Situated in the south of Fujian Province in eastern China, Xiamen is one the province’s largest cities. It has plenty of history, is easy to get to and has the popular Gulang Yu Island nearby.
There are more popular destinations to visit in this region of China, including that of Fuzhou, the provincial capital farther north, yet the less touristy nature and accessibility of Xiamen make it popular. In addition, it has a pretty harbor and has all modern facilities, with chain hotels, good entertainment value, and great seafood restaurants.
Xiamen city is capital of Xiamen Island just offshore from the mainland and is connected by bridges, rail, sea, and air. The busiest parts of the island are the districts of Huli and Siming. Huli Hill Fort is a must-see. Other popular Xiamen attractions are Nanputuo Temple and the Wanshi Botanical Gardens.
There are also many parks in town, with ancient buildings and miles of walkways. Underwater Sea World at Zhongshan Park is a popular attraction for kids, with its baby sharks. For entertainment and bars, the street near the Marco Polo Hotel has lots of action.
Being an island, Xiamen has many beaches with the best of them along the coast near Xiamen University Beach, which also comes with a boardwalk. The Island Ring Road provides access to many more beaches.
The main attraction for visitors to Xiamen is nearby Gulang Yu Island. It’s a little island 10 minutes from Xiamen harbor by boat and comes with old buildings and no traffic. There are some great seafood restaurants here, along with attractions like the Xiamen Sea World. The downside is that the island gets very busy.
Getting There#
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is the gateway, receiving flights from all over China. Xiamen is 1 hour, 30 minutes from Shanghai’s airports; 45 minutes from Hong Kong. Beijing is a 37-hour train journey away and Fuzhou, the Fujian capital, is 250kms north along the main Guangzhou-Shanghai highway.
Things to Do#
Xiamen Attractions
- Nanputuo Temple
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This 1,000-year-old temple was built during the tang dynasty and is famed for its laughing buddha.
- Wanshi Botanical Gardens
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One of xiamen’s most popular attractions is good for relaxing and picnicking near the city center.
- Xiamen University
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Not far from town, this university has a fine campus and gardens. it also boasts the huli hill fort and a beautiful beach.
- Sea World
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A boon for kids in a busy city, sea world features sharks and penguins.
Side trips from Xiamen
- Gulang Yu Island
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A 10-minute boat ride from xiamen, this island has many old buildings, beaches, and cafés. the highest point is sunlight rock.
- Yongding
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Lying around four hours from xiamen, inland, this small county is known for its traditional hakka tulou roundhouses.
Events
- Tourism Festival
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A may event showing off xiamen’s culture.
With a population of over one million people, Xiamen is a busy southern coastal city overlooking Taiwan in Fujian Province. Like many of China’s cities in the east, Xiamen has been taken by numerous foreign invaders in the past two centuries, although not much is left in evidence of the colonial days. Nowadays, the city features a bustling harbor and is well-known for its seafood and idyllic nearby island of Gulang Yu.
This coastal city is actually on an island that is connected to the mainland by a large bridge. Most tourists head to two well-worn places in the city; the wonderful Wanshi Botanical Gardens and the Nanputuo Temple. Situated in the western area of the city which features numerous examples of traditional architecture and parks, both these attractions are worth seeing with the latter being 1,000 years old.
The most popular destination is the nearby island of Gulang Yu, a short 10-minute boat trip from the main harbor, itself an area of the city worth exploring. This island is a sleepy little corner of China with impressive houses, a lighthouse and numerous seafood restaurants serving fish straight out of the sea. Gulang Yu also features some of the premier attractions in the area, with Xiamen Sea World sporting penguins, sharks and seals.
Highlights
Nanputuo Temple: built during the Tang Dynasty more than 1,000 years ago, this temple features a laughing Buddha and numerous hallways to explore.
Wanshi Botanical Gardens: a large expanse of green to the northwest of the city center.
Sea World: the enclosures are a little small, but there are plenty of sea animals on show here including penguins and sharks.
Sunlight Rock: the highest point on Gulang Yu at nearly 100 meters above sea level with great views of the surrounding bays.
Koxinga Memorial Hall: a colonial building and museum on Gulang Yu that traces the Dutch settlement in the area and the colonists’ eventual expulsion.