Escape the crowds and daydream in these hidden paradises of Xiamen

Xiamen’s outer islands and surrounding areas hide many great spots worth exploring, featuring both culturally rich academic village architecture and tranquil, undeveloped pristine islands. This guide introduces several main options in a concise way to help you quickly get to know them.

🏝️ Xiamen Outer Islands Travel Guide

✨ Overview of Travel Options

Area Major Attractions Features
🌊 Jimei District Jimei Academic Village, Dragon Boat Pond, Jiageng Park, Xinglin Bay Sea Bicycle Path Cultural atmosphere, Jiageng architecture, sea cycling
🏞️ Haicang District Tianzhu Mountain Forest Park, Haicang Bay Park Natural forest, city sea views, long trails
🚤 Xiang’an District Aotou Fishing Village, Yangfan Park Artistic fishing village, coastal scenery, Nordic art center
🏝️ Surrounding Islands Gangliao Shuangyu Island, Wuyu Island Pristine islands, black reefs, peaceful solitude

🗺️ Detailed Attractions and Tips

Here are detailed introductions and practical tips for the above attractions to help you better plan your trip.

🌊 Jimei District

· Jimei Academic Village: Featuring traditional Minnan architecture, it is one of China’s most beautiful academic villages. The Jiageng-style buildings are very distinctive, with dragon ridge and phoenix eaves, carved beams and painted rafters, full of charm.
· Xinglin Bay Sea Bicycle Path: Xiamen’s only sea bicycle path, offering a very unique cycling experience. You can enjoy the sea breeze while admiring the Jimei Bridge and surrounding cityscape.
· Jiageng Park: Built to commemorate the patriotic overseas Chinese Mr. Tan Kah Kee, the park’s pavilions and towers reflect a blend of Chinese and Western styles. Connected with Aoyuan and the Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall, it’s a great place to learn about Jiageng culture and history.
· 💡 Travel Tip: Jimei Academic Village, Dragon Boat Pond, and Jiageng Park can be visited in one day. Take Metro Line 1 to “Jimei Academic Village” station or bus to “Dragon Boat Pond” stop.

🏞️ Haicang District

· Tianzhu Mountain Forest Park: Known as “Xiamen’s backyard garden,” it features Tianzhu Lake, Liang’er Lake, Haoyue Lake, and more. With high forest coverage, it’s ideal for hiking and relaxation.
· Haicang Bay Park: Xiamen’s longest linear park, offering sea views of Xiamen Island and Haicang Bridge. The sunset and night views here are beautiful, and many locals stroll and relax here in the evening.

🚤 Xiang’an District

· Aotou Fishing Village: Once a famous ancient ferry port in Minnan, it now preserves red brick old houses and integrates modern art, housing the Nordic Contemporary Art Center. It’s a very distinctive artistic fishing village.
· Yangfan Park: Located at the entrance of Xiang’an Tunnel, it’s a starting point for enjoying sea views and tidal flats. You can look out to Wuyuan Bay and sometimes see fishermen at work.

🏝️ Surrounding Islands

· Gangliao Shuangyu Island: An undeveloped island composed of Inner and Outer Yu islets, characterized by black volcanic reefs. ⚠️ Note: When visiting, be sure to check the tides as the passage between the two islets is impassable at high tide. The black reefs are slippery and covered with oysters and barnacles that can easily scratch, so walk carefully.
· Wuyu Island: A small island mostly inhabited by locals with few tourists. There are no cars, only electric scooters and sightseeing vehicles, making it perfect for enjoying quiet time. 🚢 Transport: Take a boat from Xiamen Heping Pier, about 40-50 minutes.

🚗 Practical Tips

1. Transportation: The outer island areas are relatively scattered; driving or taking a taxi is more convenient. To reach the islands, take a boat at the pier.
2. Tide Safety: Before visiting coastal spots like Gangliao Shuangyu Island, check tide schedules to avoid dangers caused by high tide.
3. Sun and Mosquito Protection: Xiamen has strong sunlight, especially on beaches and islands, so sunscreen and sun hats are essential. In summer, mosquito repellent is also important in grass or at night.
4. Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and climbing on seaside rocks.

We hope this guide helps you discover the beauty beyond Xiamen. Whichever route you choose, may you enjoy a pleasant journey filled with sea breeze and cultural charm in Xiamen.