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Gulangyu Island: The Piano Island, a Must-visit Xiamen Attraction
Gulangyu (Kulangsu), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating island with only 20 minutes ferry ride from Xiamen downtown. The Gulangyu Island is known for its colonial-era architecture and picturesque natural scenery. Notably, with the collaborative efforts of local Chinese, returned overseas Chinese, and foreign residents from various countries it birthed the unique Amoy Deco Style, an architectural movement that emerged on the island, exerting its influence across South-east Asian coastal areas and beyond. Visitors to Gulangyu can explore its narrow streets, discover quaint cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops, and enjoy the beautiful Beaches like Sunlight Rock Beach.
If you have time to visit only one tour spot in Xiamen Gulangyu would be the no-brainer first choice. It is recommended to spend half a day wandering on the island. That’s why we have a Full Guide of Gulangyu so check it out! Ultimate Gulangyu Island Guide to Unlock Xiamen’s UNESCO World Heritage.
Discover Charming Xiamen Culture: Asian, European & Fujianese
With a rich history as a port city and its close proximity to Southeast Asia, Xiamen boasts a cultural fusion of traditional Chinese and Southeast Asian influences. The city's welcoming hospitality and laid-back lifestyle are hallmarks of Xiamen’s culture. The strong connections between Xiamen and the Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia are evident in the local cuisine and architecture. Similarly, the city's architecture showcases a harmonious blend of Chinese and Southeast Asian styles. Xiamen's captivating culture is truly remarkable and certainly worth your time to explore. Here are some of the iconic attractions in Xiamen:
Nanputuo Temple: Try Vegetarian Delights Hidden in Xiamen’s Spiritual Retreat
Type: Religious Site, Buddhist Temple
Ticket Price: Free (Preregister required)
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Delicious vegetarian food, Lotus Pond, Buddhist Artifacts Guanyin Statue
Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺) is a revered Buddhist temple in Xiamen dedicated to the Bodhisattva or Guanyin, also known as the Goddess of Mercy. Its appeal extends beyond religious devotion, as it has also become a popular destination for tourists seeking captivating architecture and tranquil ambiance. Within the temple, visitors can explore a treasure trove of invaluable Buddhist artifacts, including a revered statue of Guanyin believed to have existed for over a millennium.
Nanputuo Vegetarian Restaurant, situated on the east side of the temple, offers a delightful array of vegan delights. Known for its fresh ingredients and modern ambiance, the restaurant tantalizes taste buds with a wide selection of vegan dishes, including delectable baked goods. From vegan mooncakes and pineapple pastries to egg tarts and custard buns, the bakery caters to diverse palates, ensuring that visitors can savor Guilt-Free treats made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
Jimei School Village: Unveiling the Legacy, Overseas Chinese' Xiamen Roots!
Type: Educational Institution, Historical Site
Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours
Highlights: Close ties with Overseas Chinese, Distinctive architecture, Beautiful scenery
Jimei Village (集美学村) in Xiamen , is a captivating destination that harmoniously combines history, culture, and natural beauty. Founded by the esteemed Overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee (陳嘉庚), this village is renowned for its educational institutions, architectural wonders, and well-preserved Jimei School Village. Explore the traditional Chinese architecture, delve into the village's educational heritage, and wander through beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and lively local markets. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, discover the invaluable contributions of Overseas Chinese, and embrace the cultural richness and historical significance that make JimeiVillage a truly enchanting experience.
Xiamen University: Walk through Where History, Nature, and Brilliance Converge
Type: University, Educational Institution
Ticket Price: Free (Preregister Required)
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Time may vary due to University’s arrangement)
Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Beautiful campus, Rich history
Tips: Entry policy of Campus may change, refer to official website or consult with your tour guide
Xiamen University (XMU, 厦门大学) is a renowned top-tier university in Xiamen, China. Established in 1921, it offers diverse academic programs across various disciplines. The campus boasts beautiful architecture, blending traditional and modern designs, and provides a serene coastal environment.
Xiamen Shop & Dine: Eat Xiamen Fusion, Be Xiamen Local
Xiamen's vibrant food culture seamlessly blends the best of Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines. Xiamen’s rich history as a bustling port and its close proximity to Southeast Asia have contributed to this culinary fusion. Xiamen cuisine is renowned for its delectable assortment of fresh seafood, tantalizing spices, and distinct flavors. For an authentic shopping experience like the locals, explore Gulou Street, Siming Night Market, and Zhongshan Road. These bustling destinations in Xiamen offer a wide range of local goods, unique finds, and mouthwatering street food.
P.S. Your Xiamen’s food tour can even extend to Gulangyu island where you can have an array of fine-dining restaurants serving delicate local fusion dishes. Check out the “Cuisines & Drinks on Gulangyu Island” section of this Gulangyu to Unlock Xiamen’s UNESCO World HeritageGulangyu
Zhongshan Road: Hunt for Xiamen Food & Trendy Finds for Tourists
Type: Pedestrian Street, Shopping District
Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours
Highlights: Beautiful architecture, Vibrant atmosphere, Delicious food, Unique shopping experience
Zhongshan Road (中山路) in Xiamen is renowned for several noteworthy aspects. Its captivating allure lies in its stunning colonial architecture, showcasing well-preserved buildings from the early 20th century. The street exudes a vibrant and lively atmosphere, drawing both locals and tourists with its constant buzz of activity. Gastronomic delights abound on Zhongshan Road, with a diverse range of restaurants offering delectable options spanning traditional Chinese cuisine to international dishes, such as Shacha Noodle (沙茶面), Oyster Omelet (海蛎煎), Peanut Sweet Soup (花生汤). Moreover, the street provides a distinctive shopping experience, featuring an array of unique souvenirs, handicrafts. A visit to Zhongshan Road promises an all-inclusive experience of culture, cuisine, and captivating sights.
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The Eighth Seafood Market: Xiamen Local Fisherman's Catch of the Day
Type: Seafood Market
Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Fresh seafood, Variety of seafood dishes, Affordable prices
Tips: It is advisable to have a local tour guide to fully immerse yourself in the art of bargaining, selecting the best seafood, and discovering the most authentic street food.
The Eighth Seafood Market (第八生鲜市场) in Xiamen is a renowned tourist hotspot celebrated for its fresh seafood, diverse array of seafood dishes, and wallet-friendly prices. Situated in downtown Xiamen, the market operates from early morning until late at night, emanating a vibrant atmosphere. Vendors entice visitors with a wide variety of seafood options, encompassing fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Guests have the choice of purchasing their desired seafood and having it expertly prepared at one of the many on-site restaurants, or simply indulging in ready-made seafood dishes available throughout the market. And don’t forget to try the authentic street food here. It would be the most down-to-earth experience you can have in Xiamen!
Xiamen Nature:Cruise through Natural Beauty & Cityscape
Xiamen , a coastal city boasting a subtropical climate, is celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Nestled amidst mountains, islands, and a vast coastline with numerous Beaches, visitors can indulge in activities such as hiking, swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding by the shore. The city further enchants with its array of parks and gardens, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty that Xiamen has to offer. Here are some of the fabulous natural attractions in Xiamen. Let’s check them out!
Baicheng Beach: Favoured by Xiamen Youth, Where Fun Meets Sun!
Type: Beach
Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: All day
Recommended Duration: 1 hour
Highlights: Great accessibility, vibrant vibe
Baicheng Beach (白城沙滩) in Xiamen is a must-visit for beach enthusiasts. Its proximity to Xiamen University makes it popular among students and tourists. Accessible by public transportation, the beach offers stunning ocean views and a lively atmosphere. Surrounding restaurants and cafes provide delicious dining options. Baicheng Beach is also a romantic spot for capturing special moments, making it a popular choice for newlywed couples to take their wedding photos. Nearby attractions include Xiamen University, Nanputuo Temple, Gulangyu Island, Hulishan Fortress, Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center, and Zeng Cuo An Village. It's an ideal stop during your Xiamen tour.
Tips: Being a coastal city, Xiamen has many beaches with different features to offer to tourists, and the beaches in Xiamen are certainly one of the highlights of this tourist hotspot. Check out the Xiamen Beaches to find out which one is Your Favorite Beach!
Huangdao Road: The Longest Shortcut to See the Whole Xiamen in One Go
Xiamen , as a picturesque island city, is blessed with numerous tourist attractions along its long coastline. If you're short on time but want to see the best of Xiamen, the Huandao Road (环岛路) is the ideal route. This circular road encircles the entire Xiamen island, offering a chance to visit major attractions like Gulangyu Island, Xiamen University, and renowned Beaches such as Guanyinshan Beach, Baicheng Beach, and CoConut Village Beach. Rent a bike and enjoy a refreshing coastal ride or join a tour group for a convenient sight-seeing car ride. Experience it all in Xiamen, accompanied by the cool ocean breeze.
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Modern Hotels or Secluded Villa?
Xiamen , especially Gulangyu Island, is not only a popular tourist destination but also a convenient hub for business travelers exploring Fujian province. With a wide range of hotel choices available, selecting the right accommodation is crucial for an enhanced travel experience. This guide helps you choose the perfect hotel in Xiamen to suit your needs.
Which area is the best area to stay for you, Siming district or Gulangyu island? What kind of unique accommodation options are there in Xiamen? Find out more in this Xiamen Hotel Guide here!
How to Plan Your Xiamen Trip & Extension to Fujian
With a half-day trip, travelers can get a glimpse of historical heritage and the scenic views Xiamen has to offer. If you would like a more immersive experience, a 1-day trip or more time is more ideal for you to explore and cover more tour spots in Xiamen city and Gulangyu Island.
If you're planning a trip to Xiamen or any attractions in Fujian, it's highly recommended to start from Xiamen. If you have a bit more time, around 4-6 days, do consider extending your trip to the neighboring attractions in Fujian province. This will allow you to delve deeper into the region and experience its diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural offerings. Don't miss the chance to visit Quanzhou (Historical Emporium of the World), Fuzhou, Wuyishan (Origin of Black Tea), Hakka Tulou (UNESCO World Heritage), and Xiapu for a more immersive travel experience. It would be one of the Best China Tours.
Are you trying to Plan a tour to China? Here are some practicle info to help you come narrow down your destiantions: Top 10 Attractions in China, Places to Visit in China, Best Time to Visit China.
Explore Xiamen and Fujian with Asia Odyssey Travel
Asia Odyssey Travel has a local office and a team of local experts in Xiamen who can provide you with an in-depth insight into Xiamen and its surrounding areas in Fujian Province. Xiamen, being one of the hottest tour destinations in Asia, has so much to offer for tourists.
Planning ahead with a reputable agency could save you a considerable amount of time and energy. Traveling with a professional local guide from AOT would guarantee you fully experience the authentic local culture and lifestyle!
We provide flexible Xiamen tours that can be tailored to your needs. Plan ahead with professionals today, get on a life-time journey, get in touch today!
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