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.

The Audubon Aquarium is adjacent to the French Quarter, right on the Mississippi River, which adds to the Aquarium's intrinsically inspiring aura. It displays, among other things, a vibrant world of Caribbean coral reef with a walk-through tunnel, sea otters and penguins engaging in play, and a 400,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit which allows you to visit the gigantic sharks, tarpon, and rays. Guests are even encouraged to feed the parakeets, and get up close and personal with a sting ray.

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.