Xiamen 2-Day Tour: Discover Gulangyu Island and Coastal Charms

Day1 Xiamen

When you arrive in Xiamen, your private guide will be waiting at the agreed meeting point, holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign. From the first greeting, you will experience the warmth and professionalism of our service. The guide will assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth start to your day, driving you comfortably to the first destination. At the end of the day, you will be returned to your arranged location. This seamless service allows you to focus on experiencing the city while we take care of the logistics, ensuring a relaxed and enriching journey that reflects our philosophy to “travel like a local.”

Your day begins on Gulangyu Island, a pedestrian-only haven known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and lush gardens. As you stroll along the winding lanes, your guide will highlight European-style villas, wrought iron balconies, and intricately carved doors while sharing stories of the foreign merchants and consuls who shaped the island’s unique character. You’ll discover charming cafes tucked into restored mansions, hear the soft notes of piano music drifting through the air, and feel the timeless rhythm of daily life in this tranquil island retreat. Visitors can step into small galleries, observe local artisans at work, and pause at scenic viewpoints overlooking the harbor, where the modern skyline contrasts with the island’s historic charm. The guide’s expertise ensures you gain a deeper understanding of Gulangyu’s layered history, from its colonial influences to its role in maritime trade and cross-cultural exchange. This immersive experience allows you to see beyond the surface and truly connect with the island’s soul, making it one of the most memorable highlights of your Xiamen journey.

Next, you will visit Shuzhuang Garden, a beautifully landscaped area of rockeries, ponds, and pavilions that blends natural beauty with traditional Chinese design. Your guide will explain the symbolism behind rocks, plants, and water features while pointing out hidden corners and ideal photo spots. As you wander through the winding paths, you’ll notice how each turn reveals a new perspective, such as a quiet pond reflecting the sky, a graceful pavilion perched above the sea, or an ancient tree offering shade to resting visitors. The rhythmic sound of waves against the garden’s edge enhances its peaceful ambiance, creating a harmony between nature and artistry. The guide will also share fascinating stories about the garden’s creation, once a private retreat that reflected its owner’s philosophy of balance and tranquility. This visit provides not only a visual delight but also a deeper appreciation of how human craftsmanship and natural scenery merge seamlessly, making the garden a serene escape that captures the poetic spirit of classical Chinese landscape design.

The tour continues to the Piano Museum, a cultural treasure that celebrates Gulangyu’s long-standing musical heritage and artistic spirit. Housed in an elegant building overlooking the sea, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of rare and antique pianos from around the world, each representing a milestone in musical craftsmanship and design evolution. Your guide will explain the origin and significance of select instruments, some dating back centuries, and share stories about how they found their way to the island. As you explore, you’ll learn why Gulangyu earned the title “Piano Island” and how Western musical traditions blended with local culture to create a unique artistic identity. Visitors can enjoy hands-on exhibits, observe restored pianos, and listen to recorded performances that bring the instruments to life. With the guide’s insight into the lives of local composers and musicians, this visit transforms from a simple museum tour into a deeper journey into the soundscape and soul of Gulangyu, where history, craftsmanship, and music intertwine in harmony.

The day concludes with a relaxing drive along the Island Ring Road, one of Xiamen’s most scenic coastal routes. Stretching along golden beaches and turquoise waters, this drive offers panoramic views of the South China Sea, lush palm trees, and passing fishing boats that paint a serene picture of island life. Your guide will highlight key viewpoints, recommend ideal photo stops, and suggest leisurely walks along the beach where you can feel the ocean breeze and hear the rhythmic waves. You may spot locals cycling or jogging along the seafront, children playing by the shore, and fishermen preparing their evening catch, all reflecting Xiamen’s easygoing coastal charm. As the sun begins to set, the sky often turns shades of pink and gold, creating a perfect moment to end the day. With your guide’s assistance and comfortable transport, you’ll return smoothly to your hotel or designated drop-off point, carrying with you a sense of calm and a vivid impression of Xiamen’s beauty and rhythm.

After the day’s sightseeing, your guide will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer back to your hotel or the arranged meeting point. During the drive, you can relax and reflect on the experiences of the day while the guide may offer additional insights about Xiamen, answer any remaining questions, or suggest other attractions to explore. This thoughtful conclusion to your tour allows you to end the day stress-free, leaving you with lasting memories of the city’s culture, history, and scenic charm.

Day2 Xiamen

Your day begins at Xiamen University, one of China’s most picturesque and culturally rich campuses, often described as a blend of a seaside garden and an academic sanctuary. Founded in 1921 by the renowned philanthropist Tan Kah Kee, the university stands as a symbol of Xiamen’s dedication to education and cultural exchange. Your guide will lead you through its elegant white-walled, red-roofed buildings that reflect both Fujian and Western architectural influences, explaining how these designs mirror the city’s coastal openness and multicultural history. As you walk along the tree-shaded avenues, you will pass tranquil lakes, lotus ponds, and courtyards framed by banyan trees where students gather to read or play instruments. The guide will point out highlights such as Jiannan Auditorium, Furong Lake, and the famous Furong Tunnel, where colorful student murals express youthful creativity and social commentary. Visitors can pause to enjoy sea views from the campus’s eastern edge, capture photos of the university’s most scenic corners, and learn how its atmosphere has inspired countless poets, artists, and scholars. With your guide’s stories about student life, traditions, and notable alumni, this visit offers an immersive experience that connects academic heritage with natural beauty and local pride.

Next, you will continue to Zeng Cuo An, a coastal village that has gracefully evolved from a humble fishing community into one of Xiamen’s most dynamic cultural and creative centers. Your guide will introduce the area’s unique layout of narrow alleyways lined with colorful murals, ivy-covered guesthouses, and street-side cafés that reflect the artistic soul of modern Xiamen. Once a quiet seaside settlement, Zeng Cuo An is now a lively hub where tradition meets innovation, attracting both local artists and travelers seeking authentic experiences. Visitors can explore charming boutiques selling handmade jewelry, pottery, and fabric crafts, sample freshly grilled seafood, or sip local milk tea while watching the sunset over the coast. Your guide will share stories of the village’s transformation, from its origins as a fishermen’s enclave to its current role as a creative hub that celebrates coastal living. Along the way, you will be guided to hidden gems such as small courtyards, local art studios, or peaceful tea gardens that most visitors overlook. This stop captures the essence of “travel like a local,” inviting you to experience the rhythm of Xiamen’s community life through its flavors, artistry, and seaside charm.

The journey continues to Shapowei Art District, a vibrant neighborhood where Xiamen’s maritime heritage gracefully intertwines with contemporary creativity. Once a cluster of fishing docks and aging warehouses, this district has been reborn as the heart of Xiamen’s art and design movement. Your guide will take you through narrow alleys filled with street art, colorful murals, and quirky installations, explaining how local artists transformed these once-abandoned spaces into studios, cafés, and galleries that now define the area’s lively spirit. As you explore, you can browse independent shops, attend pop-up art exhibitions, or join small creative workshops where you might meet the artists themselves. The guide will point out highlights such as converted warehouse galleries, waterfront murals reflecting Xiamen’s seafaring legacy, and open-air performance areas that attract musicians and dancers. Visitors can pause at scenic corners for photos or enjoy coffee at an artsy café overlooking the old harbor, watching the blend of locals and travelers come together in this ever-evolving community. Through your guide’s stories, you will gain insight into how Shapowei became a symbol of urban renewal and artistic freedom, illustrating how tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously in modern Xiamen.

The day concludes at Hulishan Fortress, one of Xiamen’s most iconic landmarks and a lasting monument to China’s coastal defense history. Perched above the shimmering waters of the South China Sea, this fortress was built in 1894 during the late Qing dynasty and remains a masterpiece of military architecture. Your guide will lead you through its impressive stone ramparts, underground tunnels, and artillery positions while explaining the historical context of its construction and its role in protecting Xiamen from naval invasions. Visitors can marvel at the massive Krupp cannon, one of the world’s oldest preserved coastal guns, and explore exhibition halls displaying ancient weaponry, uniforms, and maps that trace the evolution of coastal defense technology. Standing on the battlements, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands, while the guide shares captivating stories of battles, bravery, and the lives of the soldiers who once stood guard here. This experience blends history, architecture, and breathtaking scenery, offering both an educational and emotional connection to Xiamen’s maritime legacy before you return comfortably to your hotel or arranged location.

At the end of your day, your guide will escort you back to the arranged meeting point or your hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transfer. During the drive, you can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences while your guide may share additional insights about Xiamen, answer any lingering questions, or suggest other local attractions for future visits. This seamless conclusion allows you to enjoy the full day without worrying about navigation or logistics, leaving you with lasting memories of the city’s culture, history, and vibrant arts scene.

Price Per Person in US Dollars