شيامن

1.Gulangyu Island

A world cultural heritage site and a car-free island off the coast of Xiamen, known as the “Piano Island” because of its rich musical heritage and numerous piano museums. The island is dotted with over 1,000 western-style buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, including consulates, villas, and churches, reflecting the cultural integration brought by the Maritime Silk Road. Riguangyan (Sunlight Rock), the highest point on the island, offers a stunning panoramic view of Xiamen Bay. The quiet alleys, blooming bougainvillea, and the sound of piano music floating in the air make the island a romantic and artistic paradise.

2.Xiamen University

Hailed as one of China’s most beautiful universities, founded by the overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee in 1921. The campus blends southern Chinese garden landscapes with western-style architectural elements. Landmarks include the Roman-style Jiannan Auditorium, the red-bricked Xiang’an Building, and the lake with blooming lotus flowers. Adjacent to Nanputuo Temple and the sea, the university not only has a beautiful environment but also has a profound cultural heritage, nurturing generations of talents.

3.Nanputuo Temple

A renowned Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,000 years, located at the foot of Wulaofeng Mountain and facing the sea. It is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, and its main buildings include the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, and the Dharma Hall, with magnificent structures and exquisite carvings. The temple is famous for its vegetarian food and the annual Guanyin Birthday celebration, which attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists. Climbing the stone steps behind the temple, you can reach the top of Wulaofeng Mountain and enjoy the view of Xiamen University and the sea.

4.Jimei School Village

A large-scale educational complex built by Tan Kah Kee, integrating kindergarten, primary school, middle school, and university. It features a unique architectural style combining Chinese and Western elements, with red-brick buildings, green tiles, and tall archways. The key attractions include the Jimei Aoyuan, the 鳌园，which houses Tan Kah Kee’s mausoleum and numerous stone carvings recording Chinese history and culture, and the Yanping Tower, offering a panoramic view of the school village and the sea. It is not only an educational base but also a cultural scenic spot full of patriotic feelings.

5.Xiamen Botanical Garden

A large-scale botanical garden covering an area of over 4,000 mu, known for its diverse plant species and unique landscapes. The most famous attractions are the Cactus Garden, with giant cacti and succulents from all over the world, creating an exotic desert landscape, and the Rainforest World, where artificial mist creates a fairy-tale-like atmosphere in the morning. The garden also has themed areas such as the Orchid Garden, the Palm Garden, and the Bamboo Garden, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

6.Huandao Road & Hulishan Fortress

Huandao Road is a beautiful coastal highway encircling Xiamen Island, with blue sea, golden beaches, and green trees on both sides, being an ideal place for cycling and sightseeing. Along the road is the Hulishan Fortress, a coastal defense fortress built in the late Qing Dynasty, equipped with the world’s largest coastal defense cannon preserved intact. The cannon has a long range and exquisite craftsmanship, witnessing China’s coastal defense history. The fortress also has a museum displaying cultural relics related to coastal defense.

7.Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

The most prosperous commercial street in Xiamen, featuring a large number of Minnan-style arcaded buildings built in the early 20th century. The street is lined with various shops, including time-honored brands, fashion boutiques, and snack stalls. You can taste authentic Xiamen snacks such as oyster omelets, peanut soup, and fish balls here. The night view of the pedestrian street is very beautiful, with neon lights and red lanterns creating a lively atmosphere.