Gulangyu Island, just a quick five-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, is a living museum of 19th-century trade and culture. Once a hub for merchants and diplomats, it became home to grand mansions built by Chinese and foreign traders taking advantage of Xiamen’s open port status. The island’s car-free streets are a joy to wander, weaving through colonial-style villas, leafy gardens, and striking architecture that blends European and Chinese influences. Ferries can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking your ticket two to three days in advance is a smart move. Once you’re there, take your time exploring the quieter corners, enjoying the local seafood, or visiting attractions like the Piano Museum or Sunlight Rock for panoramic views.

A hot mineral soaking pool is just one of the many amenities on the site of the natural Avila Hot Springs. Camping and other lodging, as well as a heated pool, showers, and an arcade are also available. The Springs themselves have a history that's over a century old.

Located in the Northeastern part of the city, the Muslim quarter will strike you as it is a lot busier than the adjacent Jewish one. Men smoke nargile inside the cafés while children play in the streets. The roads are lined with stands, and vendors loudly present their products. In the northern part, you will find the beautiful Damascus Gate. Built by Suleiman the Magnificent, it has triangular spires at the top, which gives it a resemblance to a crown.

The site of the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse, which has undergone a number of renovations since 1995, is a park open to the public. The Lighthouse is home to numerous opportunities for exploration. For those seeking an educational experience, there are historical tours of the lighthouse itself, and for those seeking to indulge in the outdoors, there are beach coast trails.