Xiamen

This is where the 19th-century traders from foreign countries and China itself built their mansions, stemming from the freedom given to Xiamen to allow foreign trade through its port. It takes only about five minutes with a ferry from Xiamen to reach the island. It is recommended to purchase the ferry ticket 2-3 days in advance.

When on Gulangyu Island, pay a visit to the western side. Here, you will find the best beach in the area. Gulangyu Beach is joined with Huamei Beach and both know to be the cleanest beach in Xiamen and is the ideal spot for an afternoon walk and enjoy the view of the sunset.

The South Putuo Buddhist Monastery is one of the most prosperous temples founded during the Tang dynasty and located south of Mount Putuo. Behind the temple lies the Wulao Mountain, one of the eight most famous sites of the city. There are a lot of historical stone carving pieces dedicated to the temple spread out around the area.

This "green museum" is a park of winding paths and over 5,000 species of tropical plants in a beautiful natural landscape. If you want to take a break from the vibrant, but sometimes exhausting city life, spend an afternoon in the Botanical Garden and you surely won't regret it.

Get an amazing 360-degree view over Gulangyu and even the whole city by climbing on top of the small Riguang Mountain where there is a lookout tower. This is a tranquil spot particularly in the late afternoon but it can get quite crowded. Don´t forget the camera, here you will for sure get some nice photos.

Take a nice evening walk at the beach at the Haiwan park and catch the beautiful sunset. The park is also famous for its LED light pavement and open amusement park equipment. The place is surrounded by restaurants and bars that burst into life in the evenings, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat or drink. Very romantic place to bring loved ones.

Zeng Cuo An is known to be the artsiest fishing village of China. This is the place where modern meets traditional, which shines through in its array of interesting independent shops. There is also a fusion of architectural styles: you can find traditional courtyard houses, wooden fishing houses as well as Baroque mansions. When night falls, the village comes alive as countless bars open doors to welcome patrons.

This Buddhist temple complex on southern Xiamen is a major religious landmark among the Fujianese. Destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries, the South Putuo Temple is today a gathering point for both Buddhist monks and pilgrims from all over the country. Do not miss its vegetarian restaurant with food crafted by local monks.