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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Jiaoling [2025]
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Kulangsu
4.4
/5
52113 reviews
8.7
From € 0.60
Based on 5,737 reviews
Gulangyu Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Address: Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Taste authentic Hokkien snacks on Kulangsu
Regular diverse concerts held
Saved by 1679 users17389 positive reviews
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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
15972 reviews
8.6
From € 3.59
Based on 249 reviews
Xiamen University Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8605922985935
Address: No. 25, Huyuan Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Exotic Flowers and Trees: Trending Spot
40,000 sq ft rare cacti
Saved by 919 users12934 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It's definitely worth a visit, especially the rainforest and the flower garden in the back. They're great for photos, but I didn't really care for the succulents, so I didn't see much. You absolutely must take the 10-yuan bus; otherwise, the walk would be exhausting, and the heat was unbearable. As soon as you exit the subway station on your way to the Botanical Garden, someone tells you the garden is closed. They're scammers, and I was fooled. It was only a street sweeper who told me they were. The bus stop is just one stop away, and it's only a 400-500-meter walk. There's no need to take a taxi; just stroll and follow the directions on AutoNavi. From the west gate of the Botanical Garden, follow the signs or the loudspeaker. Go uphill to the left, and the Bell and Drum Cableway is not far away. Take the bus from the west gate to Xiamen University. Nanputuo Temple is right next to Xiamen University. Follow AutoNavi Navigation to the Yanwu Bridge Observation Deck, heading towards the seaside from Xiamen University. It's also convenient to take the bus. These places are all close enough to visit together.
There is nothing to complain about except that the weather is very hot. Follow the instructions to enter the gate, then walk around the most beautiful campus, look at the trees, the lake and the playground. Remember to bring mosquito repellent in the summer. The botanical garden is also a must-see project. Many internet celebrities take photos very well.
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Zhonggu Cable Car
4.6
/5
6793 reviews
8.4
Based on 14 reviews
Zhongshan Road Area | >100 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 1001 users5184 positive reviews
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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
Yunshuiyao Scenic Area
4.4
/5
3796 reviews
7.8
From € 10.76
Yunshuiyao Ancient Town | 93.4 km from downtown
Phone +864008885111
Address: 607 County Road, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Saved by 190 users2615 positive reviews
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Half an acre of flower fields is worth recommending. It is a homestay that looks like a garden. Many people who pass by come to the yard to take pictures and check in. It is very pleasing to the eye. It is quiet in the bustling city. It is very quiet. Sitting in the yard and drinking afternoon tea and chatting is also very pleasant. The lady is also very nice. She upgraded our room and arranged breakfast for us. The homestay is also very convenient to the scenic area and can be walked to.
The environment is picturesque and makes people linger. As soon as they come in, they are attracted by the scenery of nature, the beautiful mountains and rivers, and the earthen buildings. The locals are very warm and simple, and the consumption is reasonable.
No.
5
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Hulishan Fortress
4.7
/5
14293 reviews
7.7
From € 2.99
Based on 138 reviews
Xiamen University Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8605922088313
Address: No. 2, Zengcuo Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Overlook Xiamen's ocean views
Daily Red Barbarian Cannon & Qing drill
Saved by 221 users6733 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.
6
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Qingyuan Mountain
4.4
/5
3060 reviews
7.7
From € 8.37
Based on 121 reviews
Weat Lake Park/Qingyuan Mountain | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86059522777675
Address: East side of Qingyuanshan Mountain Visitor Center, Fengze District, Quanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
Panoramic view of Quanzhou city
Overlook Quanzhou's cityscape & culture
Saved by 188 users1644 positive reviews
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The order was delivered on time, easy to use, fast and convenient, and overall it was OK. The order was delivered on time, easy to use, fast and convenient, and overall it was OK. The order was delivered on time, easy to use, fast and convenient, and overall it was OK. The order was delivered on time, easy to use, fast and convenient, and overall it was OK.
Qingyuan Mountain is definitely worth a visit! The mountain is lushly forested, the air is fresh, and the natural beauty permeates every corner. There are sightseeing buses available, but no cable car. Don't miss Laojun Rock, where the Song Dynasty stone statue of Laojun is breathtakingly lifelike. Also, Nantai Rock offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Quanzhou city.
No.
7
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Nan'ao Island
4.5
/5
1824 reviews
7.7
Based on 86 reviews
Nan'ao Island Houzhai town | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86075489802123
Address: Nan'ao Island, Nan'ao County, Shantou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Golden sunset at lighthouse
Eastern Hawaii & bridge crossing
Saved by 507 users989 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Whether Nan'ao Island Bird Valley is worth visiting depends on individual preference, but it holds a certain allure for bird lovers and families with children. Its highlights include the following:
- Diverse Animal Species: The Bird Valley boasts a diverse range of animals, including parrots, raccoons, deer, rabbits, piglets, peacocks, ostriches, ducks, and squirrels. Parrots are particularly diverse, with over a hundred species, ranging from large macaws to small budgies and lovebirds. There are also rarer species like hybrid parrots and sunflower parrots, and even the purple macaw, valued at over a million yuan.
- Close-Up Interactions: Visitors can interact with and feed the parrots. Place sunflower seeds in your palm, and the parrots will use their tongues to grab the seeds and crack the kernels with precision. This unique and engaging interactive experience is truly captivating. Furthermore, the park's peacocks, alpacas, and other animals are mostly free-range, allowing visitors to interact with them at any time and admire the beauty of their unfurled feathers. Beautiful Natural Environment: The Bird Valley spans over 100 mu (approximately 166 acres) and is nestled among the jungle, nestled against the mountainside, with winding paths. The rocks and trees within the valley are naturally sourced, while artificial humidification simulates a tropical rainforest environment. The semi-open spaces provide a near-natural habitat for birds, allowing visitors to experience the tranquility and harmony of nature.
Specialized Leisure Facilities: The Bird Valley features a sky loft where visitors can enjoy a cup of Kung Fu tea, brew tea around a fire, and relax amidst the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers. There's also a glass plank road from which visitors can admire the stunning views of the ancient town and take photos.
Educational Significance: As a popular science center, Nan'ao Bird Valley allows visitors to learn about the habits and conservation of various bird species, making it an excellent venue for nature education, especially for young people.
Nan'ao Island, a place full of tropical style, the island is tree-lined, the beach is white as snow, the sea is crystal clear, like a pearl embedded in the South China Sea. Here, you can enjoy the fun of the sun beach, feel the magic of nature, you can also taste the fresh and delicious seafood dinner, experience the simplicity of the fishing village. Nan'ao Island is undoubtedly an ideal place for vacation and leisure.
No.
8
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Fujian Tulou Yongding Scenic Areas
4.5
/5
3863 reviews
7.6
From € 1.80
Based on 155 reviews
Yongding Earth Building | 81.6 km from downtown
Phone +8605973256222
Address: 309 Provincial Rd, Yongding Qu, Longyan Shi, Fujian Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
Highlights:
Panoramic view of tulou & countryside
Hakka & Overseas Chinese fusion
Saved by 283 users2298 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Tickets are affordable, and the Tulou are quite unique. It's a great way to bring the elderly and children to experience Hakka culture. It's a relaxing experience, and the Fujian cuisine is delicious. I've been to Fujian many times, and each time I find something new.
The two attractions are not far from each other, a 10-minute drive. Electronic ticketing is convenient and fast, allowing you to buy and use tickets as you arrive. Personally, I feel that visiting only one Tulouwang scenic area is enough, as it is very representative.
No.
9
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Fujian (Nanjing) Tulou Scenic Area
4.4
/5
835 reviews
7.6
From € 4.79
92.2 km from downtown
Phone +864008885111
Address: Shoyo Uesaka Murata Dormitory
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Spectacular circular buildings layout
Round Tulou & Yunshuiyao Ancient Town
Saved by 373 users692 positive reviews
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The "Four Dishes and One Soup" at the Tianluokeng Tulou complex resembles a flying saucer dropped from the sky, a unique architectural complex. Yuchang Tower, the world's most unique building, has stood tall despite seven hundred years of wind and rain erosion, a true architectural marvel. Hegui Tower in the Yunshuiyao Scenic Area rises from the swamp, offering breathtaking architectural research value. We also admired the large waterwheel at the filming location of Yunshuiyao, offering a stunning night view. This trip to the Nanjing Tulou offered a glimpse into the unique style of Southern Fujian architecture and a glimpse into the rich history of the buildings. It was a truly worthwhile experience!
It's great for self-driving, I would call it a painless tour! Navigate to the Tianluokeng Viewing Platform, park the car and walk 20 meters to the viewing platform, you don't need to walk a lot
No.
10
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Xiamen University
4.6
/5
14003 reviews
7.6
Based on 1,274 reviews
Xiamen University Area | >100 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 users3268 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".
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