Xiamen is a subtropical port city on the Fujian coast facing Taiwan, known for car-free Gulangyu Island (UNESCO), Nanputuo Temple, a beachfront ring road and Minnan seafood.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Sunlight Rock and Gulangyu Summit Walk
Sunlight Rock is the highest point of Gulangyu island, a rocky granite summit with stairs and viewing platforms over Xiamen Island and the Taiwan Strait. Sunlight Rock entry is ticketed separately from the free island access (approx. ¥60, ~$9).
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2
Wulaofeng and Nanputuo Back-Hill Path
The trail climbs from the back of South Putuo Temple up the Wulaofeng ridge, where rock inscriptions and stone steps lead to viewpoints over Xiamen University and the bay. Entry to the temple grounds is free; the mountain is a public walking area.
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3
Xianyue Mountain Park Ridge Walk
A city hill park above the Huli district with stone steps, pavilions and lookouts over Xiamen Island and the Xiamen Bay bridges. It is a free local park used for morning exercise.
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4
Huwei Mountain Park
A small hill park beside Yundang Lake with a tower viewpoint and old fortification traces. It is a quick sunset walk close to the island's centre.
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5
Yundang Lake and Egret Island Loop
A flat paved promenade around the former lagoon in the centre of Xiamen Island, passing Egret Island Park and Bay Park. The route is free and lit in the evening.
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6
Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park Shoreline
A flat shoreline path and boardwalks around a tidal wetland and marina on the north-east of Xiamen Island. It suits easy walking and cycling and is free to enter.
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7
Yunding Rock Mountain Path
A hill scenic area with rock outcrops, stone steps and views over the east side of Xiamen Island. Entry rules and fees vary, so confirm on the Amap listing before going.
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8
Damaoshan Forest Ridge, Xiang'an
A forested mountain in Xiang'an district north-east of the island, popular with local hikers for cooler air in summer. Mobile signal can be patchy, so download an offline map.
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9
Tingxi Reservoir Lakeside Trail
A quiet reservoir surrounded by hills in the north of Xiamen, used for walking, cycling and picnics. Arrive by car or DiDi and arrange the return trip in advance.
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10
Huandao Road Coastal Promenade, Zengcuo'an to Xiamen University
A flat seaside path along the south-east coast of Xiamen Island, passing Zengcuo'an village, Hulishan Cannon Fort and the beaches near Xiamen University. It is free and has a separate cycling lane.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Xiamen.
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Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Heat and humidity from June to September; carry at least 1 L of water per person
Hazard: Typhoon closures of parks and the Gulangyu ferry, usually July to September; check weather alerts on Amap or WeChat
Hazard: Slippery granite and stone steps after rain
Hazard: Mosquitoes on forest and reservoir trails; use repellent