Jimei School Village

集美学村

A campus complex funded by Tan Kah Kee, with Nanxun Building, Dragon Boat Pond, and Aoyuan Garden in Jiageng-style architecture. The best cultural site outside Xiamen Island.

Jimei School Village lies on the coast of Jimei District, outside Xiamen Island. It is the collective name for the schools that Tan Kah Kee, a leader among overseas Chinese, founded in his hometown from 1913 onward, including Jimei primary school, middle school, teacher training college, and maritime and fisheries schools. Today it includes parts of Jimei University and Jimei Middle School, and it is called the 'open-air museum of Jiageng architecture.' Highlights include Dragon Boat Pond, with Nanxun Building and Daonan Building on its banks. Both are red brick and white stone with green tiles and upturned eaves, typical of Jiageng architecture. Aoyuan Garden, the seaside garden where Tan Kah Kee is buried, contains hundreds of Minnan stone carvings and the Jimei Liberation Monument. Entry is free, but you need to bring your ID. The Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall and his former residence are nearby. At dusk, the buildings reflected in Dragon Boat Pond make the classic photo. How to visit: the seaside section of Metro Line 1 is a sight in itself, with the sea visible from the left side of the car. After getting off at Jimei School Village station, walk 10 minutes to Dragon Boat Pond, then continue to Aoyuan Garden, Jiageng Park, and the memorial hall. Half a day is enough. On the way back, try oyster omelet and bianshi (Minnan dumplings) in the old street of Jimei Dashe. Entry is free. Notes: some areas of the campus are open only to students and staff. Aoyuan Garden is closed on Mondays, so confirm before you go. The seaside wind is strong, so bring sun protection and wind protection.

Opening hours

Open all day (Ao Garden and Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall approx. 09:00–17:00; closed Mondays)

Jiageng architecture · Campus · Overseas Chinese heritage · Free entry

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