Xiamen Deep Dive and Quanzhou Old Town
Stay in Shapowei for a slow exploration of Gulangyu, Nanputuo, Wulao Peak and Jimei School Village, plus a day trip to Quanzhou's Old Town.
A slower, more in-depth version. Spend a full day on Gulangyu to see the Organ Museum, Haitian Tanggou and other architecture. Another day covers the Overseas Chinese Museum, Nanputuo, Wulao Peak and the botanical garden. On day four, take the high-speed train to Quanzhou to see Kaiyuan Temple, West Street, Guanyue Temple and the hairpin-flower tradition of Chongpu. On the last day, wrap up at Jimei School Village and Ao Garden, then leave from Xiamen North Railway Station, which is close by. Suited to travelers who enjoy architecture and Minnan culture.
The Quanzhou Maritime Museum is closed on Mondays. Climbing Wulao Peak at midday in summer is hot.
Day by day
Day 1 · Xiamen University and Shapowei Sunset
Xiamen（Xiamen University、Shapowei、Yanwu Bridge Viewing Platform）
Take the metro or a taxi from Xiamen North Railway Station to the Xiamen University area, about 50 minutes. Explore on foot afterward.
Xiamen University requires advance booking. Choose an afternoon slot.
Stay: Shapowei · Xiamen University
Day 2 · Gulangyu Architecture Deep Dive
Xiamen（Gulangyu Island、Gulangyu Organ Museum (Bagua Tower)、Gulangyu Catholic Church、Haitian Tanggou、Sunlight Rock、Shuzhuang Garden）
Take a taxi, about 15 minutes, to Dongdu Cruise Terminal. Take a ferry to the island, about 20 minutes. Walk around the island.
Stay on the island a bit longer in the evening when it is quieter before returning.
Stay: Shapowei · Xiamen University
Day 3 · Nanputuo, Wulao Peak and the Botanical Garden
Xiamen（Overseas Chinese Museum、South Putuo Temple、Wulao Peak、Xiamen Botanical Garden）
Walk from your accommodation to the Overseas Chinese Museum and Nanputuo Temple. Climb Wulao Peak via the back trail, then walk down to the botanical garden. The full route takes half a day to a full day on foot.
The Overseas Chinese Museum is closed on Mondays. The rainforest area of the botanical garden requires a ticket.
Stay: Shapowei · Xiamen University
Day 4 · Quanzhou Old Town Day Trip
Quanzhou Urban Area（Kaiyuan Temple & Twin Pagodas、West Street (Xijie)、Tonghuai Guanyue Temple、Qingjing Mosque、Xunpu Village）
Take a high-speed train from Xiamen Railway Station or Xiamen North Railway Station to Quanzhou Station, about 30 minutes. Take a taxi or bus within the city. Chongpu Village is about 15 minutes by car from the Old Town. Return to Xiamen by high-speed train in the evening.
West Street is quieter in the morning. Buy your return high-speed train ticket in advance.
Stay: Shapowei · Xiamen University
Day 5 · Jimei School Village and Departure
Xiamen（Jimei School Village、Aoyuan Garden (Tan Kah Kee Tomb)、Jimei Dashe Village）
Take Metro Line 1 to Jimei School Village, about 40 minutes. After walking around, take a taxi to Xiamen North Railway Station, about 20 minutes.