Xiamen

Gulangyu Island, just a quick five-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, is a living museum of 19th-century trade and culture. Once a hub for merchants and diplomats, it became home to grand mansions built by Chinese and foreign traders taking advantage of Xiamen’s open port status. The island’s car-free streets are a joy to wander, weaving through colonial-style villas, leafy gardens, and striking architecture that blends European and Chinese influences. Ferries can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking your ticket two to three days in advance is a smart move. Once you’re there, take your time exploring the quieter corners, enjoying the local seafood, or visiting attractions like the Piano Museum or Sunlight Rock for panoramic views.

Built in the late 1800s, Hulishan Cannon Fort is a quirky mix of history and engineering ingenuity — believe it or not, glutinous rice was used in its construction. A highlight is the Krupp cannon, a massive 60-ton German-made cannon, said to be the best-preserved coastal gun in all of China. Wandering around the fort, you’ll stumble across smaller cannons, old stone walls, and views of the coastline that make it easy to imagine its strategic importance back in the day.

Home to over 10,000 aquatic creatures, Xiamen Undersea World offers a range of exciting experiences, including the chance to visit the feeding tank, where visitors can hand-feed turtles and baby sharks. The aquarium features a variety of marine life, from colourful fish to larger creatures, and the underwater tunnel gives you a close-up view of sea life from a unique perspective.

For a stunning 360-degree view of Gulangyu and the surrounding city, climb to the top of Riguang Mountain, where a lookout tower offers incredible vistas. It's a peaceful spot, especially in the late afternoon, although it can get quite crowded at times.