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.

Experience beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs and idyllic valleys on the Kalalau trail, an 11-mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Nāpali Coast. Bring some snacks, water and take a seat and just take in the amazing scenery.

This small local military museum is a great place to visit to get some knowledge of the military history of the island of Bornholm. Here you can explore military equipment from the past 500 years, uniforms, weapons, remains of a V1 flying bomb, which are all housed in unique historical buildings. On the courtyard you will even find a tank. There are guided tours of the exhibitions. When you are here why not visit the impressive tower called Kastelstårnet, located near the Museum of Defence, a bit south of the old part of Rønne.