Sunlight Rock

“If you haven’t climbed Sunlight Rock, you haven’t truly visited Xiamen!” As this popular saying goes, Sunlight Rock is the definitive landmark of Gulangyu Island. 📍 At 92.7 meters above sea level, it is the highest point on Gulangyu. Climb the stone steps one by one, passing through rock caves and ancient stone carvings to reach the summit. A breathtaking 360-degree view of the mountains and sea awaits! ✨ 🏡 Below you lie historic Western-style villas with red-tiled roofs nestled among lush greenery. Across the water, the modern skyline of Xiamen stretches out before you. The contrast between the historic island streets and the ever-growing city is stunning. You can truly feel the unique magic of Gulangyu as you take in the sea breeze. 📖 Here's another interesting fact! This view is famously featured in Chinese geography textbooks. When I visited, I saw people holding up their textbooks to match the scenery, trying to capture the same composition in their photos. “The scene from my textbook is right here in front of me!” That's the kind of wonder only travel can bring! 😊 ✨ Travel Tips & Advice 🌅 ① Best Time to Visit: Head there in the early morning or late afternoon. It’s less crowded, and the soft lighting is perfect for photos. ⚠️ ② Summit Capacity Limits: Only 30 people are allowed at the very top at one time. During peak seasons like summer break, there can be a long queue to reach the peak. It tends to be most crowded around midday, so plan your visit with plenty of time to spare. Timing is key during busy periods! 👟 ③ Wear Comfortable Shoes: The path to the top involves steep stone stairs. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and take your time. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun! 📸 ④ Photo Spot: Be sure to capture the red roofs of Gulangyu against the backdrop of Xiamen’s modern skyscrapers from the summit! ❤️ Don’t miss a trip to the top of Sunlight Rock when you're on Gulangyu Island. The panoramic views of the coast will be an unforgettable highlight of your trip!

Who would have thought! Xiamen really has as many magical photo spots as the mountain city of Chongqing✨ Where mountains meet the sea + a clash of ancient and modern, every snap looks like a movie poster. Here’s a detailed guide to must-visit spots—follow it and get flooded with questions about the location when you post! 📸 12 Must-Shoot Locations (with precise navigation + shooting tips) 1. P1 Moonlight Halo & Xinglin Pavilion | Navigate to Xinglin Bay Crescent Moon Square The blend of ancient and modern architecture in one frame is stunning! The warm evening light on the buildings creates an unbeatable atmosphere. 2. P2 Mountain-Sea Trail Spiral Building | Navigate to Sanguan Dao Yuan (find the entrance nearby) Shooting upward captures the breathtaking “loop” structure. Wearing light-colored clothes makes your photos pop. 3. P3 Chaotian Palace & Big Airplane | Navigate to Minnan Chaotian Palace A plane flying low over ancient architecture creates a dynamic and story-rich scene. Recommended to shoot with a telephoto lens. 4. P4 Twin Towers & Ancient Gate Frame | Navigate to Hongshan Park (5th floor elevator exit) The red wall and ancient gate frame the modern Twin Towers, a timeless clash of tradition and trend—always iconic. 5. P5 Green Wilderness High-Speed Rail | Navigate to the pedestrian bridge near Zhongyi Hospital bus stop The high-speed train running through lush greenery gives a fresh, Japanese-style vibe. Best shot in the morning to avoid crowds. 6. P6 Xiamen’s Version of Penicillin | Navigate to Hongshan Park (walk up from 5th floor) A hidden gem! Shaded by trees along the way, every shot looks like a forest-themed masterpiece. 7. P7 Twin Towers & Tiannan Metropolis | Navigate near Chaotian Palace in Shapowei Old neighborhoods and new landmarks in one frame, evening shots bring out the local life vibe. 8. P8 Ba Market’s Lively Atmosphere | Navigate to rooftop terrace of Jizhi Department Store Overlooking the entire Ba Market, with red-roofed arcade buildings and bustling street life—perfect with a film filter. 9. P9 Ruihua Center | Navigate to Ruihua Center The uniquely shaped office building has a strong design sense. On sunny days, the architectural lines look super cool. 10. P10 Twin Towers & Zhongshan Road | Navigate to the rooftop of a residential area near Hong Kong Plaza A panoramic city skyline spot, night shots with lights are incredibly striking. 11. P11 Gulangyu Red Roofs | Navigate to Sunlight Rock on Gulangyu Island Climb to the top for a view of the island’s red roofs paired with blue sea and sky. Best to go early to avoid crowds. 12. P12 Minzu Road Twin Towers | Navigate near Minzu Road Street-level view of the Twin Towers integrated with arcade street scenes, blending everyday life with sophistication. 💡 Practical Tips ▪ Hongshan Park is a treasure trove! Several spots are here. Recommended to visit after 4 PM when the sunset light is soft and gentle. ▪ Use 2x or 5x zoom for higher clarity and better composition. ▪ Choose light-colored or vintage-style outfits to complement the red walls, green trees, and blue sea and sky. ▪ Buy Gulangyu ferry tickets 3 days in advance on the official platform; early morning trips have fewer people and clearer views.

Whether it's worth visiting depends on what you're looking for. The island is crowded year-round. The so-called "most beautiful corner" often has long lines, and the commercialized shops sell generic souvenirs. It really is a bit of a "photo trap," just like people say. But if you approach it like a "hardcore traveler," this place is actually worth exploring. First, it's a museum of international architecture. Don't just stare at the influencer walls; duck into the alleys of Neicuoao or Bishan Road, where you can see century-old consulates and private mansions everywhere. The sense of historical depth is real. Second, it's a workout. There are no motor vehicles on the island, so you have to walk everywhere—20,000 steps a day is normal. Remember to wear comfortable shoes. When you get to the top of Sunlight Rock and look down at the red tiles, green trees, and the sea, you'll feel the CNY 35 ferry ticket was worth it. Finally, it's great for early risers. Before the crowds arrive, the alleys in the early morning are truly quiet—it's a real "garden on the sea." In short: if you want a relaxing vacation, forget it. But if you have good stamina and are interested in historical architecture, it's worth the price of admission.

The hustle and bustle of the old city blends into the mountains and sea; every frame captures Xiamen's unique urban romance. This romance is hidden among the streets, the Twin Towers, ancient temples, and cable cars. Different vantage points unlock a different side of Xiamen. 📍Photography spots: P1️⃣: 31st floor of Sibei Yuantong Center; P3️⃣: Shapowei Twin Towers. You can find this spot once you arrive at Shapowei; it's easy to access; P4️⃣: Shapowei "past and present" photo spot. Navigate to Shapowei and walk inside to the pier; P5️⃣: Shot taken on Gulangyu; P6️⃣: Take Metro Line 1 to Zhenhai Road Station. You'll see red stairs upon exiting; follow them upward to reach the spot; P7️⃣: Along the path from the top floor of Hongshan Temple to Hongshan Park; P8️⃣: By the large rock halfway up Hongshan Park; P9️⃣: Near Chachas in Shapowei; P1️⃣0️⃣: Navigate to Hongshan Temple, take the elevator to the 5th floor, and you're there; P1️⃣1️⃣: Bujiantian. Navigate to "Hongri Zisheng Nursing Home." The route is relatively complex; P1️⃣2️⃣: Rooftop near Xiamen University Hospital station. A new popular spot that's very easy to find; P1️⃣3️⃣: Shot taken along the way from Hongshan Temple toward Zhenhai Road Metro Station; P1️⃣4️⃣: Xiamen "Sunset Rollercoaster" photo spot. Navigate to 33 Bujiantian. Follow the stone path up to the fork with the signpost, take the small slope on the left, and continue upward. Pass the cable car maintenance point and head toward the Botanical Garden. Once you see the large rock and pavilion, you're near the summit. Walk down for a few more minutes to arrive; P1️⃣5️⃣: View of Hongshan Temple from the top floor of Fulong International; P1️⃣6️⃣: Sunlight Rock on Gulangyu. Climb to the highest observation deck—the same spot featured in geography textbooks; P1️⃣7️⃣: Yuanyue Square "past and present" photo spot. Navigate to Xinglinwan Greenway Park; P1️⃣8️⃣: Minnan Chaotian Palace. Located near the intersection of Dianqian 4th Road and the Dianqian 1st Road frontage road. Flights from Gaoqi Airport take off and land over Chaotian Palace every few minutes, making it a unique spot for plane spotting in Xiamen. Xiamen's romance doesn't end here. I hope you can capture Xiamen and keep it in your photo album!

People say Gulangyu isn't worth it because you have to walk and it's too tiring, but I think it's fine. I bought an 8:45 AM ferry ticket. It cost CNY 80. I bought it the night before, but there were plenty available the next morning too. I took the boat from the First Pier. I think arriving half an hour early is overkill because there were few people and ticket checking was fast. The weather wasn't great, so I didn't care about sitting on the second deck and wasn't in a rush. I found a seat on the first deck, and we arrived at Gulangyu in about 15 minutes. By 9:00 AM, I was taking photos at Neicuo'ao Terminal. Then I walked to the right, passed Meihua Beach, and went straight to Sunlight Rock. It wasn't far. I think CNY 50 is reasonable, and the view is great. It's just that going up the mountain is exhausting; I was panting by the time I climbed it. Then I navigated to Shuzhuang Garden. It was CNY 30. It's nice inside. Both piano museums have air conditioning, but there are no seats. Then I ate two eggs and two grilled sausages, and set off for the Most Beautiful Corner. I passed by the Bagua Building. I saw online last night that some people said it was eerie, so I didn't go in. I walked to the Most Beautiful Corner and took some photos, then returned to Xiamen Bay Terminal from Sanqiutian Terminal. The boat ride back only took 5 minutes. I remember hearing on the broadcast when I boarded in the morning that before 6:10 PM, Sanqiutian Terminal only goes to the Cruise Center Xiagu Terminal, and after 6:10 PM, it can go to other terminals. I boarded around 2:14 PM and was still able to go to another terminal. I don't know if I misheard or what, but either way, I got off at Xiamen Bay Terminal 5 minutes later. I think the scenery is quite nice. Don't listen to what others say about it being a rip-off; I don't have this kind of scenery at my doorstep, so I recommend going. Also, there are no cars on Gulangyu, only sightseeing carts, which I think is great. I don't know why, but electric scooters and cars in Xiamen city honk their horns like crazy. Yesterday on Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street and at Bashi, the honking from electric scooters almost gave me a heart attack. It was too noisy. Gulangyu isn't that noisy.

Visited Gulangyu yesterday. I didn't rush to check off the viral spots, and just strolling around slowly was actually very comfortable. Remember, while the sea breeze feels nice, the sun is really strong. You must use sun protection—sun protection, sun protection! My route: Sanqiutian Terminal - Bishan Road - Sunlight Rock - Dadeji Beach. I think Sunlight Rock is a must-visit on the island. It's the highest point, and climbing up gives you a bird's-eye view of the red roofs and the sea, with a wide field of view. Try not to go at noon; the overhead lighting doesn't look good for photos, and the light is much softer in the afternoon. Dadeji Beach is much less crowded than the Longtou Road area. With the reefs against the sea, you can even photograph the Twin Towers on the opposite shore. Sitting on the reefs and feeling the sea breeze is so relaxing. There aren't many tourists on Bishan Road. Old Western-style houses, stone paths, tree shadows cast on the walls—any photo you take looks great. Don't feel like you have to visit all the attractions at once. The island is perfect for wandering slowly. Just walking around, looking at old houses, and feeling the sea breeze—that sense of relaxation is what matters most.

My favorite thing about Gulangyu is that there are no motor vehicles—the whole island is explored entirely on foot. Between the historic villas, blooming bougainvillea, and the sea breeze carrying the faint sound of piano music, there’s a sense of effortless chill that is hard to find in the big city. If you get tired, just find an alley corner and soak it all in. 1️⃣ Why Visit Gulangyu · It’s pedestrian-only, so there are no traffic jams—just a naturally slow, rhythmic pace · Stunning architecture: Red-brick colonial mansions paired with bougainvillea make every corner a perfect photo op · A perfect mix of coastal views, narrow lanes, and cozy cafes that keeps the exploration fresh 2️⃣ A One-Day Itinerary · 09:00 Take the ferry to the island; enter via Sanqiutian Wharf · 10:00 Explore Longtou Road, snack on local specialties, and browse the shops · 12:30 Stop by a local eatery for some seafood vermicelli soup (Mianxian Hu) · 14:00 Pick between Sunlight Rock (for the views) or Shuzhuang Garden (for the scenery) · 16:30 Stroll along the coastal boardwalk and wait for the sunset 3️⃣ Practical Information · Transport: Ferries depart from Xiamen Ferry Terminal; I highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance · Tickets: The ferry ticket to the island is mandatory; some specific attractions require separate admission · Food: Try the Satay Noodles, Oyster Omelets, Vermicelli Soup, and traditional pastries; the local palate is fresh and slightly sweet 4️⃣ Budget Reference · Round-trip Ferry: ~50–80 RMB · Attraction Combo Ticket: ~90–100 RMB · Dining: ~100–150 RMB · Total: ~240–330 RMB 5️⃣ Pro-Tips · Ferry tickets sell out fast during peak season—book as early as possible · The sun is intense at midday; bring a hat and sunscreen · Wear comfortable flats; the cobblestone streets are charming but can be tough on your feet 6️⃣ FAQ Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance? A: Definitely book your ferry tickets ahead of time. Lines can be huge on holidays, and having a reservation makes the trip much smoother. Q: How long should I spend there? A: A full day is perfect for a relaxed pace. If you're short on time, a half-day covers the main alleys and coastal views. Q: Is it easy to bring luggage? A: There are luggage storage spots, but it’s much easier to wander light. I’d recommend leaving large bags on the Xiamen mainland first.

You have to visit Fujian at least once! It's a perfect blend of romantic mountains and seas, and vibrant local life 🌊 I've rounded up the top 3 hidden gem destinations in Fujian. No rushing, no tourist traps—just a perfect mix of natural scenery, an artsy island, and healing landscapes all in one trip. First-timers can simply copy this itinerary. It's perfect for a girls' trip, couples, or family vacations! 📍 Stop 1: Xiamen · Gulangyu Island | The Healing Artsy Piano Island A must-visit artsy island in Fujian. There are no motor vehicles on the island; the streets are lined with retro colonial mansions, bougainvillea blooming everywhere, and gentle sea breezes. You'll find healing ocean views at every turn ✨ ✅ Must-Do Highlights 1. Sunlight Rock: The highest point of Gulangyu. Climb to the top for a bird's-eye view of the island's red-tiled roofs against the deep blue sea. It's an incredible spot for sunrise and sunset photography, offering a stunning panoramic view. 2. Shuzhuang Garden: A classic seaside garden built between the mountains and the sea. The Piano Museum inside has a fantastic atmosphere, perfectly showcasing the island's musical and artistic heritage. 3. Longtou Road Snack Street: The main food hub on the island, gathering all sorts of authentic Minnan (Southern Fujian) street food. It's great for strolling, eating, and tasting local flavors. 💡 Pro Tips & Things to Avoid ▪ Book your ferry tickets 15 days in advance using your real name on the "Yujian Xiamen" WeChat Mini Program. Tickets for the 15th day are released daily at 9:00 AM. A round-trip costs 35 RMB. Tickets are almost never available on-site. ▪ Skip the crowded Instagram-famous spots. The island's narrow alleys and seaside boardwalks are perfect for snapping fresh, aesthetic photos anywhere you go. ▪ The island is quite hilly, so wear comfortable flat shoes to make walking around much easier. 🍜 Must-Try Food: Oyster Omelet, Shacha Noodles, Ye's Mochi, Minnan Braised Pork Zongzi 👗 Outfit Inspo: Light colors and fresh floral prints perfectly match the island's artsy vibe and look incredibly photogenic 📍 Stop 2: Nanping · Wuyi Mountain | A Hidden Paradise of Green Waters, Red Cliffs & Tea Fragrance The epitome of Fujian's natural beauty and a UNESCO dual World Heritage site 🌿 Known for its unique Danxia landforms and emerald waters, it's surrounded by lush mountains and serene streams. It's the perfect place to hike, breathe in fresh air, relax with some tea, and is great to visit year-round. ✅ Must-Do Highlights 1. Nine-Bend River Bamboo Rafting: The signature Wuyi Mountain experience! Drift downstream for 90 minutes, taking in the spectacular peaks and sprawling tea plantations on both banks. It's like floating through a traditional landscape painting. 2. Tianyou Peak: A classic, must-hike mountain. The summit offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Nine-Bend River and the Danxia landscape. The hike is moderately difficult, making it manageable even for beginners. 3. Wuyi Palace + Rock Bone Flower Fragrance Trail: Stroll through a thousand-year-old courtyard and endless acres of tea fields. The mountains are filled with the scent of tea and negative ions, making for an incredibly healing leisurely walk. 💡 Pro Tips & Things to Avoid ▪ Snag bamboo raft tickets 7 days in advance at 8:00 AM via the "China Wuyi Mountain" Official WeChat Account or "A Mobile Tour of Wuyi" Mini Program for 130 RMB/person; The main scenic area is ticket-free year-round until 2026 (requires booking a 0 RMB ticket 1 day in advance), but you must purchase a daily sightseeing bus pass for 70 RMB. The entrance ticket does not include the raft or the bus. ▪ The bamboo raft ride is very relaxing. Bring some snacks to enjoy while you leisurely take in the scenery for the best experience. ▪ There are plenty of mosquitoes in the mountains, and the trails can be slippery. Be sure to bring bug spray and wear slip-resistant sneakers. 🍜 Must-Try Food: Wuyi Smoked Goose, Langu Tofu, Tea Eggs, Bamboo Tube Rice 👗 Outfit Inspo: Light, casual, and solid-colored sporty outfits complement the mountain and river scenery perfectly for fresh, stunning photos 📍 Stop 3: Pingtan Island | The Romantic "Blue Tears" Island A niche, healing island in Fujian 🌊 Featuring crystal-clear "glass" seas and stunning windmill coastlines, it's relatively uncommercialized. It's the perfect spot to chase sunsets, hunt for the "Blue Tears" (bioluminescent plankton), and soak in the romantic atmosphere. ✅ Must-Do Highlights 1. Changjiang'ao Windmill Field: A classic Pingtan landmark. The stretch of white windmills along the coast is incredibly healing. The vibrant orange sunsets here are gorgeous, and the photo ops are practically guaranteed to be amazing. 2. Tannan Bay: A high-quality beach with clear water and fine sand. It's great for walking along the surf, and on spring and summer nights, you have a high chance of spotting the magical "Blue Tears." 3. Northern Ecological Corridor: A coastal biking path with sweeping ocean views along the way. It gives off a very fresh, Japanese-style aesthetic. 💡 Pro Tips & Things to Avoid ▪ The "Blue Tears" are best viewed at night: April to June is the peak season for bioluminescent algae blooms (peaking in May), while July and August mostly feature sea fireflies, which appear in smaller, more scattered patches. ▪ The island is windy and the UV rays are strong. Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and pack sunglasses and a hat. ▪ It's highly recommended to drive yourself or rent an e-bike to tour the island. It gives you the freedom to easily explore off-the-beaten-path ocean views at your own pace. 🍜 Must-Try Food: Pingtan Fish Balls, Oyster Fritters, Stir-fried Seafood, Savory Shi 👗 Outfit Inspo: White and light blue outfits perfectly match the blue skies and crystal waters, looking fresh and photogenic ✨ Fujian Travel Summary: Choose Gulangyu for an artsy island getaway, Wuyi Mountain for nature and fresh air, and Pingtan Island for chasing the ocean and "Blue Tears." Three different Fujian vibes, all covered in one ultimate guide!

Visiting Sunlight Rock (日光岩) on Gulangyu Island was one of the highlights of the trip. As the island’s highest point, it offers panoramic views that make the short climb completely worthwhile. The path up involves some stone steps and narrow passages, but nothing too strenuous. Once you reach the top, the reward is clear — sweeping views of Gulangyu’s red-roofed buildings, the surrounding sea, and even parts of Xiamen city across the water. On a clear day, the scenery feels expansive and refreshing. The site also carries historical significance, with inscriptions and landmarks that reflect Gulangyu’s cultural past. Despite being a popular attraction, the experience at the summit feels open and airy. Sunlight Rock isn’t just about the climb — it’s about taking a moment to pause and appreciate the unique charm of Gulangyu from above. #winterescape #ChinaAdventures #XiamenTrip #Gulangyu #SunlightRock #ChinaTravel #IslandViews

If you dare to skip Gulangyu Island when you come to Xiamen, I would really be heartbroken, OK? 😭 "If you don't visit Gulangyu Island, your trip to Xiamen is wasted" is no joke—this is the ultimate highlight of Xiamen tourism! Starting from a downtown apartment, it takes just half an hour by car to reach the ferry terminal, with transportation so convenient it makes you want to scream 🚤 Gulangyu Island is located southwest of Xiamen Island, separated from downtown by only the 500-meter-wide Lujiang River. The name is very picturesque—on the southwest beach, there is a reef over two meters high with a hole in the middle. When the tide rises, the waves hit it and make a "dong dong" sound like a drum 🥁 🎫 The island is so fun to explore you'll get leg cramps: ▫️ Climb Sunlight Rock for panoramic views 🌅 ▫️ Visit Shuzhuang Garden + Piano Museum 🎹 ▫️ Take photos of the Zheng Chenggong statue at Haoyue Garden ▫️ Walk along Huandao Road, feel the sand and waves 🏖️ ▫️ The Underwater World is super healing for kids Plus natural seaside bathing beaches, Gulang Stone, Yuyuan Garden... one day is definitely not enough! 🏛️ The architecture is the absolute best! This place is like an international architecture expo—Chinese-style flying eaves temples, Minnan red brick courtyards, the fusion-style Bagua Building, Japanese-style villas, 19th-century European consulates... every little alley feels like a journey through time. 🌿 My favorite thing is to wander into those deep, quiet alleys where the weathered courtyard walls are covered with green vines, sunlight filters through the leaves, and everything moves slowly, even the air carries the scent of time. Here, time really slows down ✨ Stop envying through the screen! Pack your bags and come experience this healing place yourself~ Tell me in the comments which spot you want to check in at the most, maybe you’ll find a travel buddy to explore with! 👯♀️

📍 Gulangyu is perfect for a leisurely stroll 😌 Without the noise of cars, the whole island is filled with old-style Western houses. It's great for wandering slowly, walking while feeling the sea breeze—the atmosphere is spot on 🌟 · 🚢 Ferry ticket ▪️ Tourists: Xiamen Cruise Center (Dongdu) Terminal > Sanqiutian Terminal, round trip CNY 35 💰. Be sure to book in advance via "Xiamen Ferry+" as it sells out easily during holidays. ▪️ Operating hours: 🕒 To the island: Dongdu Terminal > Sanqiutian Terminal (7:10 AM–5:30 PM (6:30 PM in summer)) 🕒 From the island: Sanqiutian Terminal (recommended) 6:15 AM–12:00 AM Neicuo'ao Terminal 7:40 AM–5:40 PM ▪️ Return trip: No need to buy another ticket. Just use your ID card, and you can board any available boat. ▪️ There is no general admission ticket for the island 🎫, but smaller attractions like Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden require individual tickets. Buying a combo ticket is recommended for better value ‼️ · 📝 One-day itinerary: Sanqiutian Terminal ⛴️ > Most Beautiful Corner > Bagua Building Pipe Organ Art Center 🎹 > Eat snacks on Longtou Road 🍿 > Shuzhuang Garden ⛲️ (a must-visit! Seaside garden + Piano Museum) > Splash around and see the sea at Gangzaihou Beach 🌊 > Wander through the alleys to see old international-style buildings 🏛️ > Wait for the sunset by the sea 🌅 > Take the boat back. · ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls (practical version) 1. There are no motor vehicles on the island. Be sure to wear comfortable flat shoes or sneakers, as the uphill and downhill slopes on the island are very tiring for your feet 🦶 2. Prices on the island are relatively higher than outside. You can bring your own bottled water and snacks. If you have the budget 💰 and don't want to carry so much, you can buy them on the island. 3. Don't listen to unauthorized tour guides at the terminal. You'll have a better experience wandering around at your own pace 🥳 4. Important: Sun protection! The UV rays are very strong when walking around the island under the sun, so have your parasol 🌂, hat 🧢, and sunscreen 🧴 ready. 5. Travel is meant for relaxation. We don't need to check off every paid attraction. Wandering through the alleys to see old Western-style houses and taking a walk by the sea is the true essence of Gulangyu ✨

I’ve visited Xiamen three times, and each time it was the same old trio: Gulangyu, Zhongshan Road, and Huandao Road. Returning this year, I discovered two new additions—the B.DUCK park, which just began its trial operation in early August, and the Yu Jian Min Nan immersive theme park. One is for families with kids, the other for those looking to experience Minnan culture—take your pick. This guide isn't organized by day, but by three "options"—Gulangyu is a must, while B.DUCK and Yu Jian Min Nan are a choice between two. Option 1: Gulangyu (must-visit) Round-trip ferry tickets to Gulangyu cost CNY 35. Book 3–5 days in advance via the "Xiamen Ferry+" mini-program. The island is least crowded before 8:00 AM. Choose Sanqiutian Pier to disembark; it's the closest to the "Most Beautiful Corner." Sunlight Rock admission is CNY 50, offering a 360-degree view of the entire island. The Piano Museum in Shuzhuang Garden is the reason Gulangyu is known as the "Island of Pianos." There are no motor vehicles on the island, so you'll be walking everywhere. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a bottle of water. Things are expensive on the island, so it's best to bring your own water. Option 2: B.DUCK park (family-friendly) The B.DUCK park began its trial operation in early August at the Meifeng Sports Park on the Huandong Romantic Line. This is the first B.DUCK city park in Xiamen, combining coastal scenery with an outdoor B.DUCK-themed space, featuring dozens of amusement facilities for toddlers to school-age children. The giant B.DUCK installation is a must-see photo spot. The Huandong Romantic Line itself is one of Xiamen's most beautiful coastal cycling paths. You can spend the morning at the park and the afternoon cycling, creating a combined experience of "sports + amusement + family time + sightseeing." Suitable for families with children. If you don't have kids, you can skip this. Option 3: Yu Jian Min Nan (cultural choice) The Yu Jian Min Nan theme park is located near the cruise terminal, blending the architectural styles of ancient alleys from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and incorporating intangible cultural heritage elements like "Qiaopi" and "Nanyin" music. It features 83 selected intangible cultural heritage items, creating a five-sense experience where you can "taste, touch, wear, listen, and watch." There are over 100 interactive performances throughout the day. In the park, you can earn special "silver notes" through interactive games, which can be used as currency within the park or exchanged for IP souvenirs. The park receives an average of 4,000 visitors daily, offering a much better experience than Gulangyu, which sees 30,000–40,000 visitors daily. A quick itinerary The actual route I took this time was: Day 1: Arrive in Xiamen in the afternoon. Explore the night view of the Zhongshan Road arcade buildings in the evening. Day 2: Gulangyu in the morning. Yu Jian Min Nan in the afternoon. Day 3: B.DUCK park + cycling on the Huandong Romantic Line in the morning. Depart in the afternoon. If traveling with children, swap Yu Jian Min Nan for the B.DUCK park. If not, spend more time on Gulangyu and Yu Jian Min Nan. 📌 Xiamen sketch Xiamen is the most "reliable" city I've ever visited—it won't disappoint you, but it won't give you too many surprises either. However, with the addition of B.DUCK park and Yu Jian Min Nan this year, Xiamen has more options. Gulangyu is a must, and you can choose between the other two based on your needs.