Xiamen Attractions

Across the Lujiang Channel, a 10-minute ferry ride from Xiamen is Gulangyu, a 1.78km² island. Gulangyu and Xiamen was once the habitat of a species of heron called egrets, today these gorgeous birds are a protected species. Some egrets can still be seen lounging around the beaches and waters.

Although the island became home to a non-native and unwelcome species when it officially became a foreign concession in 1903, foreign settlement had already begun much earlier when Xiamen became a treaty port in the 19th century. The foreigners, who settled here, like in all concession areas, built the island in their own image. The island is an architectural museum of

Victorian and Neo-Classical colonial buildings – churches, villas and Christian cemeteries all lend to a Mediterranean feel. A ban on vehicles and bicycles and their accompanying horns helps maintain its quaint colonial charm and your peace of mind. For people dazed by horns, noise and pollution in big cities, this should be your first stop.

The 93mhigh Sunlight Rock, the highest point of this island, is the dominating landmark making it a useful reference when strolling through the twisting streets. There's also the Koxinga Museum, a tribute to the Ming trader turned patriot. Koxinga was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Chinese father who was a powerful maritime merchant. When the Qing dynasty overthrew the Ming dynasty, Koxinga found himself torn between supporting the Ming resistance or joining his father in support of the Qing forces. Ultimately, he chose to fight the Qing and at the height of his power he was able to resist the Qing forces, but slowly the Qing were able to encroach on his territory, he then moved his base to Taiwan where he evicted the Dutch and ended their 40-year presence on the island. The museum displays artifacts from the era and offers good views of the surrounding area; it's also close to the beach.

Once you enter the island's residential area, you'll begin to hear the soft echo of music. Gulangyu is also called "Piano Island" by locals, piano music drifts from the villas and lingers throughout the island's narrow streets, many a famous Chinese musician hail from Xiamen; perhaps the calm breeze from the ocean and the languid pace of life is conducive to musical genius. Every May there's an international music festival, and piano competitions and music festivals are also frequently held. On Huangyan Lu, on the way to Sunlight Rock, there's a concert hall where classical concerts are regularly held on weekends. Along Gangzaihou Beach is Shuzhuang Garden, where Asia's largest piano museum is located. There are also a couple of churches on Gulangyu, with the Trinity Church on Anhai Lu being the largest. At night you can sometimes hear the choir singing hymns.

Back in Xiamen, the Nanputuo Temple is a major destinationfor Buddhists. Situated at the foot of the Five Old Men Peak and next to Xiamen University, this peaceful temple is over 1,000years old and is Xiamen's oldest sight. Lookfor the character, which meansBuddha in Chinese, carved into a rock, at4.6mit's hard to miss.

Next to Nanputuo Temple is Xiamen University, founded in 1921 by the wealthy Chen Jiageng, known as Tan Kah-kee in the local dialect, who made his fortune in Singapore. Chen's philanthropy was widespread, sponsoring many schools in his native Jimei, just east of Xiamen. The architecture of Xiamen University is a blend of Minnan and western styles and the art college houses the Chinese European Art Center, where exhibitions of modern art by Chinese and European artists are regularly held.

On the southeast end of the campus and next to the beach is the Hulishan Cannon Fort where the biggest ancient cannon in Asia is on display. North of the university is the Ten Thousand Rock Botanical Garden which is full of subtropical plants and rocks of whimsical shapes.

Starting from the Baicheng Beach next to Xiamen University is the scenic Island Ring Road. Rent a bicycle and tour along the most beautiful beach in Xiamen and you'll pass by strawberry fields, and be bathed in the soft sea breeze. If you're tired, sit down and grab some barbeque in Huangcuo or Ye Fengzhai and watch the kites sail through the cloudless sky while listening to the waves lap onto the sandy beach.

Water lovers should head for Dongshan Island, a 4-hour bus ride from the Wucun bus station. Clean and clear beaches, swimming, water-skiing and windsurfing await.