Xiamen offers beaches, parks and captivating cultural attractions like jade exhibits at Xiamen Shinegood Gallery to street painters on Gulangyu Island and historic Hulishan Fort – this sophisticated coastal city provides endless touring possibilities.
Xiamen is an ideal destination to explore Fujian Tulou–China’s unique mythical mountain village residential architecture–and its unique mythical mountain village architectures. Read on for our list of must-visit Xiamen travel spots! Ho Chi Minh City to Xiamen is available right now through Cathay Pacific.
Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island in Xiamen is an idyllic, historic spot featuring foreign-style architecture that provides a relaxing respite from city life. Electric vehicles only are allowed on this tranquil haven, giving visitors a clean environment in which to breathe fresh air while admiring lush gardens and floral trees all around.
Relax and unwind from modern life at this idyllic island destination, while discovering its rich history and culture. If you have more time on your hands, why not stay overnight at one of the numerous guesthouses or villas located here?
As soon as you arrive in Gulangyu, be sure to walk the Island Ring Road – a circuit designed to showcase all of its attractions – so that you can fully experience it at your own leisure, stopping at any of the numerous restaurants, cafes or tea houses that dot its landscape.
Island Ring Road provides an efficient means of accessing Sunlight Rock, which honors rebel pirate Zheng Chenggong (better known in the West as Koxinga). A 15-metre granite statue honoring Zheng is an eye-catching site, providing stunning views over Xiamen’s skyline.
Gulangyu Island offers numerous attractions worth seeing, with one being the Gulangyu International Calligraphic Carving Museum which showcases sculptures created by internationally-known artists and provides visitors with an engaging opportunity to gain new insights into Chinese culture and history.
Gulangyu Island offers peace and serenity just a short ferry ride from Xiamen International Ferry Terminal; make time to visit at least once during your travels for maximum experience – you may find yourself coming back. For optimal experience, book a tour allowing at least one night here; this way you can sleep late, bask in colonial ambience before gradually returning back into modern world when time for departure comes around.
Xiamen University
Xiamen University is one of the most beloved tourist spots in Xiamen, known for its majestic and lofty buildings. The campus was recently recognized as one of China’s most picturesque campus spaces and draws students from all around the globe to its campus. Furthermore, this center for research and development boasts many acclaimed scholars and experts as alumni.
Founded by Tan Kah Kee, an overseas Chinese leader who was at that time living in Taiwan, Xiamen University became China’s first comprehensive higher learning institution directly under the Ministry of Education in 1921 and remains one of its key high-level universities today. Renowned for its renown Taiwan and Nanyang research as well as higher education research, economic and accounting research and South China Sea research Xiamen ranks highly on many authoritative world university rankings such as THE, QS and ARWU rankings.
Visit Xiamen University and be amazed by its magnificent campus with its mix of Chinese and Western-style buildings, such as South Gate near South Putuo Temple for main entry, while back gate (Baicheng) leads directly to crescent white sand beach – popular among students looking for love or for pre-wedding photos!
Xiamen University Museum and Memorial Hall of Lu Xun are well worth a visit, as the former offers cultural relics from South Fujian and Taiwan cultures as well as his art works; while his former residence, which now hosts four exhibition halls that document his life experiences and display his respect trait characters is worth seeing as well.
Apart from its university, Xiamen offers many other attractions that students and tourists alike can take pleasure in. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street features unique arcade buildings filled with historical relics; making this an excellent location to stroll and relax among shops and restaurants in Xiamen.
Xiamen University is conveniently situated near scenic spots such as Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple and Hulishan Fortress – easily reached via public bus or taxi, it provides an ideal spot to spend a day sightseeing or relaxing.
Nanputuo Temple
Nanputuo Temple, commonly referred to as South Putuo Temple in Xiamen, is an iconic ancient Buddhist temple dating back to Tang Dynasty times in Xiamen and rebuilt under Ming Dynasty rules. Considered one of the premier places for practicing Buddhism in Southern Fujian region. Situated below Five Old Gentlemen Peaks with Heaven King Hall, Daxiong Hall and Great Compassion Hall as its core buildings.
The entire temple has been designed so you can ascend along its central axis and visit all of its main halls, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Daxiong Hall and Hall of Great Compassion before reaching the Buddhist Scriptures Garret where monks conduct morning and evening chanting sessions daily.
Nanputuo Temple boasts not only stunning architecture, but also many commemorative places that document its long history of Buddhism in Xiamen. For instance, its Pagoda of Monk Zhuan Feng honors him for reforming from a hereditary sectarian system for abbot selection to democratic elections system; while Master Tai Xu reformed discipline at Buddhist Institute of South Fujian.
After exploring the temple, take time to stroll around its surrounding areas where there are numerous bodhi trees, two white pagodas, and a lotus pond. You could also make time for a stroll uphill where there is an incredible panoramic view of Xiamen University, cityscape, and sea in the distance.
Nanputuo Temple in Xiamen is a must-see attraction to fully experience Buddhist culture and traditions in this coastal city. Our team of travel experts is always on hand to make your experience seamless – book your Xiamen tours with China Highlights today for premium tours tailored to meet your specific interests!
Tulou Buildings
Tulou were round fort-like buildings designed by the circumspect Hakka people to serve both as homes and defense structures. Carved out of mountainside terrain, each Tulou held the extended family of one clan – helping promote equality among families as well as creating a sense of community spirit. Their distinctive circular designs became an integral symbol of local culture.
Hekeng Tulou Cluster in Fujian province, recognized by UNESCO World Heritage, offers the ideal place to see Tulous in their natural setting. You’ll be treated to 14 large Tulou structures–13 of them round while one square–shaped according to Eastern philosophy “Heaven is round, Earth is square”, creating a stunning landscape unique only in Hekeng.
Fuyu Building, known for its five-phoenix design, stands out in this cluster. Its unique layout represents all five elements of Chinese Fengshui; the stepped construction reflects movement and stillness–an embodiment of balance and harmony in Chinese culture. Also within this area lies an opportunity to discover abandoned and falling-apart tulou buildings which offer insight into life for local residents of past decades.
Gaobei Tulou Cluster offers many attractions, with several rounds and the iconic Chengqilou (King of Tulous). This massive tulou with over 400 rooms was featured on postage stamps since 1986; make sure you visit some buildings and take time to appreciate its fine decorations by Hakka ancestors as well as their special construction techniques that enhance auditory and balance senses.
Learn about Hakka culture through activities at Tulou such as making glutinous rice cake, painting tulou, paper cutting, watching persimmons dry out on racks and enjoying seasonal Hakka song and dance performances. There are even some Tulou that offer bed and breakfast accommodations so visitors can immerse themselves in local culture first-hand.
