Xiamen, a coastal gem in Fujian Province, is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage. While many travelers flock to its sandy shores for relaxation, the city’s beach resorts offer far more than just sun and surf. From immersive local traditions to architectural wonders, Xiamen’s resorts seamlessly blend luxury with cultural depth. Here’s a guide to the top beach resorts in Xiamen that deliver unforgettable cultural experiences.
Nestled along the serene shores of Hulishan Beach, the Amoy Hotel & Resort is a masterpiece of Minnan (Southern Fujian) architecture. The resort’s design pays homage to Xiamen’s colonial past, featuring red-brick facades, arched doorways, and intricate carvings reminiscent of the city’s historic shikumen (stone-gate) houses.
Cultural Highlights:
- Tea Ceremonies: Fujian is the birthplace of oolong tea, and the resort offers daily tea-tasting sessions with local experts. Guests can learn about the art of gongfu cha, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
- Gulangyu Island Tours: The resort organizes private boat trips to Gulangyu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial-era villas and piano museums.
- Minnan Opera Performances: On select evenings, guests can enjoy live performances of Gaojia Opera, a vibrant local art form.
Located on the quieter shores of Zengcuoan Beach, The Chedi Xiamen is a sanctuary of minimalist elegance infused with Fujianese culture. The resort’s interiors showcase handcrafted ceramics from Dehua, a nearby town famous for its "China white" porcelain.
Cultural Highlights:
- Pottery Workshops: Guests can try their hand at crafting traditional Dehua porcelain under the guidance of master artisans.
- Seafood Feasts: The resort’s restaurant specializes in Haiwei Banquet, a multi-course meal featuring Xiamen’s freshest seafood, prepared using age-old recipes.
- Temple Visits: The resort arranges excursions to Nanputuo Temple, a centuries-old Buddhist temple nestled at the foot of Wulao Peak.
For those who want to stay in the heart of Xiamen’s cultural epicenter, Gulangyu Island Resort is the perfect choice. This boutique property is housed in a restored 19th-century villa, complete with original stained-glass windows and antique furnishings.
Cultural Highlights:
- Piano Concerts: Gulangyu is nicknamed "Piano Island" due to its musical heritage. The resort hosts intimate piano recitals in its courtyard.
- Heritage Walks: Guided tours explore the island’s colonial landmarks, including the former consulates of Britain, France, and Japan.
- Local Craft Markets: Guests can browse handmade lace, wood carvings, and other traditional crafts at nearby markets.
Overlooking the golden sands of Baicheng Beach, this resort blends modern comfort with Fujian’s maritime history. The decor features nautical motifs, from shipwheel chandeliers to wave-patterned textiles.
Cultural Highlights:
- Fishermen’s Village Tours: Visit nearby fishing communities to learn about their centuries-old traditions, including net-making and boat-building.
- Mooncake Making: During the Mid-Autumn Festival, guests can join workshops to bake Xiamen-style mooncakes, a local delicacy.
- Kite Flying: The resort provides traditional Fujianese kites for guests to fly on the beach, a popular pastime in the region.
Situated on the pristine shores of Huangcuo Beach, this eco-friendly resort emphasizes sustainability while celebrating Fujian’s indigenous culture. The buildings are constructed using reclaimed wood and bamboo, and the resort operates on solar energy.
Cultural Highlights:
- Hakka Culture Immersion: The resort offers day trips to nearby Hakka tulou (earthen buildings), where guests can learn about this unique communal living tradition.
- Organic Farming: Participate in harvesting tea leaves or taro in the resort’s garden, followed by a cooking class using the fresh ingredients.
- Lantern Making: Craft traditional paper lanterns with local artisans, a skill passed down through generations.
Perched on a secluded stretch of Yefengzhai Beach, the Banyan Tree Xiamen is a haven of tranquility with deep cultural connections. The resort’s spa treatments are inspired by ancient Fujianese herbal remedies.
Cultural Highlights:
- Herbal Medicine Workshops: Learn about traditional Chinese medicine from resident practitioners and create custom herbal sachets.
- Dragon Boat Rides: During the Dragon Boat Festival, guests can join or watch thrilling races, a tradition dating back over 2,000 years.
- Shadow Puppetry: Evening entertainment includes performances of Fujian shadow puppetry, a dying art form kept alive by local troupes.
Beyond the resorts themselves, Xiamen’s coastal culture offers endless opportunities for enrichment:
Several resorts host sunrise calligraphy sessions on the beach, where guests can practice writing Chinese characters with brushes and ink.
Resorts like The Chedi Xiamen organize guided night market tours, where visitors can sample sha cha noodles, oyster omelets, and other Fujian street food staples.
From the lively Mazu Pilgrimage (honoring the sea goddess) to the Lantern Festival, Xiamen’s resorts often incorporate local festivities into their guest experiences.
Whether you’re sipping tea in a colonial villa, crafting pottery with a master, or dancing to the rhythms of Minnan opera, Xiamen’s beach resorts offer a cultural journey as captivating as its coastal views.
Copyright Statement:
Author: Xiamen Travel
Source: Xiamen Travel
The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Reproduction is not allowed without permission.