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Xiamen, China’s oldest port city, exudes charm with its European-influenced buildings and long stretches of beach. Explore Fujian’s unique tulou houses or visit Hulishan Fort’s battlements to experience some real Chinese history!
Visit Xiamen during spring or autumn when the temperatures are milder and the city comes alive with fragrant blossoming flowers and colorful leaves.Hanoi to Xiamen flights are available through Cathay Pacific.
1. Visit Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island, situated off Xiamen’s urbanized city center, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of China’s most scenic locales. Famous for its beaches, seafood offerings and lack of auto traffic (cars are banned on Gulangyu), this island paradise attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Once you arrive on this small island, take a stroll and visit some of its most renowned attractions: Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden and Piano Museum are among the island’s most beloved landmarks; both locals and visitors are sure to love these attractions! South Putuo Temple is another must-visit site; also be sure to stop at South Putuo Temple where South Putuo Temple once stood; visit South Putuo Temple as well for religious purposes in general if time allows; don’t miss Memorial Hall of Zheng Chenggong; this legendary war hero drove the Dutch out of Taiwan in 17th Century; its stunning clifftop views of Xiamen from this landmark memorial; along with poetic inscribed rocks below are sure to leave an impression!
Sunlight Rock offers stunning panoramic views over Xiamen, offering visitors an unobstructed 304-foot panorama from its peak. Additionally, visitors can explore a series of natural stone caves and cliffs along this path.
Shuzhuang Garden, an exquisite example of Chinese traditional garden design, can also be found here on the island. Filled with various types of flowers and plants as well as several ancient buildings and structures, it makes an excellent place for relaxation after a busy day of sightseeing.
Piano Museum of Shuzhuang Garden is an iconic attraction situated within an idyllic garden once owned by a celebrated local pianist. Boasting over 30 historic pianos from all over the globe – including one 19th-century Steinway & Sons piano – the museum provides an ideal spot for music and photography enthusiasts.
As an immensely popular destination for both domestic and international tourists alike, Gulangyu Island can become very crowded during weekend and holiday travel periods. To avoid crowds altogether, try scheduling your visit during the week instead. Also make sure that non-Chinese visitors purchase a tour pass from Xiamen International Ferry Port as this ticket allows them to avoid lines while saving time and money by gaining entry directly into popular sites on Gulangyu.
2. Go to Zengcuo’an
Zeng Cuo’an, located on the opposite side of Gulangyu Island, is an ancient town which has managed to preserve its beauty over time. Its streets are lined with shops featuring artistic designs; restaurants, bookstores, cafes and coffee shops can be found within this charming community; bookstores also provide literature as do various bookstores that sell books with interesting covers; bookstores sell used books at bargain prices while cafes, bookstores and coffee shops make this area perfect for exploring for half a day or so. There are numerous boutique hotels and hostels within this town including traditional courtyard styles, Baroque style villas as well as charming fishing style boutiques so if you need accommodation or just want to try the local snacks then Zeng Cuo’an should not disappoint!
Zengcuo’an offers visitors who are interested in Chinese culture and history an ideal excursion destination. The town hosts several temples, such as South Putuo Temple renowned for its statues of Bodhisattva Guanyin; other ancient temples and shrines worth seeing; plus its streets are filled with exotic buildings that make the town itself fascinating!
If you are planning a visit to Zengcuo’an, taking a guided tour is highly recommended. Doing so can save time and effort as it lays out an itinerary specifically designed for you by an established travel agency that provides professional local guides who speak fluent English who know all of the best attractions within its borders.
Asia Odyssey Travel offers flexible tour packages tailored to your needs and budget, making traveling in Xiamen easier. Contacting them now could mean having the trip of a lifetime; experience all that Xiamen and Fujian province have to offer! Don’t delay; book one of their packages today and start experiencing its best attractions!
3. Visit Hulishan Cannon Fort
Hulishan Cannon Fort is one of Xiamen’s best-known historic sites, dating back to its construction during Xiamen’s initial shockwave of Western power in 1894. Comprised of barracks, ammunition depots, castle, and an 18th century Krupp cannon that’s said to be still operational after more than one century of use, Hulishan is said to feature interesting architectural styles from both European and Ming/Qing dynasty designs – making it worth visiting as well.
Visitors to the fort can gain insight into its rich history through various exhibits. One such exhibit, Military Hall, which houses a model of Commander-in-Chief Yang Qizhen’s inspection and battlefield commands is an ideal way to experience what life was like during the Opium War and can even show a 4D movie that puts visitors right into the middle of it all!
Hulishan also features the Rongguang Cultural Relics and Treasure Museum, featuring antique cannons and other fascinating artifacts including one of the world’s smallest cannons–only 11cm long and 0.22kg heavy! Some of Hulishan’s original cannons have also been restored for display at this museum.
Fort Fort is a tourist favorite due to its beach, which offers incredible sunset views. Additionally, there are various interesting restaurants and bars nearby.
Wanshi Botanical Garden in Xiamen offers another wonderful destination on a sunny day: its expansive green space features several rare botanical zones and ancient relics, making it an indispensable stop for both nature enthusiasts and history enthusiasts. Open to visitors all year long with free admission (shuttle bus available daily from 8:30am-5pm), admission fees apply only when entering through one entrance only (for visitors with physical limitations, wheelchair service may also be available).
4. Go Shopping
Xiamen is an incredible shopping paradise for tourists and locals alike. There is something here for every budget, with multiple markets selling everything from traditional souvenirs to modern designer goods lining its streets and city centres – such as Eighth Sea Food Market or Zhongshan Road Shopping Street offering plenty of choice.
Xiamen, located along China’s southeast coast, is one of the country’s premier tour destinations. Offering breathtaking seaside scenery, stunning beaches, famous Tulou buildings and local customs that bring this “garden on the sea”, this vacation spot makes an excellent place for visitors to unwind and take pleasure from their vacation experience.
This coastal city can best be explored on foot or bicycle. Parks provide an ideal place for leisurely strolls while temples and churches add spiritual touch. For some excitement, check out pulsating night clubs, student scene or painters’ area; alternatively you could just lounge on the beach, play golf or try kite surfing!
Xiamen is an innovative city that thrives with creativity, making it no surprise that it is emerging as one of the country’s leading innovation centers. This can be seen in its art galleries and cafes, as well as Cat Street which hosts cat themed restaurants and cafes, complete with its own museum dedicated to meow-inspired art.
Xiamen’s vibrant shopping culture can be traced back to its past as an international trading port. With markets and bazaars selling traditional Chinese souvenirs alongside modern designer fashion and jewellery. There is also an impressive selection of boutiques, department stores and discount factory outlet shops located throughout Xiamen; most major shopping areas can be found along Zhongshan Road from Yingxiu District towards harbour/Ferry Wharf; in addition to smaller markets/bazaars located throughout city limits.
