Day 1: Gulangyu Island – Shuzhuang Garden – South Putuo Temple – Hulishan Fortress – Zhongshan Road
08:00–08:30 – Hotel Pickup
Your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Dongdu International Cruise Terminal. From there, take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, one of Xiamen’s most charming destinations.
09:00–11:30 – Gulangyu Island & Shuzhuang Garden
Enjoy a peaceful walk around Gulangyu Island and admire its historic buildings, quiet lanes, and beautiful coastal scenery. The island is renowned for its unique combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles and its long-standing connection with music.
Visit Shuzhuang Garden, a beautiful seaside garden featuring traditional Chinese landscaping, winding paths, rockeries, and views over the sea.
You will also visit the Piano Museum, which houses a collection of rare historic pianos from different countries. The museum highlights Gulangyu’s rich musical heritage and its reputation as the “Island of Music.”
12:00–12:30 – Ferry Back to Xiamen Island
Take the ferry back to Xiamen Island and meet your driver.
12:30–13:30 – Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and taste some of Xiamen’s specialties.
14:30–15:30 – South Putuo Temple
In the afternoon, visit South Putuo Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Xiamen.
Located at the foot of Wulaofeng Mountain, the temple features traditional Buddhist architecture, elegant courtyards, and a peaceful atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk through the temple complex and learn about its history and Buddhist traditions.
15:30–16:30 – Hulishan Fortress & Island Ring Road
Continue to Hulishan Fortress, a historic coastal defense site built in the late 19th century. The fortress is known for its large Krupp coastal gun and its role in Xiamen’s maritime defense history.
After visiting the fortress, enjoy a scenic drive along Xiamen’s Island Ring Road, following the coastline and taking in views of the sea and beaches along the eastern side of the island.
16:30–18:00 – Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Continue to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, one of Xiamen’s most popular commercial and cultural streets.
Take a walk along the lively street, admire its distinctive arcaded buildings, browse local shops, and sample some of Xiamen’s street food and snacks.
After dinner, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel.
Your 1-day Xiamen city and Gulangyu Island tour ends at your hotel.