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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
51842 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 1558 users17633 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Gulangyu, a charming island located in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, is renowned for its unique history and culture, beautiful natural scenery, and rich artistic atmosphere. Known as the "Garden on the Sea," Gulangyu is not only a tourist destination but also a witness to cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world. Here are my thoughts on Gulangyu:
I. Rich Cultural Heritage
Gulangyu was once a significant concession in modern Chinese history. It incorporates architectural styles from Europe, America, Japan, and elsewhere, forming a unique "international architectural complex." Strolling the island, you'll admire diverse architectural styles, including Gothic, Victorian, and Baroque, offering a sense of time travel and a fusion of diverse cultures. Gulangyu is also a renowned music island, nurturing numerous musicians and artists. Its piano shops, concert halls, and music festivals all embody a vibrant artistic atmosphere.
II. Beautiful Natural Landscapes
Gulangyu boasts long beaches, clear waters, and lush vegetation. Attractions such as Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and the Piano Museum are not only culturally valuable but also captivating. Standing atop Sunlight Rock, you can overlook the entire Xiamen Bay and experience the vastness and tranquility of the ocean. The island's coastal trails and beaches are ideal for strolling, relaxing, and connecting with nature.
III. Ecological Protection and Tourism Development
In recent years, Gulangyu has made significant efforts to preserve its historical sites and natural environment. As a national key scenic spot, Gulangyu implements strict conservation measures, restricting vehicle access and promoting green travel. While tourism has brought economic prosperity, it also presents the challenge of striking a balance between conservation and development. The concept of sustainable development is gaining popularity and has become a key direction for Gulangyu's future development.
IV. Cultural Heritage and Innovation
Gulangyu's cultural heritage is reflected not only in its architecture and music, but also in its folk customs, handicrafts, and cuisine. The island boasts numerous unique snacks and handicrafts, showcasing the charm of its local culture. As the times change, Gulangyu continues to innovate, combining traditional culture with modern elements to attract more young people and international tourists.
V. Personal Reflections
I believe that Gulangyu is not only a tourist destination but also a place brimming with cultural and artistic charm. It invites one to slow down and quietly savor the richness of history and the gifts of nature. Here, one can appreciate the fusion of diverse cultures and find peace and inner peace.
In short, Gulangyu is a treasure trove that blends history, culture, nature, and art. Its unique charm attracts visitors from around the world and reminds us to cherish and protect this precious cultural heritage, ensuring that this garden on the sea will forever bloom with its enchanting splendor.
Gulangyu is famous for "the museum of architecture of all countries". Sunlight Rock tops the island overlooking the blue waves. The garden of the Tibetan sea in the garden shows the garden ingenuity. The organ museum houses the largest organ in Asia and the piano museum collects the ancient key piano sounds. Longtou Road Maxi, fish balls full of fireworks, red brick alley and European villa intertwined, the sea breeze at dusk, history and literature are drunk here.
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Xiamen Botanical Garden
4.6
/5
15419 reviews
8.6
From AU$6.40
Based on 249 reviews
Xiamen University Area | 4.1 km from downtown
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 845 users12530 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The botanical gardens are well planned and designed. There's an elevator up the hill from the South Gate, and you can descend toward the West Gate to see various sights. Personally, I didn't find the distinctive succulent area mentioned in the attraction's introduction particularly appealing. Instead, the smaller areas near the West Gate, such as the Fun Zone, were quite picturesque, less crowded, and less exposed to the sun. One begonia area even had air conditioning, a boon for visitors in July and August. Overall, it's worth a visit, but the heat can be a bit unpleasant, and there's a bit of hiking involved. For example, after getting off the elevator, there's still a long uphill climb to the scenic bus station, which was quite tiring. I tried to buy a bottle of water under the third-floor elevator, but the vending machine wasn't working. We tried to get it fixed, but nothing worked.
There are buses that can pick up and drop off people between the various areas, which is convenient. The succulent area is the most worth visiting. The succulent plants inside are large and spectacular, and there are the most tourists. There is also a rainforest area, where there will be spray shows at certain times, which is quite fun.
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Zhonggu Cable Car
4.6
/5
6622 reviews
8.4
From AU$17.07
Based on 14 reviews
Zhongshan Road Area | 3.1 km from downtown
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 916 users5063 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Buy your tickets in advance and manage your time accordingly. Show your phone voucher at the attraction, then queue upstairs to exchange your ticket and board the cable car. While there are more visitors during peak season, the route remains relatively orderly and the pace is not too slow. You can't get off the bus midway, so it's like a circuit, allowing you to see the scenery both ways. The first half of the ascent is deep in the mountains and dense forests, and the wind is strong. The second half is open to the sea and sky, and the wind is less.
The environment is very good and the scenery is beautiful. It takes about 40 minutes to go back and forth. The queue on weekdays is only 10 minutes. You can see the sea and the mountains. It is a highly recommended attraction.
No.
4
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Hulishan Fortress
4.6
/5
14094 reviews
7.8
From AU$5.34
Based on 138 reviews
Xiamen University Area | 5.9 km from downtown
Phone 0592-2088313
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 211 users6750 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
When you go to Xiamen, you must go to Hulishan Fort, which is right next to Xiamen University. There is also a beach. The scenery is very beautiful, and it is not very strenuous to walk around the whole attraction. It is a good place.
This time, I brought my mom and two high school-aged children to Xiamen and specially planned a trip to the Hulishan Fort. The experience exceeded our expectations! The scenic area is free for seniors over 65 and students under 18 (just bring your ID or student ID), saving us a significant amount of money on entrance fees, making it a perfect family trip.
A strong sense of history: The fort is well-preserved, and the Krupp cannons are impressive and impressive. The children were fascinated by the military history, and there were also audio-visual displays that brought the history to life. My mom loved the panoramic sea view from the fort's perch, which made for stunning photos. She even asked the scenic area photographer to take a photo of her, which she was delighted with.
Experience: The area wasn't crowded, making it a pleasant stroll. The route within the scenic area is clear, with signage, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. Conveniently located near Xiamen University, you can also visit the university or Baicheng Beach after visiting the fort, making it a very flexible itinerary.
No.
5
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Xiamen Science & Technology Museum
4.7
/5
10430 reviews
7.6
From AU$29.87
Based on 14 reviews
SM City Square Area | 2.3 km from downtown
Phone 0592-5147666
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 422 users6912 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
It's worth a visit, especially with kids; you can spend a whole day there. It's divided into the main exhibition hall, the children's hall, and the whale hall. There are many interactive areas, but there are queues at many places. The whale hall is like an ocean museum, and the children's hall has a children's playground where you can play for a long time.
The venue layout is quite unique, with a wide variety of science and technology activities. However, there were too many children, and without parental supervision, who treated the science and technology activities as playful activities, which made the experience somewhat less enjoyable. The Whale Pavilion is completely unworthy of the 80 yuan entrance fee. It's just an ordinary oceanarium in another city, with a lack of variety and a small venue. It feels like it's not worth the price. Ctrip doesn't offer tickets for the main pavilion, so I recommend buying them on site instead of buying a package.
No.
6
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Xiamen University
4.6
/5
13983 reviews
7.6
Based on 1,274 reviews
Xiamen University Area | 5.1 km from downtown
Phone 0592 218 0000
Address: No. 422 Siming South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.3 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Xiamen
Highlights:
Campus sunset & island pavilion
Campus with sea & mountain, mixed styles
Saved by 421 users3296 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
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".
Xiamen University, known as one of the "most beautiful universities in China", is an institution of higher learning with both natural scenery and cultural heritage. Walking around the campus, the unique architectural style of Jiageng, the simple and elegant buildings that combine Chinese and Western styles, the red tiles and eaves of the Qunxian Building, and the lush green plants complement each other, telling the heavy history of the school for a hundred years. In the Furong Tunnel, a series of graffiti full of creativity and youthfulness show the students' wonderful ideas and become a vivid landscape on campus.
Furong Lake is rippling with blue waves, and black swans are swimming leisurely, adding agile beauty to the campus; Lover's Valley is shaded by trees and gurgling streams, which is a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. There are not only intoxicating beautiful scenery here, but also a strong academic atmosphere. The library is full of books, the classrooms are full of ideas, and the students are thirsty for knowledge, which demonstrates the school motto of Xiamen University "Self-improvement and Perfection". Xiamen University is not only a temple of knowledge, but also a place where people's souls are nourished and enlightened. Whenever you visit, you can feel its unique charm and vitality.
No.
7
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Lujiang Night Cruise
4.3
/5
4242 reviews
7.4
From AU$25.39
Zhongshan Road Area | 3.5 km from downtown
Phone 0592-3372020
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 578 users2091 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
This Lujiang night cruise was absolutely worth it! I went with a friend, and we had a blast on the boat. The boat has three decks, and we explored each one. The first floor has a restaurant offering a variety of delicious dishes; the second floor has a lounge area where you can sit and chat; and the third floor is an open-air deck, the perfect spot for enjoying the night view. As we sailed along the river, we saw so many beautiful sights: the nightscape of Gulangyu Island, the lights of the Yanwu Bridge, and the majestic Haicang Bridge—each one of them was breathtaking.
The night cruise on the Xiamen ferry was a truly enjoyable experience! The gentle evening breeze was incredibly comfortable, the lights of Gulangyu Island shone like an overturned Milky Way, and the warm glow of the buildings along the shore created a truly atmospheric atmosphere. You could even stumble upon a light show, enjoying the scenery and chatting in the breeze – it was truly relaxing!
No.
8
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South Putuo Temple
4.6
/5
5323 reviews
7.2
Based on 790 reviews
Xiamen University Area | 4.3 km from downtown
Phone 0592-2086586
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 620 users903 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
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.
Cleansing of the soul, feeling relaxed and happy, letting go, seeing through, being at ease, saving oneself, purifying the soul, one flower one world, one leaf one bodhi, all living beings, Buddha's light shines upon all, the world is full of wonders, worrying about gains and losses, only my Buddha is merciful, saving all living beings
No.
9
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Xiamen Fantawild Dreamland
4.8
/5
8903 reviews
7.0
From AU$46.93
Based on 2 reviews
23.6 km from downtown
Phone 400-166-0006
Address: No.1111, Shijie South Road, Tong'an District, Xiamen City (near Zhongzhou Bridge)
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
Highlights:
Many themed zones & performances
Sci-fi & interactive experiences
Saved by 502 users6054 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
1️⃣ Soar over the limit and see the world's landmarks in 8 minutes! It's an immersive experience, and aside from the long lines, there's really no downside. It's also Fantawild's most popular attraction (Disney's similar attraction, Soar Over the Horizon, can have 2-3 hour lines, which is frustrating). 2️⃣ Qinling Adventure 🗿 3️⃣ Magic Castle 🏰 Both are adventure-themed! They combine 3D cinema with VR, but the themes are different. I prefer the Magic Castle 🪄, which has a roller coaster feel 🎢 and is worth a second visit. 4️⃣ Escape from Dinosaur Island 🦕 You'll get soaked! Buy a raincoat! Wearing one got half soaked, but without it, you'll get completely soaked. Attention photo-lovers 📷 ⚠️ Try this after you've completed most of the other attractions! 5️⃣ Tanggula Snow Mountain 🏔️ Fast, but not exactly weightless. I prepared myself for the ride, but after getting off, I realized it was just soso. Haha. Similar to Disney's Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the Big Pendulum, the Eye of the Storm, the Polar Express, and the UFO, they're all quite thrilling! 🎢 If you're not afraid of heights and love a challenge, go for it! As a timid person, I was only fit to listen to the screams from below. 🤣 6️⃣ The Battle of Jinshan Temple: The classic scene from the Legend of the White Snake, where the water flooded the Jinshan Temple, was quite impressive and worth seeing. 7️⃣ The Fantasy Stories from a Chinese Studio was a little boring. I recommend taking a break from the air conditioning after a few minutes of fun.
The one-to-one reproduction of Bald Qiang's home in Bear Bear Park is really well restored. There is also a cinema, bowling, and rock climbing. The Flight Over the Limit opposite Bear Bear Park is like sitting on an airplane to watch the beautiful mountains and rivers of the motherland. The Magic Castle is also very good.
No.
10
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Huandao Road
4.7
/5
6901 reviews
7.0
Xiamen University Area | 5.2 km from downtown
Address: Siming District, Xiamen City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-5 hours
Highlights:
Leisurely bike ride past landmarks
Coastal walk with blue sea & golden sands
Saved by 513 users1378 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
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.
When you come to Xiamen, the Ring Road is a must-go place! That day, I couldn't wait to rent a bicycle and ride along the coastline. The sea breeze blew gently on my face, which was super comfortable! Along the way, the sound of the waves accompanied me all the time, and I felt relaxed.
The scenery of the Ring Road is super beautiful, with the blue sea on one side and the tree-lined coast on the other. There are a lot of people at Baicheng Beach, and the beach is soft and fine, which is very comfortable to step on. I also took a lot of photos there as a souvenir.
Then I rode forward and arrived at the Hulishan Fort. The fort there is very spectacular. Although it is a bit old, you can feel the weight of history. I also climbed up and looked at it, imagining the scene of the year, which was quite shocking.
What I remember most is the sunset on the Ring Road. I found a place by the sea and watched the sun slowly set quietly. The sky was dyed orange and pink, and golden light appeared on the sea. At that moment, time seemed to stand still, and all troubles disappeared.
The Ring Island Road is so beautiful! Next time I come to Xiamen, I will ride it again to enjoy the romance of the sea.
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