Xiamen, the beautiful seaside city, has so many places to visit.
Let’s explore the 18 Xiamen attractions and feel the charm of this city!
NO.1 Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island, Xiamen’s top scenic spot, is located in the southwest of Xiamen Island, opposite to Xiamen Island across the sea.
Formerly known as Yuanshazhou and Yuanshouzai, the island is home to a wide variety of Chinese and foreign buildings, and is known as the “Expo of Architecture of All Nations”.
In July 2017, Gulangyu Island successfully bid for the heritage, becoming China’s 52nd World Heritage Site.
NO.2 Kaiyuan Road
Kaiyuan Road, Xiamen’s first road, was once very prosperous.
Later, with the rise of Zhongshan Road, it was gradually replaced as the city center.
In 1966, it was renamed Jiefang Road, but in 1979 it was restored to its original name, Kaiyuan Road.
NO.3 Xinjie Chapel
Xinjie Chapel, located at No. 29 Taiguang Street in Siming District, is also known as the First Chinese Holy Church.
It was built in 1848 and is the earliest chapel in Xiamen.
NO.4 Huli Mountain Fortress
Huli Mountain Fortress, the best-preserved fortress in Xiamen, is situated on the southeast promontory of Xiamen Island, close to Xiamen University and surrounded by the sea on three sides.
It is a national cultural relics protection unit and a 4A-level tourist attraction.
The structure of the fortress is a blend of European style and the architectural features of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties, and has been historically known as “the gateway to Fujian and the key to the south of the country”.
NO.5 Xiamen University
Xiamen University, known as the most beautiful university in Xiamen, is also famous in the country.
Founded in 1921 by Mr. Chen Jiageng, a patriotic overseas Chinese leader, Xiamen University is the first university founded by an overseas Chinese in the history of modern education in China.
It is close to Nanputuo Temple on one side and the waterfront of Round Island Road on the other side, and boasts beautiful scenery such as Furong Lake, Siyuan Valley and Furong Tunnel.
NO.6 Shapaowei
Shapaowei, the trendiest old town of Xiamen, is the origin of Xiamen Harbor and has been used as a sheltered harbor since the Qing Dynasty.
Adjacent to Nanputuo Temple and Xiamen University, the early Xiamen Harbor was a curved bay with sandy beaches, hence the name “Jade Sandy Slope”.
Nowadays, Shapaowei has become a gathering place for Xiamen’s literary and fashion industry, attracting many young people.
NO.7 Zengcuo Aun
Zengcuo Aun, Xiamen’s most artistic fishing village, used to be just a small fishing village, but now it has become a must-see attraction for tourists in Xiamen.
It is now a must-see destination for visitors to Xiamen. It offers a wide range of food, lodgings, bookstores, individual stores and beaches.
NO.8 Zhongshan Road
Zhongshan Road, Xiamen’s busiest commercial pedestrian street, is about 1.2 kilometers long.
The street is lined with Southeast Asian-style riding buildings. It is the birthplace of Xiamen’s commerce and still maintains its prosperity.
NO.9 Bashi
Bashi, the most popular food market in Xiamen.
The street is lined with three- and four-storey high-rise buildings, and vendors line both sides of the street selling seafood, vegetables, fruits, etc. The market is famous for its fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits.
It is famous for its fresh seafood, and many restaurants and hotels come here for purchases.
NO.10 Xiamen International Center
Xiamen International Center, the tallest building in Xiamen, is located on Lujiang Road, across the sea from Gulangyu Island.
With a building height of 339.88 meters, it is currently the tallest building in Fujian.
NO.11 Culture and Art Center
Culture and Art Center, Xiamen’s largest cultural facilities project, including libraries, museums, art museums, science and technology museums and other main buildings, as well as supporting plazas, cinema city, performing arts centers and so on.
It is a large-scale public facility complex integrating culture, tourism and leisure.
NO.12 Yunding Mountain
Yunding Mountain, the highest mountain in Xiamen, is 1175.2 meters above sea level.
The top of the mountain is often surrounded by clouds, hence its name.
From the end of March to the beginning of April every year, the azaleas on the mountain are in full bloom, which is a good place for trekking.
NO.13 Railway Culture Park
Railroad Culture Park, the longest park in Xiamen, extends along a section of old abandoned railroad, with a total length of 4.5 kilometers.
The park maintains a good vegetation landscape and also contains a deep historical and cultural heritage.
NO.14 Xiamen Botanical Garden
Xiamen Botanical Garden, an elaborate garden designed around the Wanshiyan Reservoir, is backed by Wulaofeng Nanputuo and close to the Zhongshan Road business district.
The rainforest area and sandy plant area in the garden are especially popular among tourists and have become a Netflix snagging spot.
NO.15 Xiamen Round Island Road
Xiamen Round Island Road is known as the most beautiful marathon course.
It is built by the sea, and the curve of the road extends with the coastline, linking up a number of attractions along the way, forming a colorful seaside tourism belt.
NO.16 Air Bike Path
The longest aerial bicycle path in Xiamen is about 7.6 kilometers long.
Along the way, it passes through a number of commercial districts, parks and neighborhoods, providing a convenient cycling experience for citizens and tourists.
NO.17 Henglin Bay Sea Bicycle Path
Xinglin Bay Sea Bike Path, the only sea bike path in Xiamen, is 2.6 kilometers long.
It is located near the Crystal Lake County neighborhood and is part of the waterfront recreation belt, providing visitors with a unique cycling experience.
NO.18 Weird Slope
Weird Slope, the strangest place in Xiamen.
It is located on Wenzeng Road leading to the Half Ridge Palace, and is a section of road that appears to be uphill but is actually downhill.
This visual illusion is caused by the surrounding reference.
Xiamen, a city full of charm, is not only rich in history and culture and unique natural scenery, but also has so many attractions worth visiting.
From the universal architecture of Gulangyu Island to the literary fishing village of Zengcuo Aun, from the bustling commerce of Zhongshan Road to the beautiful seascape of the Round Island Road, every attraction is unforgettable.
If you are planning to visit Xiamen, then this guide of 18 stunning attractions is not to be missed. Come to Xiamen and experience the unique charm of this city!