When exploring Gulangyu Island, head to its western side, home to some of Xiamen’s cleanest and most inviting beaches. Gulangyu Beach seamlessly blends with Huamei Beach, creating a picturesque stretch of sand perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Known for their pristine conditions, these beaches offer a serene escape from the island’s busier spots. Take your time soaking in the coastal views, and don’t miss the spectacular sunset.

Christmas Island is one of the world's truly spectacular tropical seabird rookeries. It's not just the number and variety of seabirds or their magnificent splendour that make the island so remarkable, but also their sheer visibility. Around 80,000 seabirds nest here annually, with 23 breeding or resident species. Birds can be seen and heard everywhere on the island, at just about any time of the day. With just a little effort, birdwatchers can easily tick off a full list of residents in a busy week or a more relaxed fortnight. However, the elusive Christmas Island hawk owl keeps many coming back. More than 100 vagrant and migratory bird species have been recorded here, including eight breeding seabird species and one subspecies. The most numerous is the wide-ranging red-footed booby, which nests in colonies in trees in many parts of the coastal shore terraces. You may see the endangered Christmas Island frigatebird soaring above Settlement — it's the world's rarest frigatebird and nests only on the island. The golden form of the white-tailed tropic bird is an endemic subspecies unique to Christmas Island. Known locally as the golden bosun bird, this stunning bird is graceful in flight and has been adopted as the island's fauna emblem.

Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area, established in 1929, offers a captivating blend of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Explore this natural wonder, named for its unique bowl-shaped rock formation carved by the relentless forces of the ocean. Witness the timeless spectacle of waves crashing against the rocks, creating a symphony of sound and spray. Surfers can ride the challenging waves, while whale watchers may spot majestic creatures migrating along the coast.

There is always something going on at Bell Centre, whether sporting events or concerts; this same 21,000-seat venue hosts the Cirque du Soleil. Alternatively, you can take one of the guided tours that will take you all the way to the locker rooms. Taking pictures is allowed and encouraged.