Location & Transportation

Sapond Plaza and the “Lover’s Valley” (a romantic nickname for a tranquil lake area) sit within Xiamen University, located at 422 Siming South Road, Fujian Province. To reach here, take Bus 21/45/87 to Xiamen University Gate, or the BRT Line 1 to Liang’an Station. The university is a 15-minute walk from Xiamen Metro Line 1 (Zengcuo’an Station). Once inside, Sapond Plaza is near the main gate, while the lake area (locally called “Lover’s Valley”) is a 5-minute walk south toward the sea.

Pro tip: Save time by renting a shared bike (WeChat: Didi Bike) to cruise around the campus—it’s huge!

Natural Scenery: Relaxation at Its Best

Sapond Plaza is a spacious area surrounded by palm trees and flower beds, with a statue of the university’s founder, Sapont, towering overhead. It’s a sunny spot perfect for photos, especially in the morning. Just a short walk away, Lover’s Valley (the lake) feels like a hidden oasis. Tall banana trees line the edges, and you’ll spot black swans paddling in the water. At sunset, the lake reflects pink skies—romance 101!

Both spots offer shaded paths if you’re visiting midday. Bring bug spray, though—those lakeside plants attract mosquitoes!

Cultural Stories & Human Touch

Sapond Plaza isn’t just a pretty space—it’s named after Sapont, a visionary educator who built Xiamen University during wartime. His bronze statue here symbolizes resilience. Locals say touching the statue’s base brings good luck for students (totally a fun myth to try!).

The nearby Lover’s Valley gets its name from couples who flock here at night. Legend says if two people walk hand-in-hand around the lake three times, they’ll stay together forever… or at least until graduation. Whether you believe it or not, the vibe is undeniably cozy.

Practical Tips: What to Expect

Sapond Plaza has clean restrooms and benches, but bring water—there’s no café here. For snacks, head to the student cafeteria near the lake (cash only, but cheap!). The whole area is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with flat paths.

At Lover’s Valley, there’s a tiny duck-feeding dock. Kids love it, but go early—afternoons get crowded. Both spots are free to visit, but Xiamen University charges a ¥30 entry fee for tourists (students/locals enter freely).

Ultimate Day-Trip Plan

Start at Sapond Plaza for morning photos, then wander to Lover’s Valley for a boat ride (rent paddle boats for ¥50/hour). Lunch at the student canteen (try oyster omelette!), then explore nearby Wulaixiu (a coastal trail with epic views). End your day back at Sapond Plaza to watch the sun set behind the statue.

Bonus tip: Weekdays are less crowded, but weekends mean live music near the plaza. Wear comfy shoes—this campus is hilly!

That’s your guide to Sapond Plaza and Lover’s Valley! Tag #XiamenUniversity on Instagram for chances to feature in travel repos. See you there!