Attractions Nearby Xiamen, Day Trips and Excursions

(Xiamen, Fujian, China)

Xiamen contains more attractions and sights than you will probably have time to fully appreciate, although if you fancy a change of scenery, many surrounding locations have much to offer. Close to Xiamen, the city of Fuzhou is especially noteworthy and known for its coastal setting and magnificent White Pagoda, which affords stunning views from the top.

Other attractions relatively close to Xiamen include the mountainous landscape and expansive farmland around Yongding, the port of Quanzhou, and the many scenic trails and winding rivers at Wuyi Shan.

Quanzhou

Once home to a busy and important port, Quanzhou is a major city close to Xiamen, with a population exceeding seven million inhabitants. Much of the area is fairly compact and many of the main sights and attractions are easily reached on foot. On the north-western side of Quanzhou, the Kaiyuan Temple is instantly recognisable and dominates the area with its two grand pagodas, which stand in a beautifully landscaped setting. Other attractions at Quanzhou include the Qingjing Mosque, the Guandi Temple, the Mazu Temple and the Maritime Museum.

Fuzhou

With a population approaching six million, plenty of historic interest and a number of reasonable attractions, the city of Fuzhou lies to the north-east of Xiamen and is situated on the coast, next to the East China Sea. The main sights around Fuzhou are concentrated in the Yu Shan Scenic Area and include remaining parts of the ancient city wall, and the breathtaking White Pagoda, which dates back to the very beginning of the 10th century, measuring over 40 metres / 131 feet in height. Other prominent attractions include the Mao Zedong Statue, the Black Pagoda, the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, the West Lake Park and the Fuijan Provincial Museum.

Yongding

Close to Xiamen and located in the south-western region of the Fuijan province, Yongding stands amongst a number of attractive mountains and expanses of rolling farmland. Whilst Yongding may not be known for its attractions, the historic Hakka earth buildings, known locally as 'tulóu, are especially appealing and situated nearby. Yongding has a population of just over 40,000 people and provides a good base for bus trips.

Wuyi Shan

Wuyi Shan can be found in the far north-western region of Fujian and within easy reach of Xiamen. A small resort famous for its breathtaking mountain peaks, rivers and forests, Wuyi Shan offers a number of waterfront attractions and plenty of walking trails, passing sights such as the Nine Twists River, the Great King Peak and the Water Curtain Cave.