Location & Accessibility
Tong'An Tourist Area sits in the northern part of Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, China. It’s a hidden gem for those who want to escape the hustle of downtown Xiamen. The area is surrounded by mountains and countryside, making it feel like a world apart. To get here, you can take a taxi or bus from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (about 40 minutes) or hop on the metro to Xiamen North Station and transfer to a local bus. If you’re driving, exit the highway at Tongan District—just follow signs for “Tong'An Tourist Area” and you’ll find your way!
Natural Scenery: A Breath of Fresh Air
Tong'An Tourist Area is all about nature. One of its highlights is North辰 Mountain (Běichén Shān), where you’ll hike through lush forests and spot waterfalls that look straight out of a painting. On clear days, the summit offers views of Xiamen’s skyline in the distance. Nearby, Golden Light Lake (Jīnguāng Hú) is perfect for a peaceful boat ride—the water shimmers like glass at sunrise. Don’t miss the hot springs either; they’re tucked into the mountains and rumored to have healing powers. Whether you’re cycling along country roads or just sitting by a mist-covered lake, Tong'An Tourist Area feels like a retreat into paradise.
Cultural Gems: Villages & Temples
Beyond nature, Tong'An Tourist Area has plenty of culture too. Yuan Boyuan Village (Yuánbóyuán Cūn) is a historic military village where locals still grow tea using ancient methods. You can sip tea with farmers and learn how they’ve kept traditions alive for centuries. For something quirkier, head to Zhu Ba南洋 Town (Zhùbà Nányáng Zhèn)—a village built by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia. The colorful houses, banana leaf-wrapped rice, and street art make it feel like you’re stepping into a different country. And if you’re into spirituality, Mei Shan Temple (Méi shān miào) is a must. It’s nestled in the woods, and locals say it’s been a prayer spot for over 800 years.
Practical Tips: Food, Stay, & More
Tong'An Tourist Area isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about soaking in the vibe. For food, try Shan Cheng Quan Du (a local restaurant) for fried mushrooms and bamboo shoot soup. Budget travelers can stay in cozy homestays like Qing Lu Residency, while fancy folks might prefer Tong'An Hot Spring Resort. The area is super family-friendly: clean restrooms, clear signage, and even rental bikes for exploring. Pro tip: Visit during the Tulip Festival in spring—the fields here look like a rainbow!
Why You’ll Love It
Tong'An Tourist Area isn’t crowded like downtown Xiamen, but it’s packed with charm. Whether you’re hiking, sipping tea, or snapping photos of temple roofs, there’s something for everyone. Come for a day, stay for a week—and don’t forget to mention “Tong'An Tourist Area” when asking locals for tips. They’ll smile and guide you to their favorite spots!