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Xiamen is a city that is both visible and audible, a city worth experiencing wholeheartedly. What's visible is scenery, and what's endlessly visible is also scenery. Behind this endless scenery lies the sound of Xiamen: not the clamor of traffic, not the bustling crowds, but the long-lost chirping of birds, the crash of waves along the Ring Road, the Minnan dialect chatter of silver-haired elders on the old streets, the humming of ancient Nanyin (Chinese opera) on the stage, and the quiet melody of zither in the alleys of Gulangyu Island...
If you only have one day, there are several must-see places. We recommend a classic one-day tour of Xiamen. You can visit the famous Nanputuo Temple to soak up the religious atmosphere, then stroll to nearby Xiamen University to experience its unique tranquility and romance, making up for any regrets. You can also touch the large stone slabs of the Hulishan Fort, and finally take a ferry to Gulangyu, the "Garden on the Sea," to enjoy a rare leisure and romance.
Day 1: Nanputuo Temple - Xiamen University - Baicheng Beach - Hulishan Fort - Ring Road - Zhongshan Pedestrian Street - Gulangyu Island
Morning: Depart from Xiamen by bus to Nanputuo Temple, where we will visit the ancient Nanputuo Temple in southern Fujian and Xiamen University from the outside. We will also visit the Hulishan Fort and the Qing army barracks. We will then take a bus along the Ring Road to admire the charming coastal scenery and enjoy the romantic moments of coconut breeze, waves, and golden sunshine. We will also have a distant view of Kinmen, Dadan, and Erdan Islands across the sea. Arrive at the ferry terminal and take a cruise to see Kinmen from the sea. We will also admire the scenery on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the maritime military demarcation line. We will also see the slogans and military facilities of Dadan and Erdan Islands in the Kuomintang-occupied areas with our own eyes.
Afternoon: Take a ferry to Gulangyu, the "Garden on the Sea." Stroll along the "Equal Island," dotted with red flowers, green trees, and small houses, admiring the diverse villas and international architecture. Visit Shuzhuang Garden, the Piano Museum, and the Twelve Caves. Stroll along the Gangzai Back Beach. Overlook Gulangyu's highest peak, Sunlight Rock.
If you have two days, we recommend you take the Xiamen Highlights Two-Day Tour, where you can spend a day quietly savoring the slow pace of Gulangyu Island and enjoy cycling around the island.
D1: Nanputuo Temple – Xiamen University – Ring Road – Jimei School Village
In the morning, visit Nanputuo Temple to pray for blessings and wealth, and savor the renowned vegetarian cuisine. Then, stroll through the romantic and beautiful Xiamen University, reminiscing about your youth. In the afternoon, rent a bicycle and cycle along the stunning marathon course along the Coconut Wind Village Ring Road. Take in the captivating coastal scenery and savor the romantic atmosphere of coconut breeze, waves, and golden sunshine. After your workout, head to the beautiful Jimei Academy Village to admire the "Jiageng-style" dragon-ridge and phoenix-shaped eaves, carved beams, and painted buildings. In the evening, relax by the shore, enjoying the sea breeze and picking up shells and crabs.
D2: One-day tour of Gulangyu Island
In the morning, take a 10-minute ferry ride to Gulangyu Island. Walk to Haoyue Garden to admire the giant granite statue of Zheng Chenggong. From Haoyue Garden, head to Yuyuan, built in memory of Dr. Lin Qiaozhi, a renowned Chinese obstetrician and gynecologist. Continue to Shuzhuang Garden and visit the Gulangyu Piano Museum, hailed as China's only and world-class. For lunch, enjoy seafood noodles, clams, and clams at a food stall on the island. Then, just a 10-minute walk, you'll reach the famous Sunlight Rock, offering the best viewpoint of Gulangyu Island, with panoramic views of the entire island. From here, you can also visit the Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall and the Hundred Birds Garden. Next, head to Xiamen Underwater World to experience the wonders of aquatic life.
D1: Gulangyu Island - Haoyue Garden - Huandao Beach - Shuzhuang Garden - Piano Museum
Arrive at Gulangyu Island by boat, take the coastal route, visit Haoyue Garden, and relive the glory of Zheng Chenggong. Follow the stone plank road to the island's bathing beach, where you can chase the waves barefoot, write your thoughts on the sand, chat with friends on the rocks, and even play with the golden retrievers of the surrounding residents. At the end of the plank road, you'll reach Shuzhuang Garden, where you can visit the Piano Museum, admire the Jiangnan-style courtyards, and gaze out at the vast ocean. Gulangyu Island boasts numerous family-run hotels and charming inns. Choose one that suits your taste and get lost in Gulangyu tonight.
D2: Yuyuan Garden - Sunlight Rock - Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall - Xiamen Underwater World
Wake up to a relaxing morning and begin your journey through international architecture, admiring the diverse architectural styles preserved on Gulangyu Island. Afterward, visit Yuyuan Garden to learn about the life and deeds of Lin Qiaozhi, the "Mother of Ten Thousand Infants," and pay your respects at her grave. Navigating Gulangyu's somewhat tangled paths, you'll begin your ascent to Sunlight Rock. While not high, the summit affords breathtaking panoramic views of Gulangyu Island. The exquisite red roofs and occasional distinctive buildings contrast beautifully with the lush vegetation, creating a breathtaking panorama. As you descend, you'll see the site of Zheng Chenggong's military parade and review of his troops, as well as sculptures commemorating him and his troops. Finally, follow the coastal path back to Piano Pier. After visiting Xiamen Underwater World next to the pier, head to Longtou Road for some small shops and snacks!
D3: Xiamen University - Hulishan Fort - Ring Road - Guanyin Mountain
In the morning, go to the most beautiful university campus in China, review the green years, feel the campus sentiment, and then visit the Hulishan Fort, which is home to the world's largest existing coastal artillery. There are artillery performances at 10 am and 4 pm every day, which are quite impressive. The wax museum that tells the story of the Qing Dynasty navy is lifelike, and occasionally there are real people among them.
Come out of the fort, rent a bicycle, ride along the Ring Road, enjoy the sea view, and pass by the Xiamen Convention and Exhibition Center on the way. Whenever there are large-scale trade fairs, concerts or other activities, this place will be particularly lively. It is also the starting point of the annual International Marathon.
Continue riding along the Ring Road, passing the Coconut Wind Village with many entertainment facilities, and you will reach Guanyin Mountain. The annual Sand Sculpture Festival makes this beach very lively. At other times, you can play a game of beach volleyball on this artificial golden beach.
D4: Zhongshan Road - Hexiang West Women's Street - Bay Park - Coffee and Bar Street
This morning, we'll go shopping on Zhongshan Road, a historic street. While you don't necessarily need to buy anything, you should definitely browse. Huangze and peanut soup, near the ferry exit, are Xiamen's famous snacks, so don't forget to try them. From Zhongshan Road, we'll head to Hexiang West Women's Street, a popular shopping destination for Xiamen locals. There are many boutique clothing stores, perfect for browsing, especially for young women.
In the evening, after a day of shopping, take a bus to the tranquil Bay Park. With the tranquility of Yundang Lake, the beautiful mermaid statue, and vast expanses of tropical foliage, the hustle and bustle of the city seems far away. The coffee and bar street on the west bank of Yundang Lake is a perfect spot for nightlife lovers. With quiet lanes and a cultural atmosphere, choose a theme bar of your choice and make friends with like-minded people.
D5: Jimei University Village - Jimei Tan Kah Kee Memorial Site
Take the BRT to Jimei this morning, then transfer to the express bus to reach Jimei University Village. The tall memorial archway reveals the village's prosperity. It's a place that boasts everything from elementary school to university, and the exquisite architecture and unique design speak volumes about the meticulous attention paid to detail. After leaving Jimei University Village, visit the adjacent Aoyuan Garden to pay tribute to Tan Kah Kee. On the other side of Aoyuan stands the Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall, which details his remarkable life and is worth a visit.
If you have 3-4 days in Xiamen, you can spend a day exploring Kinmen, the closest offshore island to the mainland, to experience a different kind of culture. Don't forget to apply for a deposit certificate in advance.
D1: Juguang Tower -- Shuitou Ancient Houses -- Kinmen Elementary School -- Zhaishan Tunnel -- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Forest
Rise early to the pier and board a ferry to Kinmen. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Juguang Tower, a Kinmen landmark. Kinmen residents say, "If you haven't seen Juguang Tower, don't boast about Kinmen." Modeled after the ancient Qilin Pavilion, the three-story building boasts a majestic and imposing appearance. Then, drive to the Shuitou Ancient Houses complex to admire the unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture. Deyue Tower is the most renowned ancient Western-style building here. Continue to Kinmen Elementary School and nearby areas to admire traditional Minnan-style architecture. The magnificent Zhaishan Tunnel, a amphibious tunnel, offers a glimpse into Kinmen's history. Continue to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Forest, where wartime tanks and aircraft are on display. The museum also houses the Chiang Ching-kuo Memorial Hall, showcasing his writings, artifacts, photographs, and historical sites.