#Xiamen Star Tethered Helium Balloon Ride Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Hot Air Balloons
Address:
廈門市思明區環島南路胡裏山炮台東側停車場
Opening times:
Business hours TBAClosed
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
0592-2099609
Old classmates reunite after twenty years, marveling at the old and new from a hundred meters high in the sky.
🐾 After many years, my university classmates, taking advantage of the summer vacation, came to visit Xiamen. As a local, it was my duty to ensure they had a good time exploring and dining. Our first stop was naturally our alma mater, but I had recently heard about the Xiamen Star Helium Balloon, which offers a panoramic view of Xiamen University and its surroundings from a hundred meters in the air. Isn't that more exciting and interesting?
♥️ Our first stop was the Xiamen Star Helium Balloon:
At 9:30 in the morning, we arrived at the Xiamen Star Helium Balloon located opposite the Xiamen University Art College. The tide of tourists had not yet arrived, and the traffic situation was quite favorable, with no congestion.
The ticket price was 150 yuan per person. Before the official takeoff, the staff conducted a test flight to ensure safety. If you have backpacks or luggage that are inconvenient to take on the helium balloon, there are facial recognition lockers available for storage.
Unlike hot air balloons, helium is an inert gas that is light, colorless, non-toxic, and non-flammable. This helium balloon contains 6600 cubic meters of helium, and the balloon's diameter reaches 23 meters. Even if the balloon is damaged, it will not lose buoyancy. There is one main steel cable and three safety cables connected to the ground, an emergency safety cable in the gondola, and an emergency generator and winch between the equipment, ensuring safety.
As the helium balloon slowly ascended, the blue sky, sea, beach, twin towers, and panoramic view of Xiamen University all came into view, as well as the distant Gulangyu, Zhangzhou, and Kinmen Islands. Standing a hundred meters in the air, looking at the faintly recognizable old appearance and the increasingly beautiful new face, I couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion as I looked back at my alma mater from a different perspective!
The whole process took about 20 minutes, with a 10-minute stay in the air. After the ride, we were still not satisfied. Later, walking on the beach, we saw the helium balloon again and thought about when we could come back for another experience!
♥️ Our second stop was Xiamen University:
Xiamen University is now open to alumni, who can enter the campus without an appointment by presenting their alumni card and ID.
Seeing the familiar face of my alma mater again, the campus was still serene and youthful. Although I couldn't help but recall the poem "The scenery is old and familiar," I sighed slightly at the passage of time and the changes in people and things. Then we had lunch in the school cafeteria, reminiscing about the old days as we chatted and laughed.
♥️ Our third stop was Nanputuo Temple:
Exiting from the south gate of Xiamen University, we arrived at the famous Nanputuo Temple. You can enter by making an appointment on the spot at the entrance, which is not only free but also includes incense as a gift.
There were many worshippers and tourists in the temple, and the garden scenery in front of the temple was quite good, with flowers, trees, lotus ponds, curved bridges, pagodas, and pigeons, all full of life!
We originally wanted to have a bowl of vegetarian noodles in the vegetarian restaurant, but unfortunately, the spicy oil noodles we wanted were sold out. We'll have to come back next time.
♥️ Our final stop was dinner:
We drove along the coastal road, admiring the charming sea view, and arrived at the Minnan Courtyard near Guanyin Mountain. This place has a superior geographical environment and is a Minnan cuisine restaurant suitable for entertaining VIPs.
Before the meal, you can have tea and chat in the courtyard, take photos and check in. However, it's cooler to eat in a private room in the summer. We bought a four-person set meal, which cost nearly a hundred yuan per person, including small green dragon, Thousand Island Lake fish and other seafood, appetizers, main dishes, fruit juice drinks, etc. Overall, it was quite good.
In the evening, there were Minnan-style dances and performances in the outdoor courtyard, which was one of the highlights.
💕 From morning to night, from the sky to the ground, circling half of Xiamen Island, with memories of the past and memories of the present, this day's itinerary was quite fulfilling! #relaxing
theartofnoshoes
Unlock new methods of exploring Xiamen, four major strategies to view the Egret Island from the sky, capturing the mountains and sea in one glance.
📸 Embrace the romance and gentleness of the sea breeze in a coastal city this summer, and Xiamen is undoubtedly the perfect choice. This city, inherently romantic, boasts an abundance of exquisite cuisine and scenic beauty. However, during the peak summer vacation season, popular tourist spots can become as congested as parking lots. If the ground view is less than ideal, let's change our perspective and view Xiamen from a different angle. As a native of Xiamen, this guide will help you unlock some new vantage points, offering a bird's eye view of the Egret Island, with both mountains and sea in sight.
1⃣️ No need to travel to Turkey, the "Star of Xiamen" will take you to the skies.
👍 This is a truly airborne experience, and the only place in Xiamen where you can ascend in a balloon. Located by the seaside on the Ring Island Road, next to the Huli Mountain Fort, the large balloon is particularly eye-catching. It is filled with helium, ensuring high safety standards, and wind tests are conducted by professionals before each flight.
🎈 The balloon's design is very "Xiamen", featuring two playful dolphins and the phrase "I LOVE XIAMEN", making it a great photo opportunity. There is also a viewing platform on the second floor of the ticket office, which is an excellent spot for capturing the scenery.
❤️ Each balloon flight lasts approximately 15 minutes, and as long as the wind speed and weather conditions permit, it can fly with just one passenger, reaching a maximum height of about 100 meters. As the balloon slowly ascends, the view becomes increasingly beautiful. The Huli Mountain Fort below, the Twin Towers in the distance, the Yanwu Bridge, Xiamen University, and other sights are all within view. The sea and sky merge into one, creating a spectacular sight. The balloon is also equipped with a telescope, adding a thoughtful touch. The entire process does not involve severe shaking, and with adequate safety measures in place, you can confidently walk around the balloon to enjoy the stunning views.
💰 Ticket price: 150 yuan/person
💡 Reminder: It is recommended to call in advance to inquire about the day's flying conditions.
2⃣️ Mountain and Sea Health Trail Forest Sea Line, traverse mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas to see you.
💫 Since the Mountain and Sea Health Trail Forest Sea Line was fully opened earlier this year, it has quickly attracted a large number of local residents and tourists to visit. The most essential route is from Dongping Mountain Tourism Company (Entrance No. 6) - Meihai Ridge Flower Terrace - Wanshi Canghai - Pangui Tower - Ring Island Road Seaside, which is mostly downhill and relatively effortless.
3⃣️ Clock Drum Cable Car, enjoy mountain and sea views in 40 minutes.
💫 Located next to the west gate of the Botanical Garden, the entire journey takes about 40 minutes, and you cannot disembark midway. The cable car is rather simple, not enclosed, and exposed to the wind and sun, which can be a bit tough, but it is advantageous for taking photos. It is recommended to wear an extra layer of clothing due to the strong wind at high altitudes. Sitting in the cable car, you can see the Plant Rock below and the distant sea, especially on the return journey, you can take a photo of the cable car with the Twin Towers, which is quite beautiful.
📍 Address: 31 Huyuan Road
💰 Ticket price: 80 yuan
💡 Reminder: You cannot get on or off the cable car midway, those with acrophobia should choose carefully.
4⃣️ Xiamen Above the Clouds, view Egret Island from 300 meters high.
🍀 At the Xiamen Observation Hall on the 55th floor of the Shimao Strait Building, there is a 360-degree transparent viewing platform of over 1300 square meters, combining high-altitude views, multimedia interaction, and commercial leisure. The 58th floor also has an open-air love rooftop, overlooking beautiful Xiamen and Gulangyu in the distance, becoming a romantic landmark in Xiamen.
📍 Address: Shimao Strait Building B Tower 55F
💰 Ticket price: Starting from 180 yuan #Outdoor Fun #Unseen New#