Things to Do at Xiamen University

Complete Guide to Xiamen University in Xiamen

About Xiamen University

Admission: 52 yuan (). Crowds gather around the main entrance during peak hours. Parking fills up quickly on weekends, arrive before 10am.

What to See & Do

Furong Lake

The heart of campus - a peaceful lake surrounded by walking paths where you'll see students studying under trees and the occasional black swan gliding by

Jiannan Auditorium

The university's iconic building with its distinctive red roof and colonial architecture, particularly photogenic in the late afternoon light

Lover's Valley

A romantic spot with winding paths through lush vegetation - popular with couples but actually quite nice for anyone who wants a quiet walk

Campus beaches

Small stretches of sand right on campus where you can sit and watch boats in the harbor - surprisingly tranquil given how close you are to the city

Xiamen University Museum

Houses an impressive collection of Lu Jiaxiang's paintings and cultural artifacts, giving you context for the university's history and Fujian culture

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Campus is open daily, though tourist access may be restricted during exam periods (typically June and December). Generally accessible 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Free entry, but you'll need to register with ID at the main gates. During peak tourist seasons, they sometimes limit daily visitor numbers

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the light is softer and there are fewer tour groups. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends

Suggested Duration

2-3 hours for a leisurely walk around the main sights, though you could easily spend half a day if you're into photography or just want to soak up the atmosphere

Getting There

Most visitors enter through the main Danan Gate. You can catch bus routes 1, 15, 21, 45, or 751 and hop off at the Xiamen University stop. Simple enough. From Xiamen North Railway Station, take the BRT to First Pier, then switch to a local bus. Taxis work too, though traffic gets thick around the university during rush hours. Traffic is brutal then. The campus sits within walking distance of parts of Siming District if you don't mind a 20-30 minute walk.

Things to Do Nearby

Nanputuo Temple
Ancient Buddhist temple right next to the university campus with impressive halls and a vegetarian restaurant that's actually worth trying

Hulishan Fortress
Late Qing Dynasty coastal defense fort about 10 minutes away, featuring what's supposedly the world's oldest coastal cannon still in its original location

Baicheng Beach
Sandy beach that connects to the university's waterfront - good for sunset watching and has a more local feel than some of Xiamen's other beaches

Xiamen Botanical Garden
Sprawling garden in a former quarry with tropical plants and rock formations, particularly known for its cactus collection

Siming District Shopping Area
The main commercial district with pedestrian streets, local snacks, and that mix of chain stores and local shops you find in most Chinese cities

Tips & Advice

Bring your passport or ID card - you'll need it to register for entry at any of the gates

The campus gets quite crowded during Chinese holidays and summer vacation, so if you're looking for that peaceful university atmosphere, try to time your visit accordingly

There are several small cafeterias on campus where you can eat cheaply alongside students - just follow the crowds and point at what looks good

The waterfront areas can be windy, so you might want to bring a light jacket even if it's warm inland