Live Your Best Lives
The Ring Island Road is a must-see destination in Xiamen. Built along the coast, it offers breathtaking scenery on both sides. To the left are clusters of "deserted island green houses," to the right, the vast blue sea. At the end, it's a vast field of windmills. Clusters of pristine white windmills, arranged in an orderly pattern, tower over the broad beach, their slender blades dancing in the air.
The indigo mountains in the distance, the rippling blue sea, the blue sky and white clouds, and the slowly turning windmills create an extremely beautiful picture.
The 31-kilometer Ring Island Road, known locally as the Five-Color Road, features a vibrant mix of blue sea, golden sand, green grass, red runway, and gray highway. The stretch of coastline from Xiamen University to the Convention and Exhibition Center is known as the "Golden Coastline." Along the way, there are numerous scenic spots, including the Hulishan Fort, the "One Country, Two Systems Unified China" sign, Coconut Wind Village, the International Convention and Exhibition Center, and Wuyuan Bay.
The Ring Island Road is sparsely populated in the early morning or evening, and the temperature is suitable.
Recommended cycling routes around the island:
Xiamen University Baicheng - South Ring Road - East Ring Road - Wuyuan Bay Bridge - Wuyuan Bay North Beach
Xiamen University Baicheng - Hulishan Fort - Zengcuo'an - Coconut Wind Village - Convention and Exhibition Center - Guanyinshan Beach - Wuyuan Bay
The most scenic section is from Coconut Wind Village to the Convention and Exhibition Center, a bike ride of about 40 minutes. Hulishan Fort is the starting point of the wooden plank road along the Ring Island Road. A large sign reading "One Country, Two Systems Unify China" is located on the north side of the Ring Island Road at the foot of Broadcasting Mountain. A bronze statue of a marathon runner is located on the lawn of the East Ring Island Road.
free
All day
Island Ring Road, also known as Huandao Road, is a 43 km coastal road encircling Xiamen Island, constructed in 1991 at a cost of 3.8 billion RMB. It serves as a major thoroughfare and a scenic route for both locals and tourists .
Located around Xiamen Island, accessible by public buses (e.g., Bus No. 29), taxis, or on foot. The route passes through districts like Siming and Huli .
Open all day. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
Free of charge. No tickets required.
No booking necessary.
Approximately 2–3 hours for cycling or walking along the main scenic section.
Guided tours are available, often in Chinese. Audio guides may be limited.
Start at Baicheng Beach, head east to Hulishan Fortress, continue to Zeng Cuo An Village, and end at Pearl Bay.
Night visits are possible; however, facilities may be limited after dark. Special tours are available during the day.
Weekdays, especially mornings, are less crowded. Weekends and holidays can be busy.
Facilities include public restrooms, food stalls, and rest areas along the route.
The road is generally accessible; however, some areas may have uneven surfaces. Wheelchair access may be limited in certain spots.
Mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Cash may be needed in some small stalls.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some restaurants. Halal options may be limited.
Souvenir shops are available in Zeng Cuo An Village and near Hulishan Fortress. Typical items include local handicrafts, postcards, and snacks.
