6-day tour that offers an authentic look at Xiamen

Day 4: A little bit old, a little bit new

Travelers visit South Putuo Temple in Xiamen, Fujian province on a rainy day. [Photo/IC]

Positioned at the foot of Wulao Peak in Xiamen's southeast, South Putuo Temple is ideal for those looking for the bucolic feeling of a Fujian-styled Buddhism building. It is one of the most frequently visited holy shrines in Fujian and even China.

Among the things visitors will find here are ancient relics, ceramic sculptures, and treasured scriptures. It is an excellent place to learn about Xiamen's history and local character, as well as take in the classic art of Chinese craftsmanship.

Built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the temple has survived its inevitable share of destruction coming with the shifts in dynasties. In the 23rd year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912), it was once again rebuilt and given its present name. 

A statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin or Avalokitesvara is enshrined in the temple, which receives the most devout worshipers and pilgrims throughout the year. 

Stone carvings, lotus filled ponds, and secluded caves are scattered around the courtyards. For those visitors looking for a bit of good fortune, try tossing a coin on the rock behind the main temple, which is said to bring good luck to people's lives. 

Behind the smoky courtyards, libraries, digs, temples, and statues of a laughing Buddha is Wulao Peak, which overlooks the South China Sea and offers a panoramic view of Xiamen University campus, as well as the sprawling urban metropolis of Xiamen.

Xiamen University, arguably the most beautiful campus in China, is within walking distance and hard to miss for those coming out of South Putuo Temple. [Photo/IC]

Xiamen University is among the most fascinating universities in China, proven by the hordes of tourists lining up outside its gate every day during holidays. 

Founded by Chinese Singaporean Tan Kah Kee, the campus boasts picturesque landscapes, elegant architecture, and spacious sports fields. It boasts a taste of energetic campus life that reminds visitors of their youth.

The renowned graffiti tunnel where students' imaginations are unleashed, and Valentine's Valley, a romantic hideaway for young lovers who are hopelessly romantic. [Photo/IC]

Address: No 422, South Siming Road, Siming district, Xiamen

Opening Hours: 12:30-14:00 (only the first 1,000 visitors are admitted, Monday to Friday), 24 hours on weekends (the first 5,000 visitors are admitted)

Exiting Xiamen University from its south gate, visitors can marvel at the enormous fortress with German-made Krupp cannons.

Tourists take photos against the fortress and its Krupp cannons that played an important role during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45). [Photo/IC]

Hulishan Fortress (胡里山炮台) is a concrete defensive outpost on the southern coast of Xiamen, just across the water from Kinmen Island.

The 70,000-square-meter compound was built in 1894 as the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was shaken by the power of Western aggression.

The fortress includes a barracks, a secret tunnel, an ammunition depot, and a castle. One of the German-made Krupp cannons has been confirmed as "the largest and oldest 19th-century breech loader still in existence."

The highlight for visitors is the largest and oldest 19th-century breech loader that still exists. Weighing 87 tons and measuring 13.9 meters in length, the cannon had a firing range of nearly 20 kilometers. [Photo/IC]

In the neighboring Rongguang Museum (荣光宝藏博物院), ancient firecrackers, guns, swords, and stones are on display. The ticket price is 25 yuan ($3.60) and includes admission to Hulishan Fortress.