Xiamen Attractions | 13 Things to Do in Xiamen 2024

• Type: Island

• Recommended Length of Visit: at least half day

• Address: Gulangyu Island, Siming District, Xiamen (厦门市思明区鼓浪屿)

After the Opium War, people from western countries continued to pour in Gulangyu Island. Churches, schools, mansions, businesses and consulates crowded on less than 2 square kilometers’ Gulangyu Island. Chinese and Western cultures struck a wonderful spark on this exquisite “Sea Garden”.

Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO world cultural heritage and national 5A tourist attraction, is renowned for its ancient relics, variable Chinese and Western buildings and delicate natural beauty. Tourists may explore the island on foot.

Tracing the hundred-year-old history by visiting the Shuzhuang Garden, Organ Museum, Hi! Heaven!, etc. Exploring buildings from all nations through wandering around Guxin Road, Quanzhou Road, Anhai Road, etc and encountering the Catholic Church, the Union Church and Sanyi Church on Gulangyu Island. After tracking all day, slow yourself down in the late afternoon. Climbing on the top of Sunlight Rock, besides overlooking and having a panoramic view of Gulangyu Island and roofs of different styles, you can also enjoy the sea wind blowing on the face in the splendid sunset. See all the attractions & highlights on Gulangyu Island >>

• Popular Xiamen Gulangyu Tour: ✔ 2 Days Xiamen City Tour with Gulangyu Island

• Type: Architectural Buildings, World Heritage Site

• Sites: Nanjing County, Yongding County, Hua'an County

Fujian Tulou is a large residential buildings. Following the oriental philosophy of "Harmony of Nature and Humanity", earth buildings are built either leaning the mountains or along the rivers, which means visitors can not only enjoy the master buildings, but also immerse in the idyllic scenery (terraced fields or scenery of water village) around. The architectural style is primitive and boorish, but beautiful and peculiar in shapes. The function of Tulou is complete and practical. The structure of Fujian Tulou is high on the outside and low on the inside. There are buildings within the building and rings within the ring, with functions such as ventilation, daylighting, earthquake resistance, sound insulation, heat preservation and defense.

There are more than 30 kinds of earth buildings in Fujian, such as round buildings, octagonal buildings and gauze cap buildings, etc. On July 6, 2008, Tulou in Fujian province was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. It consists of 6 tulou clusters and 4 independent earth buildings, with 46 in total in Yongding, Nanjing and Hua'an County. Top famous Tulou are including “Four Dishes and One Soup” Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, variable and stylized Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, “Tulou Great Wall” Nanxi Tulou Cluster and the largest and with most rings “Earth Building King” - Chengqi Tower, etc.

• Popular Xiamen Tulou Tour: ✔ 5 Days Cultural Tour to Xiamen & Fujian Tulou

• Type: Religious Sites, Temples

• Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

• Address: No. 515, South Siming Road, Siming District (厦门市思明区思明南路515号)

Surrounded by a graceful sea and the Wulao Peaks, Nanputuo Temple is a national key Buddhist temples in Han areas and one of the eight scenic spots in Xiamen. South Putuo Temple is adjacent to Xiamen University. It is one of the most prosperous temples in Xiamen. With thousand-year-old, the temple was first built in the late Tang Dynasty and was called Sizhou Yard. During the Reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, Shi Lang recovered Taiwan and garrisoned in Xiamen. He built the Great Mercy Hall to worship Guanyin, and changed the name of the temple to Nanputuo, matches the Guanyin Dojo on Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang province.

After entering the mountain gate, the vast Lotus Pond and the Release Pond come into view, and many citizens have a rest here. Main buildings on the central axis, the Temple of Heaven, Daxiong Palace, the Hall of Great Mercy and the Depositary of Buddhist Texts, are lined up in a row and raised against the hill layer upon layer. The apricot glazed tiles on the double eaves flying ridges set off against the verdant ancient trees, which makes the scenery quite solemn and magnificent.

Every year on February 19, June 19 and September 19 on the lunar calender, grand Buddhist events are held in Nanputuo Temple. Many devout men and women would hold incenses in their hands and bow down to worship, praying for health and wealth in the following year. Visitors may also have a chance to taste the famous vegetarian dishes inside the temple.

• Popular Xiamen Tour: ✔ 3 Days Classic Xiamen and Fujian Tulou Tour

• Type: Pedestrian Street, Food, Shopping

• Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hour

• Address: No. 56, Zhongshan Road, Siming District (厦门市思明区中山路56号)

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is the oldest commercial street in Xiamen. Buildings here are arcades, with pink and milky white as the main colors, which are full of Nanyang style.The colorful and splendid night view, dazzling and various Fujian Taiwan snacks are also major features of the street. Bapopo Herbal Jelly and Huang Zehe Peanut Soup are famous snack bars worth trying. Moreover, it’s also a good place to buy souvenirs.

The Pizza Hut restaurant on the 24th floor of the Coast Mansion and the restaurant on the 6th floor of Lujiang Hotel are said to be the best place to appreciate the night view of Gulangyu Island.

• Popular Xiamen Tour: ✔ 3 Days Joyous Xiamen & Tulou Tour with Huandao Road Cycling

• Type: Cycling, Road Trip

• Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

• Address: Huandao Road, Siming District (厦门市思明区环岛路)

Xiamen Huandao Road is built along the coast from Xiamen University to the Old Convention and Exhibition Center, which is called the "Golden Coastline". Huandao Road is also known as the Five-color Road: the blue sea, golden beach, green grass, red trail and gray highway. Along the road there are many scenic spots, such as Hulishan Fortress, Coconut Village, Zeng Cuo An, International Convention and Exhibition Center and Wuyuan Bay, etc. On the sea side of the road, there are sculptures of different styles, such as "Gulangyu Wave", "Meditation of Sea" and "Choice", which are of great ornamental value. Renting a bike and cycling along the road has special charms. The most beautiful part is from Coconut Village to the Convention and Exhibition Center, which takes about 40 minutes by bike.

• Popular Xiamen Tour: ✔ 3 Days Joyous Xiamen & Tulou Tour with Huandao Road Cycling

• Type: University

• ORecommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

• Address: No. 422, South Siming Road, Siming District (厦门市思明区思明南路422号)

Backed by the Wulao Mountain and half surrounded by sea, Xiamen University is adjacent to the ancient South Putuo Temple and Baicheng Beach. The campus is well-known as "The most beautiful university in China" for its unique architecture and beautiful scenery. With the South Putuo Temple on one side, and Hulishan Fortress and bathing beaches on the other side, Xiamen University has scenic spots such as Yingrong Lake and Lover Valley Reservoir, etc. There is a saying that goes like “If you want to approach romantic relationships with people you love, Xiamen University is the perfect place”. Especially on the beach outside the school gate, new couples often take wedding photos there, which makes many visitors regret why they are not spending their college years at Xiamen University.

• Popular Xiamen Tour: ✔ 2 Days Xiamen Essence Tour with Nanjing Tulou

• Type: Historic Sites

• Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

• Address: No. 2, Zeng Cuo An, Siming District (厦门市思明区曾厝垵2号)

Located on the southern coast of Xiamen Island, Hulishan Fortress guarded the Chinese shore for over a century now. It was recognized as an important historical site and preserved by the government. First built in 1894, during the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty, it has always been an important landmark in the island’s history.

In Hulishan Fortress, you’ll have in-depth exploration of the granite castle, which occupies an area of 13.000 square meters, a commanding tower, an ammunition depot, a sentry platform and barracks. Hulishan Fortress has the largest and smallest forts in the world. There are two types of fort structure in Hulishan Fortress, the half bunker type and the half city wall type, and both with the European and Chinese architectural style of Ming and Qing Dynasties. “Wanggui Platform” and “Pangui Platform” are built at the front of the fort. Visitors can look through binoculars at Dadan and Erdan Islands, which are under the jurisdiction of Kinmen.

• Popular Xiamen Tour: ✔ 2 Days Xiamen Essence Tour with Nanjing Tulou

• Type: Local Market

• Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hour

• Address: No. 6, Yingping Road, Kaihe Avenue, Siming District (厦门市思明区开禾路营平路6号)

The Eighth Market, as an old landmark, is the busiest, largest and most complete seafood market in Xiamen. It has been a seafood distribution center since the 1920s and 1930s. Visitors may experience the most authentic local life there. Situated close to No.1 Pier of Xiamen, various and complete seafood is the highlight of the Eighth Market. Price friendly shrimps and crabs, rare wild sharks and giant deep-sea fishes were already filling the stalls before 7 in the morning. In the evening, when the setting sun shines on the dappled arcade buildings, Xiamen people are used to coming to the Eighth Market to buy fresh vegetables, strolling in front of the fruit stands full of litchi, mangosteen and mango, or packing a few authentic snacks to satisfy their appetite, and bargaining in Hokkien for more discounts.

As an important site of Xiamen, it carries numerous "Old Memories of Xiamen". The Eighth Seafood Market is also one of the most popular markets for local people. There is not only seafood that can be found in the market place, but also fruits, vegetables, desserts, snack vendors. Visitors may indulge themselves in the search for the ancient Xiamen flavor that was hidden in the market. Read more details about Top 8 Xiamen Activities >>

• Type: Park, Botanical Garden

• Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

• Address: No. 25, Huyuan Road, Siming District (厦门市思明区虎园路25号)

Commonly known as "Wanshi Botanical Garden", Xiamen Botanical Garden is a botanical garden carefully designed around the Wanshiyan Reservoir. The park includes more than 20 specialized gardens and planting areas, such as coniferopsida garden, rose garden, palm garden, large cactus garden, flower hall and orchid parterre, etc., and has cultivated more than 6,000 kinds of tropical and subtropical plants. The Rain Forest World and the Sand Plant Area are especially worth visiting. The misty and foggy Rain Forest World looks like a fairyland with a beautiful tropical landscape. Besides plants, the park also gathers stone carvings, lakes, lawns, temples and other scenic spots. Visitors can overlook half of Xiamen Island from the highest point of the New Steles Forest.

• Type: Architecture, Park

• Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

• Address: No. 1, Jiageng Road, Jimei District (厦门市集美区嘉庚路1号)

Founded by the famous patriotic overseas Chinese leader Chen Jiageng, Jimei School Village is the general name of various schools and cultural institutions in Jimei District. Glazed tiles covering dragon ridges and phoenix eaves, red bricks and black stones built corridor arches, buildings in the district integrate Chinese and Western styles into one. Jimei Middle School, Qidao South Building and Nanxun Building in Jimei Overseas School are representatives of architecture of Jiageng Style with high ornamental value. The popular scenic spots in the School Village include Ao Garden, Dragon Boat Pond, Former Residence of Chen Jiageng, Jiageng Park, etc., which can be visited on foot.

• Type: Pedestrian Street, Food, Shopping

• Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

• Address: Zeng Cuo An, Siming District (厦门市思明区曾厝垵)

Zeng Cuo An is known as "the most exquisite and artistic village in China". It used to be a pristine fishing village, and now has become a hot innovative cultural village. Modern and quaint blocks blend together, with so many unique shops gathered on the street, you can eat, shop, take pictures and wander around the street all day. Besides the artistry of the village, food is another thing that attracts countless visitors to come. 5 streets and 18 lanes in Zeng Cuo An are filled with a variety of snacks and dazzling fruits. Once. It is also the gathering place of featured guesthouses. There are traditional courtyards, baroque-style villas, quaint and unique folk fishing houses, and lively and personalized youth hostels. When night fell, folk songs and bars dominated the village. It’s a good place to experience the vibrant nightlife in Xiamen.

• Popular Xiamen Tour: ✔ 3 Days Joyous Xiamen & Tulou Tour with Huandao Road Cycling

• Type: Resort, Hot Spring

• Recommended Length of Visit: at least half a day

• Address: No. 1888, Fulian Road, Haicang District (厦门市海沧区孚莲路1888号)

Located in the Tangan of Dongfu Town, Haicang District, Riyuegu Hot Spring Resort is seated at the intersection of 324 National Road and Fulian Road. With convenient traffic and quiet environment, Riyuegu Hot Spring Resort enjoys a superior geographical environment. The overall area of this resort is about 260,000 square meters, including Riyuegu Hot Spring Theme Park, Riyuegu Hot Spring Hotel and Riyuegu Hot Spring Private Club. It is a comprehensive tourist resort integrating sightseeing, leisure and recuperation, business conference, sports and fitness, ecological teaching and publicity for environmental protection. There are more than 100 outdoor hot spring pools and 40 kinds of specialty hot springs in the Hot Spring Park. Besides, interesting activities like sand painting for children, painted fans, DIY, etc. are very suitable for children to try.

More detailed information about Riyuegu Hot Spring Resort, please feel free to contact us >>

• Type: Ancient City, Architecture, Culture

• Recommended Length of Visit: 0.5-1 day

• Quanzhou Distance from Xiamen: about 85km, takes about 0.5-1 hour by high speed trains

The thousand-years history of Quzhou ancient city is hidden behind the walls and below the tiles. Since the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, Quanzhou West Street has always been a place crowded with merchants. Within a radius of two kilometers, religious and historical sites (Religious sites for Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Islamic and even Hindu can all be found) of different dynasties are dotted here and there. Quanzhou is also often considered as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road.

The history and culture of the city exist not only in objects, but also in ordinary life. Stepping on the uneven stone road in the old city, the Nanyin music which originates in the Tang Dynasty comes from the side of the Confucian Temple. The muppet appears with the clanging of gongs in the alley, and young people are making pour-over coffee in old-age houses. An international city with a compatible flavor of east and west is the unique heritage of Quanzhou.

• Popular Xiamen Quanzhou Tour: ✔ 2 Days Quanzhou Marine Culture Tour from Xiamen