Type: Culture, Free Time, Gardens, Historic Site
Length: 7 Hours
Walking: Medium (some hills)
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Appropriate dress is required
Guide: Licensed Guide
Language: English

Xiamen Shore Excursion - This full day tour explores the beautiful and interesting gardens located on Gulangyu Island followed by a visit to the South Putuo Temple and then some free time to visit a local market or one Xiamen's popular shopping areas.

After meeting your guide at the Xiamen cruise port you will take a ferry to Gulangyu Island. The island is known as "the garden on the sea" and "the hometown of music". Once you arrive at the island you will walk to and enjoy time at the Shuzhuang Garden. The garden was originally a private villa but was converted to a public garden in the 1950s. You will enjoy how the garden incorporates the natural setting of the hills and outstanding ocean views. These sort of "illusions" create something exciting around each corner. Also located at the garden is a small Piano Museum which you will visit. The fine collection of pianos from around the world is a treat for piano lovers as well as the the curious visitor.

After visiting this scenic must-see, you take buggies back to the island's ferry terminal and then the ferry back to the mainland. Back on the mainland you enjoy an included lunch in a local restaurant before starting more sightseeing.

After your lunch stop you drive to the South Putuo Temple which is located at the base of a mountain, facing the sea. The temple's buildings are spread out around the slope of the mountain. This cultural must-see site dates back to the Tang Dynasty but then was destroyed during the Ming Dynasty and then rebuilt under a Qing Emperor

Late this afternoon you have the choice to visit an old local market or to visit Zhongshan Road which has many shopping opportunities.

After the tour, your will be transferred back to your cruise.