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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Xiamen [2025]
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Kulangsu
4.4
/5
52116 reviews
8.7
From AU$ 1.07
Based on 5,737 reviews
Gulangyu Scenic Area | 4.5 km from downtown
Address: Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Taste authentic Hokkien snacks on Kulangsu
Regular diverse concerts held
Saved by 1683 users17385 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Gulangyu, a famous island in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, is known as the "Garden on the Sea" and the "Piano Island." Below is a detailed introduction to Gulangyu:
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Basic Information
· Location: Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, across the sea from Xiamen Island.
· Area: Approximately 1.91 square kilometers.
· Features: A World Cultural Heritage Site (designated in 2017) and a national 5A-level tourist attraction, it is renowned for its historical international community, unique architecture, musical culture, and natural scenery.
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Major Attractions
1. Sunlight Rock
Gulangyu's highest point, at 92.7 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of the entire island and Xiamen city. It is named after the spot where the sun first strikes it each morning.
2. Shuzhuang Garden
Built in 1913, it was originally the private villa of Taiwanese tycoon Lin Erjia. The garden, nestled by the sea, blends Jiangnan gardens with Western architectural styles and houses the renowned "Piano Museum." 3. Haoyue Garden
Built in commemoration of the national hero Zheng Chenggong, the garden features a towering statue of Zheng Chenggong, facing the sea, creating a majestic presence.
4. Gulangyu Piano Museum
Housing nearly 100 fortepianos from around the world, it showcases the musical heritage of Gulangyu, known as the "Piano Island."
5. Organ Museum
Located in the Bagua Tower, it is China's only organ museum, showcasing large pipe organs and a variety of organ collections.
6. International Architecture Exhibition
The island preserves a large number of buildings that blend Chinese and Western styles, including consulates, churches, and villas, reflecting the historical character of a modern international community.
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Cultural Highlights
· Musical Tradition: Gulangyu boasts the highest per capita piano ownership rate in China, giving rise to many musicians and earning the nickname "Piano Island."
· Historical Background: From the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, consulates, expatriates, and wealthy merchants from various countries settled here, forming a unique community with a diverse blend of cultures. Car-Free Island: Motor vehicles are prohibited on the island. Walking or electric scooters are the primary modes of transportation, creating a tranquil and pleasant environment.
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Food and Specialties
Snacks: Southern Fujian delicacies such as shacha noodles, fried oysters, fish ball soup, and peanut soup.
Specialties: Pies, dried meats, tea (such as Tieguanyin), and handmade cultural and creative products.
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Travel Tips
Transportation: Take a ferry from Xiamen Ferry Terminal to Gulangyu Island (tickets must be purchased in advance; visitors typically depart from the Cruise Center Xiamen-Gulangyu Terminal).
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn (October to April) offer pleasant weather, avoiding the summer heat and typhoon season.
Recommendation: Reserve one to two days to wander the alleys, admire the architecture, experience the culture, and explore the island's surroundings.
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Gulangyu Island, a blend of natural beauty, history, and art, is a core destination in Xiamen, perfect for cultural exploration, leisure vacations, and photo opportunities.
Gulangyu, this picturesque pearl of the sea, has long been a dream destination for tourists. Setting foot on this charming island is like stepping back in time, entering a wondrous world of history, culture, and cuisine.
Gulangyu's architecture is truly remarkable, a testament to history and a vivid reflection of its diverse cultural fusion. The island boasts a rich variety of architectural styles, ranging from Western influences like Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque to traditional Southern Fujian architecture. Strolling through the streets of Gulangyu, each building resembles a work of art, inviting pause for admiration.
Bagua Tower, one of Gulangyu's iconic landmarks, blends ancient Greek, Roman, and Islamic architectural styles. Its red dome gleams in the sunlight, creating a truly magnificent sight. Standing before the Bagua Tower, one feels a sense of the weight and vicissitudes of history. Shuzhuang Garden is a perfect fusion of Southern Fujian style and Western garden art. Built along the sea, the garden boasts pavilions, towers, rockeries, ponds, and a piano museum housing a collection of precious pianos. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful sea views while immersing yourself in the charm of music.
In addition to these famous buildings, Gulangyu's alleys are home to numerous unique old villas. Most of these villas date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many overseas Chinese and foreigners settled on the island, bringing with them diverse architectural styles and cultural philosophies. These villas boast exquisite exteriors and luxurious interiors, each detail reflecting the taste and status of their owners. Some still retain original furniture and decorations, evoking a sense of the prosperity of those days.
Having discussed the architecture, let's discuss Gulangyu's snacks. Gulangyu's snacks are diverse, with unique flavors that are sure to make you salivate. Among them, the most famous is Gulangyu Pie. Made with mung beans, winter melon, and other ingredients, Gulangyu Pie boasts a crispy crust and a soft, glutinous filling that's sweet but not greasy. It's not only a delicacy but also a unique souvenir from Gulangyu Island. Many tourists buy several boxes to take home and share with friends and family.
Fish ball soup is also a Gulangyu specialty. Gulangyu fish balls are handmade from fresh marine fish. The fish balls are tender and springy, and the broth is delicious. On a cold winter day, a bowl of steaming hot fish ball soup warms you up. Other snacks like satay noodles and earthworm jelly are also unique and worth trying.
It's worth mentioning that Gulangyu Island also has a heartwarming story with Academician Zhong Nanshan. Born into a medical family on Gulangyu Island, his father, Zhong Shifan, was a renowned pediatrician in my country. Academician Zhong spent a wonderful childhood on Gulangyu Island, where every plant, tree, brick, and tile left a deep impression. The tranquility and beauty of Gulangyu Island cultivated his resilience and love of life.
Many years later, Academician Zhong Nanshan became a famous respiratory disease expert in my country. In the fight against major public health events such as SARS and the COVID-19 pandemic, he stepped forward and made great contributions to the country and the people.
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Xiamen Botanical Garden
4.6
/5
15982 reviews
8.6
From AU$ 6.40
Based on 249 reviews
Xiamen University Area | 4.1 km from downtown
Phone +8605922985935
Address: No. 25, Huyuan Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Exotic Flowers and Trees: Trending Spot
40,000 sq ft rare cacti
Saved by 922 users12941 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Absolutely amazing! Absolutely amazing! Absolutely amazing! Northerners must see it! 👀! The araucaria forest lawn, planted by national leaders, is incredibly photogenic! The succulent world boasts a variety of saguaro cacti and prickly pear cacti, and the desert environment makes for stunning photos! It's just incredibly hot! 😅 The rainforest world is also fantastic, with a riot of tropical plants, it feels like entering a secret rainforest. The ginger world is also very interesting, though not ginger-related, but filled with various bananas—traveler's palms of all sizes, tall and short. The flowers are beautiful, and the photos are great too. Best of all, it's less crowded and more relaxing! The vine world leads directly to the back of Wufeng Mountain (Nanputuo Temple), making it a seamless journey. Climb to the top and then descend to the temple. Be aware that there are no supplies along the way, so be sure to buy water and food at the botanical garden before climbing.
The attraction is average.
The staff at the scenic area are eager for you to buy the shuttle bus. The alternative is to hike up the mountain, which is very tiring.
There's a nice children's play area with a swan pond, a children's playground, a fish pond, and a temple.
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Zhonggu Cable Car
4.6
/5
6801 reviews
8.4
Based on 14 reviews
Zhongshan Road Area | 3.1 km from downtown
Phone +8605924000918168
Address: No. 25-110, Huyuan Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-1.5 hours
Highlights:
82 cabins reduce wait time
3280 ft skywalk for Zhonggu & Drum Hills
Saved by 1006 users5191 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Overall, it is highly recommended, especially in the evening at sunset. The only inconvenience is that even if you buy tickets online, you still have to queue up on site to pick up the tickets. If you go during peak holiday season, it is recommended to buy them online. If you go during normal times, you can buy them on site and there is no need to buy them online in advance.
It's a good hike, with beautiful views. The round trip takes 40 minutes, and aside from being a bit hot in the summer, there aren't any other issues.
The waiting time is about 30 minutes (at 10 AM on a summer weekend).
No.
4
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Hulishan Fortress
4.7
/5
14301 reviews
7.7
From AU$ 5.33
Based on 138 reviews
Xiamen University Area | 5.9 km from downtown
Phone +8605922088313
Address: No. 2, Zengcuo Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Xiamen
Highlights:
Overlook Xiamen's ocean views
Daily Red Barbarian Cannon & Qing drill
Saved by 222 users6739 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I'm used to receiving good reviews. The park isn't large, but the old trees, old paths, and old platforms are worth seeing. Unfortunately, the signage isn't clear, and several paths don't connect, so if you want to explore the entire park, you'll have to repeat many routes.
I went to Hulishan Fort in the afternoon. The weather was quite hot and there were not many people. When I walked up, I could see the cannon of the iconic building. There was a telescope on it to see the opposite Kinmen, but I had to pay. There was a Qing army drill at 4 pm to watch.
No.
5
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Xiamen University
4.6
/5
14003 reviews
7.6
Based on 1,274 reviews
Xiamen University Area | 5.1 km from downtown
Phone +8605922180000
Address: No. 422 Siming South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Campus sunset & island pavilion
Campus with sea & mountain, mixed styles
Saved by 449 users3267 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Need to make an appointment in advance, enter on time, not many people, went to the Furong Tunnel, the cultural and creative store in the past is gone, but there is also a small shop opposite, there is a car repair haha, 985 University is different, it feels really beautiful, it is also very clean, there are many student dormitory, but the summer vacation is not there, There are also many varieties of cultural and creative, and I bought this book and bought one for one free.
Xiamen University (Xiamen University), referred to as XMU, is located at No. 422 Siming South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province (main campus). It is a comprehensive research-oriented national key university directly under the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and a centrally-administered university. It is a national "double first-class" university construction university, a leading university in the national "2011 Plan", and a key construction university of the national "211 Project" and "985 Project". It is also the first university founded by overseas Chinese in China's modern education history and one of the earliest universities in China to recruit graduate students.
Xiamen University was founded by patriotic overseas Chinese leader Mr. Tan Kah Kee in 1921. In March 1928, it was registered as a private university by the government. From 1929 to 1933, Tan Kah Kee's enterprises were forced to close due to the world economic crisis, and Xiamen University was unable to maintain its operation. He unconditionally donated Xiamen University to the government. On July 1, 1937, Xiamen University was changed to a national university. In September of the same year, due to the war, the school moved to Changting. In 1984, it obtained a master's degree authorization point. In 1986, it was granted the doctoral degree authorization. In 1997, it was listed as a key construction university of the national "211 Project". In 1998, it was listed as a key construction plan of the "985 Project".
No.
6
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Xiamen Science & Technology Museum
4.7
/5
11023 reviews
7.5
From AU$ 17.05
Based on 14 reviews
SM City Square Area | 2.3 km from downtown
Phone +8605925371522
Address: Xiamen Culture and Art Center, No. 95, Sports Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Near Gulangyu & other attractions
3 theaters for immersive experience
Saved by 448 users7367 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Youcanstillcomehere,sothatchildrencanincreasetheirknowledgeandinterestinscience.
The product is consistent with the description, the price/performance ratio is also very high, the people are nice, the service is enthusiastic, the delivery speed is fast, I will come to your store next time, and I will recommend others to come to your store, all five points of praise!!!
No.
7
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Lujiang Night Cruise
4.3
/5
4329 reviews
7.4
From AU$ 25.36
Zhongshan Road Area | 3.5 km from downtown
Phone +8605923372020
Address: No.3 Lujiang Avenue, Siming District, Xiamen
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2024 Asia 100 - Night Attractions
Highlights:
Xiamen nightscape & landmarks
Boat trip with Fujian puppet show & food
Saved by 632 users2123 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Enjoy the lights on both sides of the Lujiang River at night, and the evening breeze is super pleasant! Take a boat tour of the Lujiang River, the night view is dazzling, the experience is super worth coming! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Lujiang River at night, the service is good, and the mood is super comfortable! Worth going
There were too many people, especially children, and the boat was noisy. Fortunately, there was a tea room on the second floor. I spent an extra 200 yuan and had tea and snacks. I bought a relatively quiet place and the view was good.
No.
8
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South Putuo Temple
4.6
/5
5327 reviews
7.2
Based on 790 reviews
Xiamen University Area | 4.3 km from downtown
Phone +8605922086586
Address: No. 515, Siming South Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Pray & taste vegetarian meals & cakes
Temples on hills overlook university
Saved by 671 users884 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
On-site appointments are fine, there are a lot of people, free incense, there are several circulation places, the items are not bad, there are many people, I bought some bracelets back, and I bought a box of 188 incense, things can be opened, very fast, behind a mountain, did not climb, too hot this weather, 18 years, this is the second brush, There's a chance to come.
I went to Xiamen on a business trip and visited the city. I came to Nanputuo Temple. Nanputuo Temple is next to Xiamen University, at the foot of the southeast Wulao Peak. It was built in the late Tang Dynasty. It was called Sizhou Temple at that time. It was renamed Puzhao Temple during the Zhiping period of the Song Dynasty. Later, it was named "Nanputuo Temple" because it was located south of Putuo Mountain. It is one of the Buddhist resorts in southern Fujian. The main buildings on the central axis of the temple include: Tianwang Hall, Daxiong Hall, Dabei Hall, Sutra Pavilion, etc. There are also drum towers, meditation halls, guest halls, and warehouses. There is a very famous vegetarian restaurant in the temple. Many tourists come here, and many local residents come here to eat. The temple is very popular.
No.
9
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Xiamen Fantawild Dreamland
4.8
/5
8924 reviews
7.0
From AU$ 33.89
Based on 2 reviews
23.6 km from downtown
Phone +864001660006
Address: No.1111, Shijie South Road, Tong'an District, Xiamen City (near Zhongzhou Bridge)
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
No. 5 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Xiamen
Highlights:
Many themed zones & performances
Sci-fi & interactive experiences
Saved by 528 users5989 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Loved it. Lots to do, you could spend all day there. Also make sure you hire a buggy. This place is huge.
The Fantawild Hotel in Xiamen is quite unique. When we got there, we went to Fantawild to play. We saw that the room we booked could see the light show at night. The swimming pool was also very nice. It was very special to swim on rainy days. You could even see the fireworks. However, I lost a pair of slippers there and couldn't find them. Maybe I thought Fantawild was so good that I didn't want to come back.
No.
10
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Huandao Road
4.7
/5
6901 reviews
6.9
Xiamen University Area | 5.2 km from downtown
Address: Siming District, Xiamen City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-5 hours
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Xiamen
Highlights:
Leisurely bike ride past landmarks
Coastal walk with blue sea & golden sands
Saved by 542 users1359 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I cycled the classic island-circling route from Xiamen University's Baicheng Beach to Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park. This time, I skipped the Wuyuan Bay Bridge and ended at Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park. The total distance is a little over 22 kilometers, and some sections are under construction.
During the day, I cycled from my Huangcuo Beach accommodation to Wuyuan Bay. In the evening, I jogged east from Xiamen University's Baicheng for about two kilometers (I think I was at Pearl Bay Beach; it was dark, so I couldn't tell which beach it was) before finding a shared bike and cycling back to my Huangcuo Beach accommodation.
Riding with the sea breeze and the ocean view was truly relaxing, and the night view was also beautiful. It's worth a ride if it's not too far away.
Xiamen Ring Road is really amazing! On one side is the boundless sea, with waves gently lapping the beach, and on the other side is lush greenery, evergreen all year round. Cycling or walking here will give you a lot of pleasure. There are also attractions such as Hulishan Fort and Zengcuo'an along the way, with no shortage of culture and food.
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