Cultural & Historical Destinations in Xiamen, China

1. Gulangyu Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's a car-free island filled with colonial architecture, old houses, and historic sites.

Historical Architecture: Features well-preserved buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Music Culture: Known as the 'Island of Music', it hosts an annual piano festival and various music performances.
Natural Beauty: Offers beautiful landscapes, gardens, and beaches that make for a serene getaway.

A well-preserved coastal fort built during the Qing dynasty to protect against foreign invasions.

Military History: Provides insights into China's maritime defense strategies of the past.
Architectural Design: Features a unique star-shaped design, common in coastal fortifications during that era.
Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning ocean views and serves as a popular spot for photography.

A renowned institution founded by Taiwanese business tycoon Tan Kah Kee in 1921, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles.

Architectural Mix: Combines traditional Chinese architecture with modern Western design elements.
Historical Significance: Founded by a prominent figure in modern Chinese history, Tan Kah Kee.
Academic Excellence: Consistently ranked as one of China's top universities.

An ancient Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Historical Significance: One of the oldest temples in Xiamen, with a history spanning over a thousand years.
Religious Importance: Serves as a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Architectural Wonders: Features intricate carvings, statues, and architectural styles unique to Buddhist temples.

An underground museum located within the Hulishan Fortress, showcasing Xiamen's naval history.

Naval History: Explores the naval defense strategies and history of Xiamen during the Qing dynasty.
Architectural Uniqueness: The only underground museum in Xiamen, offering a unique exploration experience.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that help visitors understand the history better.

An early Christian school founded by Catholic missionaries in 1879, known for its beautiful architecture.

Architectural Beauty: Features Gothic Revival architecture and lush gardens.
Religious History: Serves as a testament to the influence of Christianity in Xiamen's history.
Educational Legacy: Continues to function as a school, preserving its legacy and mission.

A museum dedicated to the history of Taiwanese immigrants in Xiamen.

Immigration History: Explores the historical and cultural impact of Taiwanese immigration on Xiamen.
Community Identity: Serves as a symbol of pride for the Taiwanese community in Xiamen.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits, including historical artifacts and multimedia presentations.

A historic school founded in 1905 by Chinese educator Tan Sitong, now a museum showcasing the school's history.

Educational History: Played a significant role in China's educational reform during the late Qing and early Republican periods.
Historical Architecture: Features a unique blend of Western and Chinese architectural styles.
Cultural Preservation: Serves as a museum preserving the history and legacy of Nanyang College.

A cluster of circular earth buildings, or tulous, built by the Hakka people for defense and communal living.

Defensive Architecture: Designed to withstand attacks from invaders due to their circular structure.
Cultural Preservation: A UNESCO World Heritage site, these tulous represent the unique Hakka culture and lifestyle.
Rural Scenic Beauty: Located in a beautiful rural area, offering scenic vistas and opportunities for hiking.

An ancient kiln site from the Tang Dynasty, where some of China's finest ceramics were produced.

Ceramic History: Offers insights into the production techniques and history of ancient Chinese ceramics.
Archaeological Significance: Serves as an important archaeological site, providing valuable information about the Tang Dynasty.
Scenic Beauty: Located in a picturesque valley, offering beautiful landscapes and opportunities for hiking.

A museum dedicated to the history of Chinese tea ware, featuring over 300,000 pieces of tea-related artifacts.

Tea Culture: Offers insights into the rich history and culture of Chinese tea.
Artistic Beauty: Features exquisite examples of Chinese tea ware, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of these artifacts.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits, including demonstrations of traditional tea-making techniques.

A Taoist temple dating back to the Ming Dynasty, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.

Historical Significance: One of the oldest Taoist temples in Xiamen, with a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Architectural Wonders: Features intricate carvings, statues, and architectural styles unique to Taoist temples.
Spiritual Importance: Serves as a significant spiritual site for Taoists in Xiamen.

A historic assembly hall built by the Hokkien people in the late 19th century, showcasing their culture and history.

Cultural Preservation: Serves as a symbol of the rich Hokkien culture and heritage in Xiamen.
Historical Architecture: Features intricate carvings, statues, and architectural styles unique to Hokkien architecture.
Community Gathering Place: Serves as a gathering place for the Hokkien community in Xiamen.

A beautiful garden featuring poems inscribed on rocks and bridges, inspired by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Shi.

Poetic Inspiration: Inspired by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Shi, offering a tranquil and poetic environment.
Garden Beauty: Features beautiful landscapes, bridges, and rock formations that make for a serene getaway.
Historical Connection: Serves as a tribute to one of China's greatest poets, Su Shi, and his work.

A museum dedicated to Xiamen's maritime history, featuring interactive exhibits and ship models.

Maritime History: Explores the maritime history of Xiamen and its importance as a port city.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits, including ship models and multimedia presentations.
Scenic Location: Located by the sea, offering beautiful ocean views.