic spot offering unique views in different seasons. In spring, admire the vibrant blossoms of the Hundred Flowers Hall; in summer, explore the Wanshi Forest; and in autumn, enjoy panoramic views of most of Xiamen Island from the highest point of the New Forest of Steles.

Wanshiyan, a popular spot to visit in Xiamen early in the morning, is Wanshiyan. The mountain is dotted with bizarre peaks and rocks, lush forests, and numerous historical sites. Climbing the cliffs, one can gaze upon a vast expanse of rocks, large and small, each standing upright. Ancient inscriptions inscribe the words "Ten Thousand Hus (Wan Hu) Facing the Sky." The mountain boasts iconic landscapes such as the "Little Peach Garden," "Elephant Trunk Peak," and "Locking Clouds." There's also a pavilion-style building called the "Tea Master's House," where visitors can enjoy tea from upstairs. Looking southeast, through the branches, one can see a glimpse of the city and the azure sea.

Huxi Rock is strewn with massive rocks, all of them incredibly precipitous and naturally formed. Nestled within the rocks stands an ancient temple, known as Donglin Temple. Built into the mountainside, its chambers are deep and steep, nestled in stone caves. Huxi Rock boasts numerous scenic spots, including the Tiger Tooth Cave, Night Moon Cave, Sky-Crossing Path, and Flying Whale Rock. At night, the bright moonlight casts a mystical aura, making it a prime spot for Xiamen residents to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival moon. Hence, Huxi Rock is nicknamed "Huxi Night Moon," and is recognized as one of Xiamen's eight scenic spots.

Bailu Cave is home to numerous rocky outcrops and tunnels, including Liuhe Cave, Chaotian Cave, and Wanzai Cave. It boasts a Grand View Tower, a mountain pavilion, Buddhist temples, and monks' quarters. From its vantage point, one can admire the entire island's scenery. Inside the cave, a clay sculpture of a white deer faces outward. In late spring and early summer, when humidity rises and moisture rises, wisps of smoke billow out, giving it the name "White Deer Holding Smoke."

Tianzhu Mountain boasts a captivating forest landscape, rich in flora and fauna, majestic peaks and cliffs, and picturesque lake and mountain scenery. Among its many attractions are cliff carvings, Elephant Trunk Rock, Forget-Return Stone, Pantuo Stone, Screen Stone, and Yixian Spring. Visitors can enjoy forest bathing, mountaineering, adventure, hunting, barbecues, camping, and summer retreats.

The Haicang Bridge is a key symbol of modern Xiamen. Its sleek, graceful lines, its silver-blue hue contrasting with the azure sky, resemble a rainbow lying on the waves or a jade belt across the shimmering sea. Especially at night, the bridge resembles a folk dragon dance, its towers ablaze as bright as day. Standing on the bridge, the view of the dazzling lights resembles the Milky Way on a summer night, dotted with stars and captivating in the night.

This is China's first bridge-themed museum. It consists of three main sections: the first floor houses the Haicang Bridge Construction Exhibition Hall, the second floor features a retrospective exhibition on China's bridge history, and the third floor houses the Bridge Monitoring Center, the heart of the Haicang Bridge's traffic control system. Here, visitors can gain a comprehensive understanding of the Haicang Bridge's traffic operation and support system.

Qingjiao Tzu Chi Temple, also known as the East Palace, is a majestic palace with a splendid golden splendor and interlaced eaves. Despite being unrenovated for a century, not a single spider's thread can be found within. The caisson ceilings, brackets, and beams are exquisitely crafted with carved wood and painted patterns. The roof is covered in green glazed tiles, and is surrounded by colorful ceramic ornaments depicting twelve three-dimensional dragons and ancient figures, creating an antique charm and exquisite craftsmanship.