Venue

Gulangyu Island is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site located just off the coast of Xiamen. The island is internationally recognized for its exceptional concentration of historic buildings constructed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by intense cross-cultural exchange. Architectural styles on the island include neoclassical, Gothic revival, Romanesque, and traditional Southern Fujian elements, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its former residents.

Beyond its architectural value, Gulangyu is also known for its long-standing musical tradition, earning it the reputation as the “Island of Music.” With its car-free environment, preserved urban fabric, and integration of cultural institutions, residential spaces, and public landscapes, Gulangyu represents a rare example of a living cultural heritage shaped by globalization and local adaptation.

Recommended duration of stay: 0.5-1 day

Address : Gulangyu Island, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China

Nanputuo Temple is one of the most prominent Buddhist temples in southeastern China, with origins tracing back to the Tang Dynasty. Situated at the foot of Wulao Mountain and facing the sea, the temple complex harmoniously integrates religious architecture with its natural surroundings. Its spatial layout follows traditional Buddhist temple principles while adapting to the mountainous terrain of Xiamen.

The temple functions not only as a site for religious practice, but also as a center for Buddhist education, cultural exchange, and scholarly research. Over the centuries, Nanputuo Temple has maintained strong connections with Buddhist communities in Taiwan and across East Asia, making it an important node in the regional network of Chinese Buddhist culture.

Opening hours: It is open from 08:00 to 18:00 all year round

Hulishan Fortress is a coastal defense installation constructed in the late Qing Dynasty as part of China’s efforts to modernize its military system. Strategically located along Xiamen’s coastline, the fortress was designed to protect key maritime routes and harbor areas. It is particularly notable for preserving large-caliber coastal artillery, including the historically significant German-made Krupp cannon.

Today, Hulishan Fortress serves as an important historical site that documents the transition of China’s coastal defense from traditional systems to modern military technology. It provides valuable material evidence for the study of maritime security, military engineering, and late imperial reform.