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.

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.

These beautiful scenic gardens highlighting flora of the Central Queensland Coast bioregion. They also feature over 3 km of walking and cycling trails, wildlife filled lagoons, themed gardens, a café and gallery, making this an enjoyable free recreational experience for all ages.