Xiamen, China: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever thought about exploring Xiamen, China's coastal charm? It's a buzzing city on the southeast coast. Known for its beautiful seaside scenery, pleasant weather, and diverse attractions, Xiamen is great for a vacation anytime. So, what makes this city so special? And what awaits those who dig a little deeper?

In this guide, we're taking you to the top things to do and must-see places in Xiamen. We'll visit the incredible Gulangyu Island, marvel at Xiamen University, and stroll down Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. You'll explore the architectural fusion, immerse in the cultural delights, savor the iconic street food, and discover the spiritual odyssey at Nanputuo Temple. Get set for a taste of Xiamen's coastal charm and make memories that last.

Key Takeaways

• Xiamen is renowned for its beautiful seaside scenery, pleasant weather, and diverse attractions.
• This guide will showcase the top things to do and must-see places in Xiamen, including Gulangyu Island, Xiamen University, and Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.
• Visitors can explore the architectural fusion, immerse in the cultural delights, savor the iconic street food, and discover the spiritual odyssey at Nanputuo Temple.
• Xiamen offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in China.
• Prepare to experience the coastal charm of Xiamen and create lasting memories during your travels.

Unveiling Gulangyu Island's Timeless Allure

Gulangyu Island is a top spot in Xiamen, facing the downtown. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. This was thanks to its mix of Chinese and Western architecture. It's also home to many shops, gardens, and museums.

Exploring the Architectural Fusion

When you visit Gulangyu Island, you step into a world of beautiful buildings. Sunlight Rock offers amazing views of the island. Shuzhuang Garden shows off its gorgeous nature. And don't miss the Piano Museum and Organ Museum, filled with unique cultural items.

Immersing in Cultural Delights

Gulangyu Island is rich in cultural wonders. Its streets are full of shops and museums. These places tell the island's story. Strolling here lets you live a bit of local life, making great memories.

Savoring Iconic Street Food

The island's street food scene is amazing. You must try Zhang Sanfeng's milk tea and Miss Zhao's pies. Seafood lovers can enjoy dishes like oyster omelets and fish balls. To really taste Gulangyu, stay in a sea-view room and relax.

Xiamen University: A Sanctuary of Knowledge

Xiamen University was established in 1921 by the well-known Chen Jiageng. This patriotic leader is highly respected as a figure in the overseas Chinese community. The university stands out with its stunning buildings. They blend Chinese and Western architectural styles, creating a unique charm. This makes it stand out as one of China's most beautiful campuses.

Doodles in the Furong Tunnel

Exploring Xiamen University means checking out the Furong Tunnel's walls. They are covered with doodles made by students. This act of art is not only creative but also a vital part of campus life. It shows the fun and creativity happening at this special educational place.

The Valley of Love

For a serene experience, take a walk near Furong Lake or in the lovely Valley of Love. These areas are close to Xiamen University. They provide a peaceful escape from the busy city life. Here, visitors can enjoy both the beautiful architecture and the rich history of this renowned educational center.

Zengcuoan Village: A Cultural Renaissance

Zengcuoan Village is found on the beautiful Xiamen coast. It has changed a lot, becoming a lively place that honors its history. It was once a simple fishing spot. Now, it's a top spot for those who love getting into real Xiamen culture.

Reviving Ancient Alleys

Walking through Zengcuoan's alleys feels like time travel. The old red brick houses take you back to a feeling of simplicity. As you explore, you'll find shops and snack bars everywhere. Each one shares a piece of local life with visitors.

Savoring Local Delicacies

In Zengcuoan, food lovers are in for a treat. You can taste many local favorites like thick toast, Taiwan sausage, sticky rice, and satay noodles. Fresh seafood is also a must-try. These dishes tell the story of local food traditions over the years.

Seaside Serenity

Zengcuoan also offers a peaceful spot by the sea in Xiamen. Visitors can choose to stay in many different places. There's everything from traditional yards to Baroque-style villas. You can watch the village's cultural rebirth, enjoy the food, and relax by the sea.

Nanputuo Temple: A Spiritual Odyssey

Found at Wulao Peak's base, Nanputuo (South Putuo) Temple is a key place to see in Xiamen for anyone wanting to connect with Buddhism. It's known as one of the most respected Buddhist temples in the city. Here, you can embark on a journey of spiritual discovery through its impressive halls and peaceful gardens.

The Grand Buddha Halls

Begin in the Heavenly King Hall, filled with vivid, golden statues of deities. You will be amazed. See the impressive Buddhas in the Great Buddha's Hall. This is where the temple's deep roots in the Buddhist faith are truly shown. Explore the Depositary of Buddhist Texts to view the temple's numerous cultural treasures and deep dive into Buddhist teachings.

Vegetarian Culinary Delights

A key benefit of visiting Nanputuo Temple is tasting its delightful vegetarian food at the Puzhao Building. Try the famous vegetarian cakes from Xiamen and enjoy other tasty dishes. These meals highlight the city's excellence in vegetarian cuisine. While eating, enjoy the peaceful temple gardens with their lovely lily ponds and the calming sounds of the monks. It's an experience that fully immerses you in Buddhist culture.

Xiamen, China: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Cycling along Huandao Road

Exploring Xiamen by cycling along Huandao Road is amazing. This 31-kilometer route is by the sea and is called the "five-color road." As you ride, you'll see the blue sea, golden beaches, and green grass.

There are places like Hulishan Fortress and Yefeng Village to visit, adding to your Xiamen sightseeing. It's a great way to enjoy the local beauty.

Yefeng Village to Exhibition Center

The journey from Yefeng Village to the Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center is favored. You'll cycle by the sea, taking in the lovely coastal scenes. It’s a special time to enjoy cycling in Xiamen.

Fujian Tulou: Earthen Wonders

In Nanjing and Yongding, the Fujian Tulou highlight the strong Hakka culture and its smart architecture. These earthen buildings are over 1,000 years old, making them a top spot for tourists near Xiamen.

Yongding's Architectural Marvels

Yongding will amaze you with its variety of Fujian Tulou shapes and forms. You'll see round, square, five-angle, and octagonal buildings. They create a big outdoor museum that shows the Hakka people's cleverness.

They have joined their homes with nature in a special way.

Nanjing's Tulou Treasures

Head to Nanjing and prepare to be wowed by its Fujian Tulou. You'll see some of the tallest, largest, and smallest examples of these buildings. Each one carries a tale, giving you a rich cultural journey celebrating the Hakka life and history.

Yunshuiyao Ancient Town: A Timeless Journey

In Fujian Province's heart lies Yunshuiyao Ancient Town. It's a place where visitors step back in time. The town is known for its Tulou buildings, which range from the mountains' foot to the riverside.

Tulou Dwellings

Yunshuiyao Ancient Town's Tulou structures are famous. These earthen buildings are the pride of Hakka culture and show centuries of history. Walking through the town, you'll see unique, well-preserved dwellings. Each one reflects the cleverness and strength of the Hakka people.

The Banyan Tree Giant

A special sight in Yunshuiyao is the ancient Banyan trees by the Changjiao River. One tree, in particular, is amazing. It covers 1,933 square meters and is so big, it needs over 10 adults to circle its base.

The biggest tree in Fujian, it's proof of nature's power and Yunshuiyao's lasting impact.

Walking the paths of Yunshuiyao Ancient Town feels like entering the past. Here, Tulou homes and huge Banyan trees tell stories without words. This journey through time will touch your heart, showing the beauty of Yunshuiyao Ancient Town.

Baicheng Beach: Sunset Serenity

To the south of Xiamen University, you'll find Baicheng Beach. It's a free leisure park that's a great break from the city's noise. Golden sands welcome you with giant mouse sculptures and flyovers like clocks.

The beach's best feature is its sunsets. It's known as a top spot in Xiamen to see the sun set. People love relaxing here, watching the sky turn warm colors as the sun disappears.

This spot is perfect for a walk or quiet time at sunset. Baicheng Beach is free and great for relaxing. Enjoy the sunset and waves for a memorable time in Xiamen.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is a famous place in Xiamen. It's known for its special arcade buildings. It shows the city's rich culture and history. Walking there, you see Chinese and Western architecture mixing beautifully.

Architectural Heritage

The arcade buildings are unique, showing Xiamen's great design skills. They mix different styles. You can admire the detailed fronts, roofs, and balconies. It feels like you're in the past, seeing the city's cultural dedication.

Enjoy the deep history of these buildings. Imagine the stories they could tell.

Shopping Delights

There's so much to see and buy on Zhongshan Road. You can shop for local crafts, souvenirs, and more. Talk to the sellers and find special items. Feel the lively atmosphere. You might buy Chinese fans, ceramics, or silk paintings.

Iconic Peanut Soup

Don’t miss trying the famous peanut soup. It comes from the old restaurant, Huang Zehe. Locals and visitors love its creamy taste. It's a great way to experience Xiamen's food scene.

Jimei School Village: A Cultural Haven

Jimei School Village is a gem in Xiamen, crafted by the devoted Chen Jiageng. It celebrates a symphony of Chinese and Western architectural styles. You can wander through these structures, delve into Chen Jiageng's legacy, and bask in the peaceful scenic trails.

Architectural Fusion

This village perfectly blends Chinese and Western designs. It's a sight to behold, showing off both influences. You’ll see everything from classic Chinese pavilions to grand European buildings.

Chen Jiageng's Legacy

Chen Jiageng’s impact is evident everywhere in Jimei School Village. His story and work in education and the community are showcased. You can learn a lot at the village's many historical spots.

Scenic Trails

Surrounding the beautiful buildings are scenic trails. They let you explore peaceful nature. These paths through gardens and along rivers are a great way to feel the village's history.

Conclusion

Xiamen is a city not to be missed in China. It combines rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning nature. You must see Gulangyu Island with its timeless beauty. A visit to Nanputuo Temple offers a spiritual journey. And don't miss the impressive Xiamen University or the unique Fujian Tulou.

Stroll down the lively Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street or enjoy a bike ride on the beautiful Huandao Road. Dive into culture at Jimei School Village. Xiamen ensures a memorable time, mixing history, culture, and natural beauty. It's a city that invites you to explore, offering unique experiences and lasting memories.

Planning your visit to Xiamen is a great idea. It's a city that draws you in with varied attractions and a deep heritage. Once you visit, you'll long to come back to Xiamen.