Location & Access

Returning Garden sits in Jimei District, Xiamen, nestled south of the Returning Hall (a cultural landmark named after a Chinese poet’s verse). It’s a short walk from Jimei Metro Station (Line 1) or a 15-minute ride from Xiamen North Railway Station. If you’re exploring Gulangyu Island or downtown Xiamen, it’s a ~30-minute taxi ride. The garden is tucked near Tan Kah Kee’s Memorial and the iconic Dragon Boat Pool, so you can combine visits.

Natural Scenery: A Serene Retreat

Returning Garden feels like a hidden oasis. Think winding paths, koi-filled ponds, and ancient-looking pavilions surrounded by bamboo and flowering shrubs. In spring, cherry blossoms and plumponia trees burst into pink and white blooms, while summer brings shaded spots perfect for escaping the heat. Even in winter, the garden’s evergreen plants and rock formations look neatly trimmed. Locals love strolling here early morning or sunset when the light casts long shadows on the bridges and water.

Cultural Stories: Why “Returning”?

The name Returning Garden has a heartwarming backstory. It was built to honor Tan Kah Kee, the “Bannerman of Overseas Chinese,” who devoted his life to education in Xiamen. The garden symbolizes his wish to “return home” after years of working abroad. Nearby, Returning Hall displays his life story through photos and letters. Fun fact: The layout mirrors traditional Chinese gardens, with hidden pathways meant to reflect life’s journey—so keep an eye out for tiny details like carved stone poems or miniature waterfalls!

What to See: Highlights

  • The Nine-Turn Bridge: A zigzag stone bridge said to represent life’s twists and turns. Perfect for photo ops!
  • Lotus Pond: In summer, pink and white lotuses bloom, and there’s a small dock where kids (and adults!) love feeding fish.
  • Pavilion of Reflection: A wooden tower with floor-to-ceiling windows. Climb it for views of the garden’s rooftops and distant mountains.
  • Stone Tablets: Scattered around the garden, these engraved stones quote Tan Kah Kee’s sayings about kindness and hard work.

Visitor Tips: Plan Your Trip

  • Entry: Free! Just show up during daylight hours (officially open from 8 AM–6 PM).
  • Tours: No guided tours, but info boards explain the garden’s history in English and Chinese.
  • Dress Code: Casual wear is fine, but bring sunscreen and a hat—there’s limited shade in the afternoon.
  • Food: No restaurants inside, but a small café near Returning Hall sells bubble tea and snacks. For meals, head to nearby Jimei Night Market (10-minute walk) for cheap eats.

Family-Friendly Features

Parents will love the garden’s safe, fenced ponds (no deep water!) and wide, wheelchair-friendly paths. There’s a shady rest area with benches, and the whole place is stroller-friendly. Kids might enjoy spotting turtles, chasing dragonflies, or playing “hide-and-seek” among the rockeries. Just watch their step on rainy days—stone paths can get slippery.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit?

Returning Garden isn’t a crowded tourist trap. It’s where locals come to read, practice tai chi, or just breathe. Spend an hour here, and you’ll leave with calmer vibes—and maybe a new appreciation for Xiamen’s blend of nature and history. Afterward, walk 10 minutes to the Overseas Chinese Museum or cycle along the coast to Wuyuan Bay for ocean views.

Pro tip: Weekdays are less crowded, and morning light makes photos magical. Avoid midday in summer (it’s hot!).