Haiwan Park is a perfect spot for an evening stroll by the beach, especially as the sun dips below the horizon. The park’s LED-lit pathways create a unique atmosphere after dark, and the open amusement park installations add a playful charm. As the night unfolds, the surrounding restaurants and bars come alive, drawing in locals and travellers alike with their lively ambience and variety of food and drink options.

South Putuo Temple is a cornerstone of Xiamen’s Buddhist heritage, with its origins tracing back to the Tang dynasty. Set against the lush backdrop of Wulao Mountain, it’s a place where history and nature intertwine. The temple’s pavilions and halls are steeped in tradition, while stone carvings scattered around the grounds reflect centuries of artistry and devotion.

Beamish Museum, a pioneer of living museums, invites visitors to touch objects, embodying the practice of interactive exhibits. It showcases everyday life in North East England during the peak of industrialisation in the early 1900s. Explore a recreated town with shops, houses, a pub, offices, and a sweets factory, all brought to life by costumed staff and set amidst countryside influenced by the industrial revolution from 1825.

If you could draw an almost perfect Robinson Crusoe style beach, Dolly would definitely be a contender. Natural food supplies, shelter, and a source of fresh water would keep most castaways happy, and this beach has been known to do just that. As you arrive, especially if you are the first person of the day, you may be drawn to the turtle tracks in the sand. You can follow them until you find the signs of a nest. Both hawksbill and green turtles have been spotted. At the northern end of the beach, the hills are marked by fantastic rock formations with plenty of resident seabirds. More interesting, though, are the sea-level rock pools. Waves crash over the golden-toned, stony reef edges, which doesn't discourage marine life. Red algae and small hard corals paint different colours across the surfaces, while small fish dart about between the pools. Tiny moray eels hunt in ankle-deep water, and if you stay still they will swim up to you. The opposing end of the beach has slightly deeper pools to explore. Depending on the tides, these allow safe, shallow swimming. Going over the rocks to the sea isn't advised, as currents can be strong.