After a delightful breakfast, embark on a journey at 7:30 am to the ancient temple of Nanputuo, a sanctuary with a history spanning over a thousand years in the Minnan region. Immerse yourself in its tranquility, as it stands as one of China's earliest Buddhist higher education institutions, a beacon of spiritual learning and enlightenment. During the scenic drive, catch glimpses of the picturesque campus of Xiamen University, renowned as one of the most beautiful in the country.
At 11:00 am, step onto the newly established and immensely popular "Shanhai Health Skywalk", a 23-kilometer-long elevated pathway that meanders through the heart of Xiamen, offering panoramic views of the island's lush green mountains and sparkling waters. This elevated trail is a testament to the city's commitment to health and well-being, providing a unique vantage point to admire the breathtaking beauty of Xiamen.
At 1:00 pm, proceed to the Xiamen Dongdu Cruise Terminal and set sail for Gulangyu, the "Island of Music". This charming island, covering an area of 1.87 square kilometers and home to approximately 16,000 residents, is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait and is celebrated for its pleasant climate, year-round spring-like weather, and tranquil ambiance devoid of vehicular noise. It is a true "Pearl of the Sea", adorned with a rich tapestry of international architecture, including consulates and churches from various countries.
Discover the architectural marvels of the "International Architecture Expo", including the British Consulate, Japanese Consulate, American Consulate, and the Catholic Church. Pay homage to the esteemed medical scientist, Professor Lin Qiaozhi, at the serene and picturesque Yu Garden, a tribute to her remarkable contributions to medicine.
Next, visit the former residence of Zhong Nanshan, a renowned medical expert born in Nanjing in 1936, whose father was a famous pediatrician and whose mother was one of the founders of the Guangdong Provincial Tumor Hospital. Conclude your visit with a leisurely stroll down the bustling Longtou Commercial Street, a vibrant hub of activity and commerce.
Please note the following:
1. The shops along Longtou Road on Gulangyu Island are open-style stores and not designated shopping venues by the tourism bureau. When shopping on the island, compare prices and make purchases at your discretion.
2. Due to regulations, tour guides on Gulangyu Island are not allowed to use loudspeakers. The cost of renting earphones is 20 RMB per person (optional).
3. Gulangyu Island is a vehicle-free zone, and all transportation is on foot. Please prepare a pair of comfortable shoes for your visit.
Warm Reminder: As the ferry tickets to Gulangyu Island are booked online and require group entry and exit, cancellations are non-refundable, and the departure and arrival times are subject to the actual tickets purchased. Due to the island's visitor limit, ferry tickets must be pre-booked, and once booked, no additional tickets can be purchased at a higher price. If a child's height exceeds 1.5 meters, please notify us in advance to purchase a full ferry ticket. Any consequences arising from incorrect information provided by the guest, such as inability to board the ferry, will be the guest's responsibility. Temporary ticket purchases at the ferry may not guarantee the same departure time as our pre-booked tickets.