Location & Accessibility

The Pearl Of The Sea Observation Tower sits atop Fowei Mountain (Eastern Fox Tail Peak) in Xiamen’s Siming District, near the Dongdu area. For directions, head to 85 Meteorological Observatory Road—it’s easy to reach by taxi or bus (lines 11, 22, or 43 cover nearby stops). If you’re up for a hike, trails lead to the tower from both Dongdu and Hexiang Road, offering scenic walks along the way.

Natural Scenery: A Sky-High View

Perched at 195 meters above sea level, the tower’s 19th-floor observation deck gives you a 360-degree panorama of Xiamen’s coastline, islands, and cityscape. On clear days, you can spot Gulangyu Island and the distant mountains. At night, the city transforms into a glittering sea of lights, with ships passing through the harbor below. The tower’s vase-shaped steel structure blends modernity with elegance, and its light green glass exterior glows softly against the sky, especially when illuminated after sunset.

Cultural & Historical Highlights

Inside the Pearl Of The Sea Observation Tower, you’ll find a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum showcasing traditional Fujian arts like shadow puppetry and Southern Fujian drama. Downstairs, the Meteorology & Astronomy Museum offers interactive exhibits on weather patterns and star constellations. For a unique experience, catch a show in the dome theater, where a giant ceiling screen transports you into space or recreates meteor showers.

Practical Facilities

The tower is family-friendly, with elevators, restrooms, and a café on the 18th floor serving coffee and snacks. Photography lovers will appreciate the open-air observation decks on levels 19 and 20, perfect for capturing Xiamen’s skyline. There’s also a souvenir shop selling local crafts and postcards. Note that the radar dome at the very top is off-limits, but it’s still worth a peek—it looks like a shimmering pearl from afar!

Visiting Tips & Experience

Plan to spend 2–3 hours here. Morning visits offer calmer crowds and clear daylight views, while evenings are magical for photos. The tower’s steel frame occasionally hums softly in the wind, adding to the atmosphere. History buffs will appreciate learning that this was Xiamen’s first steel-structured building, completed in 2004. For a full day, pair your visit with nearby attractions like Xiamen Botanical Garden or a ferry ride to Gulangyu.

Whether you’re a culture nerd, photography enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable city view, the Pearl Of The Sea Observation Tower won’t disappoint. It’s one of Xiamen’s most iconic landmarks—and a must-visit for any traveler!