Xiamen Garden Expo Park One-Day Tour Itinerary
Morning: Iconic Landmarks & International Gardens
Enter at West Gate 1 (Recommended: Exit 2 of “Garden Expo Park” Station, Metro Line 1)
Xinglin Pavilion (8:30 am – 10:00 am): Ascend this 50-meter-tall Minnan-style tower for panoramic views of the park and distant Kinmen Island. Capture stunning photos in the soft morning light.
International Garden Zone (10:00 am – 11:30 am): Wander past the Dutch Windmill Lawn and French Rose Garden. Admire exotic architecture framed by vibrant summer blooms: golden showers of Golden Shower Trees (Cassia fistula) and purple blossoms of Queen Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia speciosa), resembling a living oil painting.
Ecological Museum or Jiangnan Water Street (11:30 am – 12:30 pm)
Families: Visit the Ecological Museum for parrot interactions and a butterfly garden.
Culture Enthusiasts: Explore Jiangnan Water Street. Stroll along canals lined with whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs – perfect for Hanfu photography evoking classic Suzhou/Hangzhou charm.
Lunch Break: Refuel & Recharge
Park Dining: Try local Xiamen specialties like Sha Cha Noodles (沙茶面) and Oyster Omelet (海蛎煎) at “Green Fairyland” (绿野仙踪) restaurant in Lingnan Garden.
BYO Option: Pack ample water and snacks – park food/drink prices are higher.
Afternoon: Culture, Flowers & Relaxation
Ethnic Culture Garden & Chinese Education Island (1:30 pm – 3:00 pm)
Experience diverse ethnic architecture and performances. Walk the ancient-style corridor of Xinglin Academy. Snap cultural photos at the “Elite Universities Garden” featuring replicas of Tsinghua and Peking University gates.
Summer Floral Highlights: Pass by Ocean Island or the Lotus Pond at the Fossilized Wood Garden (Peak bloom: Late June – July). Marvel at 262 varieties of lotus flowers; though they typically open at dawn, you can still catch many blooming beauties in the early afternoon.
Moonlight Ring & Hot Spring Island (3:30 pm – 5:30 pm)
Moonlight Ring: By day, admire its minimalist glass design. At dusk, its LED lights simulate moon phases – plan to transition into the evening here.
Hot Spring Island Slow Living: Sip cold-brew tea at “Tashan Yi Zhan Xian Tang” (它山一盏闲堂) tea house, or relax at the free public tea area (bring your own tea set).
Evening Highlight: Dazzling Light Show
Moonlight Ring Nightscape (After 7:00 pm): Capture the magical “moon cradled by pearl towers” panorama during blue hour. The interplay of LED lights and water reflections creates a stunning sci-fi spectacle.
⚠️ Essential Tips
Transport:
Best Option: Metro Line 1.
Driving: Park at West Gate 1 or South Gate.
Inside Park: Save energy with electric carts (20 RMB/person) or the sightseeing train.
Gear: Comfortable walking shoes (20,000+ steps/day!), sun protection essentials (hat, umbrella, sunscreen), and mosquito repellent.
Admission: Park entry is FREE. Children’s Park requires booking; some exhibits (e.g., Insect Museum) charge separately.
Weather: Prepare for summer heat, rain, and possible typhoons (check forecasts).
Summer Exclusive Highlights
Golden Rain: Golden Shower Trees (Cassia fistula) in South Africa Garden and Trier Garden bloom like golden waterfalls (peak until July).
Lotus Serenity: Experience “endless lotus leaves under the sky” at Fossilized Wood Garden and Wuhan Garden ponds – best photographed at dawn.
Optimized Route Map:
West Gate 1 → Xinglin Pavilion → International Garden Zone → (Lunch) → Ethnic Culture Garden → Chinese Education Island → Lotus Ponds → Moonlight Ring → Hot Spring Island → Night View → Return.
