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.

Chiesa de San Fransesco is an enchanting, lovingly restored 14th-century church with a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and late Renaissance styles. It also provides a tranquil cloister where summer concerts are held.

At the Nordvegen History Centre and Viking Settlement you can be a viking for a day. This authentic Viking Village and the History Centre at Avaldsnes give you the opportunity to see and feel the life of the Scandinavian Vikings that lived here a thousand years ago.