National 5A and 4A Rated Tourist Attractions

Gulangyu

30 minutes car ride and 10 minute ferry
Gulangyu is probably the most popular and famous destination in Xiamen City. It is situated opposite Xiamen Island with an area of 1.78 square kilometers. It was once a foreign enclave with consulates and luxurious homes. A ten-minute boat trip (from Lundu Ferry) takes you to Gulangyu. No buses, cars or other vehicles are allowed on the island, so be prepared to do some walking. There are some 20,000 permanent residents on the island and it is a world of sea breezes, sunshine and European architecture. The best way to explore Gulangyu is to wander along the street to visit Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Park and Xiamen Seaworld.

Riyuegu Hotsprings Resort

Wanshi Botanical Gardens

40 minutes drive
The 4.93 square kilometer Wanshi Botanical Gardens was built in 1960. There are now more than 5000 species of tropical and sub tropical plants kept in 29 different gardens. The area is beautifully appointed with lakes and mountains, caves and egg-shaped granite rocks, which blend in harmony with the landscape of the gardens.

Other Popular Tourist Attractions

Haicang Qingjiao Ciji Palace

15 minutes drive
Ciji Palace is located at Dongming Mountain in Haicang District. Built in South Song Dynasty, this palace has a long history and is still the location where many locals come pay their respects to famed doctor from the Song Dynasty, Wu Zhenren 979-1036 AD. In fact, legend has it that Wu Zhenren had used the Hotsprings water flowing from where Riyuegu Hotsprings Resort now stands to cure illnesses.

Tianzu Mountains

2 minutes walk
Tianzu Mountains is located at the doorstep of Riyuegu Hotsprings Resort. Famous for its beauty, the mountains has many peaks at 700 to 900 meters above sea level and occupies an area of over 30 square kilometers. Great for a hike around its unspoilt ancient forests and lakes.

Hulishan Fortress

35 minutes drive
The Hulishan Fortress lies on the south of Xiamen Island. Hulishan Fortress was an important defensive factor during the war against Japanese aggression in 1900 and 1937. This fortress was constructed in 1890 and consists of barracks, a tunnel, a magazine and other fortified buildings, all surrounded by a granite wall. Numerous canons and canon balls are on display. At the exit of the tunnel are the barracks. In the Rongguang Museum, tourists can see ancient firecrackers, guns, swords and unusual natural stones from around the world.

Nanputuo Temple

30 minutes drive
Nanputuo Temple is located at the foot of Wulao Mountain (Five Old Men Mountain) and facing the sea. This Buddhist temple was once called Puzhao Temple (Universal Grace Temple). It was first built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and was later destroyed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). Nanputuo temple covers 30,000 square meters with four main buildings on a north-south axis. They are Devajara Hall, Mahavira Hall, Dabei Hall (Great Compassion Hall) and a Pavilion built in 1936 which stores Buddhist scriptures, Buddha images from Burma, ivory sculptures and other works of art. Many rooms flanking the main buildings are dormitories, libraries and study rooms for monks.

Jimei School Village

20 minutes drive
Jimei School Village is located in 17 kilometers north from the city center off Xiamen Island. Jimei is the hometown of Mr Chen Jiageng (1874-1961), a renowned educator and leader of overseas Chinese. Mr Chen founded an educational institution here in 1913. It houses an impressive range of educational vocations, from primary to higher education and from traditional to vocational schools. Today, Jimei School Village is well known for its academic atmosphere and unique architecture. The buildings are constructed in a unique blend of Western and Chinese architecture, using red brick, white stone, and glazed tiles.

Huandao Road

30 minutes drive
This 30 kilometer long road framing the sea is one of the most scenic roads in Xiamen. The highlight here is at the end of the drive, where you will see 2 billboards facing off between Xiamen Island and Jinmen Island, each relaying an ideology for the unification of the 2 lands.

Main Fujian Attractions

Wuyi Mountain

40 minute flight or 8 hour drive from Xiamen
Wuyi Mountain is located at the junction of Fujian and Jiangxi Provinces, in the northeast of Fujian. A UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with scenic spots and historical sights, Wuyi Mountain attracts streams of visitors annually. Take the river cruise to take in the sensational landscape. Also try famous teas produced in the area.

Hakka Round Earth Houses

3 hour drive
The Hakka Round Earth Houses were built as early as a thousand years ago. Some of the original Hakka people migrated and settled at the sparse Yongding area. In order to protect themselves against bandits and wild beasts, they used local fire-resistive materials to build tall, multi-storey circular earthen buildings where a whole family or clan could live in. These are the round earth houses that we see today.

Meizhou Island

2.5 hour drive
Between Fuzhou and Quanzhou lies Meizhou Island that houses The Temple of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea. There are thousands of temples and millions of worshippers coming to the island annually, especially in Spring to attend a festival held in honor of Mazu.

Golf

Orient Golf Course

10 minutes drive
Orient Golf Course in Haicang District is a 27 hole golf course designed by Ronald Fream. Driving range and night golf is available.

Kaigou Golf Course

30 minutes drive
Kaigou Golf Course in Tong'an District boasts an 18 hole golf course designed by Greg Norman and a driving range.

Shopping

In recent years, Xiamen has seen the completion of many large commercial areas, shopping malls, supermarkets and small stores. The most prosperous stretch attracting most tourists is along Zhong Shan Road and the alleys that spread out from the main road.

On Gulangyu, there is a main commercial street on Longtou Road. It features diverse souvenirs and there are many stores along the street selling calligraphy and paintings. You will also find local produce such as the Xiamen Pie or Peanut Crisp.

SM City Plaza is situated at the junction of Xianyue Road and Jiahe road. It is huge mall and houses a mixture of world famous brands (Wal-mart, Watsons, McDonald's, KFC, etc.) and local brands.

Mingfa Commercial area is a new development at Hubin South Road. It houses Carrefour, the New World Shopping Center and a large number of independent shops.

Shops are generally open everyday of the week from 10am through to 9pm. Hours for street shops may vary.

Food

Xiamen food is mainly South Fujian cuisine combined with Taiwan and Chaoshan flavor. Seafood is particularly abundant and fresh. Many tourists also come to Xiamen to savor local delights, such as, Meat Dumpling（烧肉粽）, Peanut Soup（花生汤）, Sha Cha Noodles （沙茶面）, Oyster Pancake（海蛎煎）, Xiamen Noodle Paste（厦门面线湖）, Xiamen Spring Roll （厦门薄饼）, Sea Worm Jelly （土笋冻）, Xiamen Five Spice Roll （厦门五香卷）

Local Produce

Local Produce may be found at most tourist sites and the airport. Xiamen Pie （厦门馅饼）is famous and comes in a variety of flavors. Vegetarian Cakes from Nanputuo Temple are not to be missed. Tea is a Southern Fujian tradition. They can be found everywhere.