1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour

Xiamen , China

1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour

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About this experience

Visit highlights of Xiamen including the Gulangyu island,South putuo temple and Hulishan battery scenic spot with this private day tour from Xiamen.

You will be picked up and dropped off from your Xiamen hotel.

Available options

1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

The private car & private guide

The entrance ticket and shuttle bus

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

In the morning, our tour guide and the driver will pick you up from your hotel at about 09:00. We will transfer you to a ferry for the 10-minute boat trip to Gulangyu Island to start this private Xiamen day tour.

Stop 2

The first stop is Shuzhuang Garden in the southern part of the island. With an ingenious layout designed around the natural terrain, the park includes two parts: the Garden of Hiding the Sea (Canghaiyuan) and the Garden of Making-Up Hills (Bushanyuan). Then, you will be guided to the Piano Museum, which houses a large assortment of historic and modern fine pianos from the collection of Hu Youyi.
Gulangyu Island attracts a lot of tourists for its pleasant climate and picturesque views. Seen from a distance, it is like an enchanting garden floating on the sea. Roaming leisurely about the island, you will be amazed by buildings constructed in the Chinese as well as foreign styles, blooming flowers and lush trees, plus the fascinating coastline scenery. As a private garden once, the villa-style Shuzhuang Garden on the island owns many beautiful buildings such as pavilions and houses. In the Piano Museum within Shuzhuang Garden, visitors can also have a nice glimpse of the history of this musical instrument.

Stop 3

After lunch, your Xiamen day trip will be extended to the South Putuo Temple, a temple well-known throughout China and the location of the Buddhist College of Minnan.
The South Putuo Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple originally built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). With large and imposing scale, it is composed primarily of four buildings: Devajara Hall, Mahavira Hall, Dabei Hall and the scripture library. If you are interested in Buddhist culture, you won't be disappointed admiring the sacred Buddhist statues and treasures inside the temple.

After that, our guide will accompany you to the Hulishan Battery Scenic Spot which was a military outpost constructed during the latter part of the Qing dynasty. Today it features cannonry from the Qing dynasties. If time permits, you'll be able to walk along the Island Ring Road to view the spectacular seascape and man-made scenery.

At the end, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Xiamen.

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

About Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city known for its beautiful islands, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as the 'Garden on the Sea,' it offers a blend of modern urban life and traditional charm, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Gulangyu Island

Gulangyu Island is a car-free island known for its colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and rich history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Historical/Cultural/Beach Half day to full day Free (entry to the island), attractions may have separate fees

Nanputuo Temple

Nanputuo Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. It is a significant cultural and religious site.

Religious/Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Zeng Cuo An (Zeng's Ancient Residence)

Zeng Cuo An is a well-preserved ancient residence showcasing traditional Fujian architecture and the lifestyle of the wealthy merchant class during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours 30 RMB

Xiamen University

Xiamen University is one of the most prestigious universities in China, known for its beautiful campus and rich academic heritage. The campus is a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning architecture and scenic views.

Cultural/Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Hulishan Fortress

Hulishan Fortress is a historic military fort built during the Ming Dynasty to defend against pirates. It offers a glimpse into Xiamen's military history and provides stunning views of the coast.

Historical/Military 2-3 hours 30 RMB

Must-Try Local Dishes

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

A luxurious seafood stew made with various ingredients like abalone, shark fin, and mushrooms, slow-cooked for hours to create a rich and flavorful broth.

Dinner Contains seafood and meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Oyster Omelette

A popular street food made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a starchy broth, cooked to a crispy texture.

Snack Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

E-Fu Noodles

A traditional Fujian noodle dish made with thick, chewy noodles, topped with a rich, savory sauce and various ingredients like pork, shrimp, and vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request.

Litchi

A sweet, juicy fruit native to Fujian, often enjoyed fresh or in various desserts and beverages.

Dessert/Drink Naturally sweet, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Wuyi Mountain Kayaking and water sports in Gulangyu Island Exploring the Tulou of Fujian Tea tasting at local tea houses Strolling along the coastal promenade Enjoying a spa or massage treatment Visiting historic sites and temples Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Fujianese (Hokkien), English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Xiamen is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is essential to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi to avoid overcharging and ensure a safe and reliable ride.
• Be cautious when shopping for souvenirs and local crafts, and only purchase from reputable vendors to avoid fake or counterfeit goods.

Getting there

By air

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Xiamen Railway Station, Xiamen North Railway Station

By bus

Xiamen North Bus Station, Xiamen South Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of multiple lines connecting key areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Siming District Huli District Gulangyu Island Jimei District

Day trips

Tulou of Fujian

100-150 km from Xiamen • Full day

The Tulou are ancient earthen buildings unique to Fujian Province, known for their circular or rectangular shape and fortified design. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.

Wuyi Mountain

200 km from Xiamen • Full day to overnight

Wuyi Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It is a popular destination for hiking, nature walks, and scenic photography.

Quanzhou

100 km from Xiamen • Full day

Quanzhou is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture, and maritime history. It is a popular destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

Festivals

Xiamen International Music Festival • November Xiamen International Marathon • January Chinese New Year • January or February (lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or Fujianese to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions to discover hidden gems and unique experiences.
Try local street food and snacks, such as oyster omelettes, shrimp rolls, and grilled seafood, for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Visit during the off-peak season, such as January to February or June to September, to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and attractions.
Use public transportation, such as buses and metro, to get around the city and reduce your carbon footprint.