Xiamen University
Xiamen University, founded in 1921 by patriotic overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee, is China’s first university established by a foreign-born Chinese and one of the country’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Nestled between lush mountains and the sea in Xiamen, Fujian Province, it is renowned for its harmonious blend of traditional Chinese and colonial-era architecture, vibrant academic atmosphere, and picturesque campus dubbed the "most beautiful university in China." Spanning 900 acres, the campus features iconic landmarks like the Fuhua Cultural Heritage Park, the humanities library shaped like a giant book, and the scenic Phoenix Flower Valley
Historical Overview
Established in 1921, Xiamen University (XMU) began as a vision to modernize Chinese education. Its founder, Tan Kah Kee, personally funded construction and recruited renowned scholars, establishing it as a hub for liberal arts and sciences. Over the decades, XMU weathered wars, relocations, and expansions, including a 1937 wartime merger with Peking University and Tsinghua University. Post-1949, it grew into a comprehensive university, gaining national key university status in 1963. Today, it hosts 40,000 students, 3,000 faculty, and 30 research institutes, maintaining its legacy as a cradle of innovation and cross-Strait academic exchange.
Campus Layout
The campus is divided into three zones:
1. Historic Core: Features red-brick buildings with Sino-European flair, including the 1921 Grand Auditorium (Xianglan Hall) and the clock tower library.
2. Academic Zone: Modern facilities like the Deji Conference Center, nanotechnology labs, and the marine research institute.
3. Natural Landscapes: Phoenix Flower Valley, a botanical garden with mangrove trails, and the 20-acre Baicheng Beach frontage.
Key structures include the South Gate (a 1921 archway), the Humanities Library (book-shaped design), and the Fuhua Cultural Heritage Park.
Major Attractions
Grand Auditorium (Xianglan Hall): A 1921 red-brick hall with stained-glass windows, hosting lectures and concerts.
Fenglin Road (Phoenix Flower Valley): A 1.5km path lined with flame trees and banyans, peaking in red blooms during May-June.
Tunxi Building: A 1950s modernist structure with a rooftop observatory offering sea views.
Fuhua Cultural Heritage Park: Open-air sculptures and a 300-year-old banyan tree.
Baicheng Beach: Campus-adjacent sandy shore popular for sunset strolls.
Humanities Library: A 10-story "open book" structure with a 24-hour reading room.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2 hours):
South Gate → Grand Auditorium → Fenglin Road → Fuhua Park → Humanities Library → Baicheng Beach
Highlights: Photography spots, architectural contrasts, and coastal views.
- Academic & Cultural Route (3.5 hours):
Science Art Museum → Tunxi Building Observatory → Marine Museum → Deji Conference Center → Xiamen University Museum
Highlights: Innovation displays, oceanography exhibits, and university history.
- Nature & Leisure Route (Full Day):
Phoenix Flower Valley → Lotus Pond → White City Beach → Student Cafeteria Lunch → Cycling Tour
Highlights: Botanical trails, student-life immersion, and seafood snacks.
Visitor Information
Hours: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM (campus); museums/libraries 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tickets: Free entry (ID required at gates); museums require reservations via WeChat.
Guided Tours: ¥100/group (2 hours), available in English/Chinese.
Dining: Student canteens (¥15–30 meals) or coastal seafood markets nearby.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Xiada South Gate Station (Exit A), 5-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 1, 21, 45 to Xiamen University Station.
By Taxi: Direct to South Gate (limited parking; use ride-hailing apps).
Bike Rentals: ¥10/hour for campus exploration.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays (8–10 AM or 3–5 PM).
Peak Seasons: March–April (wisteria blooms) and September–October (mild weather).
Dress Code: Light layers (sea breezes) and comfortable shoes.
Respect: Quiet zones near libraries; no drones or loudspeakers.
Local Treat: Try "peanut soup" and "shacha noodles" at nearby Zhongshan Road.
FAQ
What nearby attractions can visitors combine with Xiamen University?
South Putuo Temple: A Buddhist temple adjacent to the south gate, offering vegetarian meals and panoramic city views. Shapowei: A creative district 10-minute walk from the west gate, featuring art galleries, cafes, and seafood markets. Baicheng Beach & Yanyu Bridge: Relax on the beach or enjoy sunset views from the observation deck near the north gate.
How to book a visit to Xiamen University?
Visitors must reserve slots via the official WeChat mini-program ("Xiamen University Visitor Reservation System") at least 1–3 days in advance. The system releases daily quotas (2,000 on weekdays, 8,000 on weekends/holidays). Entry requires a valid ID and matching the reserved time slot.
What cultural activities or traditions can visitors experience on campus?
Concerts & Performances: The Science and Art Center hosts classical music concerts, operas, and piano festivals (e.g., the annual China PIANO Festival). Minnan Cultural Events: Traditional puppet shows, Nanyin music performances, and calligraphy exhibitions are occasionally organized in collaboration with local communities. Student Art Exhibitions: Temporary displays of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works by XMU students are often showcased in public spaces.
What should a cultural immersion tour include?
Focus on Jia Geng architecture and historical narratives: Explore Qunxian Building Complex and its colonnaded corridors, reflecting early 20th-century Sino-Western fusion; visit the Human Museum to study prehistoric artifacts and Minnan cultural relics; attend guided tours of the Jiannan Building Complex to learn about Tan Kah Kee’s vision and educational philosophy.
What are the opening hours and exhibits of the Lu Xun Memorial Hall?
The memorial operates Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30–17:30 (closed on Mondays). It showcases relics from Lu Xun’s tenure at XMU (1926–1927), including his living quarters, manuscripts, and artifacts related to his literary contributions. The hall preserves his legacy and offers insights into early 20th-century Chinese intellectual history.
