Top 5 Must-Visit Spots Outside Xiamen Island | Honest Local Reviews: Spend the Whole Day at #1.
When visiting Xiamen, there's no need to squeeze through the crowds downtown on the island. The areas outside the main island actually hide numerous hidden gems. Not only are they less crowded with stunning scenery and diverse activities, but they are also easy to explore. Below are the top 5 must-visit attractions recommended by locals, covering everything from resort getaways and ocean views to hiking, family fun, and foodie adventures. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or just looking for a weekend escape, you'll find the perfect spot.
🥇 TOP 1: Riyuegu Hotsprings Resort | The Ultimate All-Around Vacation Destination Outside the Island ♨
Unlike most attractions that are just for sightseeing and taking photos, Riyuegu is a one-stop resort suitable for all ages where you can have fun from morning till night. Boasting a rare triple certification in Xiamen—a 4A-level scenic spot, a five-star hot spring, and a five-star hotel—it's not just a place for a soak. It's a complete park combining water play, entertainment, photo ops, wellness, and relaxation, offering a rich and varied experience.
💛 Highly Recommended for Young People | Unique Hot Spring Pools & Resort Vibes
Covering an area of 65,000 square meters, the park is designed in a Southeast Asian tropical garden style, with lush foliage and scenic views at every turn. Over 100 open-air hot spring pools and 40+ unique pools each have their own charm. Elegant settings like the Rose Petal Spring, Red Wine Spring, Cold Mist Spring, and Tea Aroma Spring make it easy to snap photos with a Southeast Asian resort feel. There are also fish therapy pools and hydro-massage pools to relax and soothe your fatigue after a long day of exploring.
💙 Top Choice for Families | Heated Water Play Facilities
The park features a year-round temperature-controlled children's play area, unaffected by the hot or cold weather. With rainbow slides, splash fountains, and shallow wading pools, the entire area is designed with shallow water for high safety. Kids can splash around to their heart's content while parents can relax with peace of mind. It's a highly popular family-friendly destination in the Xiamen suburbs.
💚 Diverse Entertainment Options | Never a Dull Moment
Unlike regular hot springs that only offer soaking, Riyuegu also features a standard heated swimming pool, volcanic slate baths, and sand baths. The recreation area includes arcade games, billiards, a movie theater, and a chess and card room, making it perfect for both hanging out with friends and family gatherings. There's also a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can keep up with your workout routine while on vacation. The comprehensive facilities easily outperform most nearby attractions.
❤ Guaranteed Natural Hot Spring Quality
Sourced from natural mineral veins at the foot of Tianzhu Mountain, the water emerges at 82°C. It's an authentic, metasilicic acid-rich therapeutic hot spring—100% natural, not artificially heated. The water is rich in various trace elements. A soak here can soothe sore legs and relax your neck and shoulders, making it perfect for winding down at the end of your trip or for a wellness-focused weekend.
📍 Address: No. 1888 Fulian Road, Haicang District
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)
🚗 Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Dongfu Station and transfer to the free shuttle bus directly to the resort. Free parking is available for those driving, making travel very convenient.
💡 Practical Tip: The best experience is to enter the park in the afternoon. Enjoy the water play and entertainment facilities during the day, then soak in the hot springs and admire the night view in the evening. You can easily spend an entire day here.
🥈 TOP 2: Jimei School Village + Dragon Boat Pool | An Artsy Hub for Food & Strolling 🏮
Accessible directly by subway and free to visit, this spot satisfies your cravings for culture, ocean views, and great food all at once.
Here, you'll find the highly recognizable Jiageng-style red-tiled architecture, a perfect East-meets-West Nanyang (Southeast Asian) style for photos. Stroll along the Dragon Boat Pool, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch the gentle sunset reflecting on the lake for a cozy vibe. Afterward, head to the nearby Shigu Road Food Street. Minnan street food like Shacha noodles, oyster omelets, and deep-fried five-spice rolls are authentic and affordable, without the usual tourist traps. Don't forget to visit the Shili Long Embankment, where you can see the subway running over the sea—an easy and relaxing walk.
🥉 TOP 3: Tianzhu Mountain Forest Park | A Natural Summer Retreat for Forest Bathing 🌲
With free entry, this is a great suburban choice for hiking, clearing your mind, and escaping the summer heat.
Known as Xiamen's urban backyard garden, it boasts high coverage of native dense forests and is rich in negative ions. Summer temperatures here are several degrees cooler than in the city. The park's trails are gentle, requiring no strenuous climbing, making it easily accessible for the elderly and children. You can stroll through the woods, take photos by the lake, or picnic and camp on the lawn. It's an excellent weekend getaway to escape the city hustle, immerse yourself in nature, and relax both mind and body.
TOP 4: Rainbow Beach in the Eastern Sea Area | A Great Spot for Coastal Leisure 🌈
A local secret that satisfies your desires for ocean views, beachcombing, and cycling.
Much more comfortable than the crowded beaches downtown, this area features an ultra-long rainbow coastal boardwalk, clean and fine sand, and clear waters, with fewer tourists. There are diverse ways to enjoy it: you can cycle along the coast, stroll through the waves, and take beach photos. During low tide, you can even experience beachcombing—digging for small crabs and picking up seashells is full of fun. The tangerine sunset over the sea in the evening is breathtaking. Next to the beach is the European-style Yihai Town, which is free to visit and exudes an exotic atmosphere. You can easily spend a whole afternoon here.
TOP 5: Xiatanwei Coastal Wetland Park | A Hidden Mangrove Forest on the Sea 🌿
With very little commercial vibe, it's a tranquil and relaxing spot for photography.
This free hidden gem in Xiang'an has almost no commercial facilities, offering a quiet and pleasant environment. The ultra-long overwater wooden boardwalk winds through expanses of mangrove forests. During high tide, it feels like strolling through an ocean forest, with sweeping views and an elegant atmosphere. The lighting during sunrise and sunset is absolutely stunning, making it easy to snap beautiful, soothing photos. It's perfect for a relaxing walk, clearing your mind, and enjoying a quiet seaside escape away from the crowds.
💡 Recommended Itinerary Outside the Island | Classic Local Way to Play
During the day, visit spots featuring ocean views, culture, or forests for an easy and effortless exploration. In the evening, head to Riyuegu Hotsprings Resort to soak, relax, and enjoy some leisure activities—perfect for soothing the fatigue of a day of sightseeing. Balancing activity and relaxation without a rushed schedule is the most comfortable and smooth way to explore the areas outside Xiamen Island.