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.
