ICAVS-ICES offers two excursion options, with reservations available during registration.

I. Official Organized Excursion:

ICAVS-ICES offers two excursion options, including the Gulangyu Island Tour and the Quanzhou Half-Day Tour, you may proceed with the reservations in our registration page . 

1. Gulangyu Island

• Gulangyu Island Facts

Visit Gulangyu Island is just like a time travelling to the past, and few things have changed on the island since foreigners settled in Xiamen (Amoy) to do business. There are no cars on the island, and you can hike up the hill, bask on the beach, walk along the esplanade, admire colonial buildings, visit museums and taste the delicious local food.

• Overview and History of Gulangyu Island

Gulangyu Island situates in the southwest of Xiaman, with a 600m Lu River sitting between them, and it only takes five minutes to get there by ferry. Covering an area of 1.87 km², it has only 16,000 permanent residents. The weather on the island is cozy and fine, and there is no car on the island, with such tranquil environment, Gulangyu Island is also praised as garden on the sea.

Gulangyu Island had been the colony of western countries for nearly a hundred years since the First Opium War (A.D. 1840 - 1842). Since then, preachers and merchants from western countries have built various churches, mansions, schools, hospitals, etc. on the island. The island has made little changes since then. Now, there are thousands of well-preserved architectures of various styles (both Chinese style and western styles) on the island; thus, Gulangyu Island is also called the World Architecture Expo. Besides the architecture, western music was also brought into this island in the 19th century, and the island raised many famous Chinese musicians. It's named as The Island of Music by Chinese Musicians Association in 2002.

And on July 8th, 2017, on the World Heritage Convention held in Poland, Gulangyu Island - a Historic International Settlement was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is now the 52nd World Heritage site in China. Compared to other world heritage sites, Gulangyu is young. However, for over 100 years, the 931 constructions of various styles, periods, and cultures have formed the feature of this unique place, and it perfectly represents the inclusive, multi-cultural, kind characteristics of Gulangyu and also the harmonious mixture of the modern human resident concept and local traditional culture.

Gulangyu Island is a very tranquil island, and the locals in the island live a relaxing and comfortable life here. The slow life in this place is the main reason of attracting so many tourists to Gulangyu Island.

• Main Attractions on Gulangyu Island

Gulangyu Island is full of attractions, an old mansion, a specific museum, a featured shop or just a quiet street. Strolling around the island to find some special shops, and sip a cup of coffee or milk tea in dessert shop when you are tired – this is the best way to enjoy the island. Besides, there are many interesting attractions, which are definitely the must-goes on the island for tourists.

2. Quanzhou Half-Day Tour

• Quanzhou Half-Day Tour Highlights

Visit Quanzhou’s ancient sites is like stepping into a living museum of maritime history. From Arab-influenced fishing traditions to Song Dynasty urban planning, the city preserves its multicultural legacy. You’ll explore flower-adorned villages, climb sacred temple stairways, and wander through 1,000-year-old streets – all revealing why this was once the "Start of the Maritime Silk Road."

• Overview and Itinerary of Quanzhou Heritage Tour

Quanzhou (known as Zayton to medieval traders) lies 40km from your hotel (~1hr transfer). As a UNESCO World Heritage "Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China," this coastal city blends Minnan, Arab, and Buddhist influences. Our journey begins at 13:00 in the hotel lobby.

• Historic Significance

For centuries, Quanzhou thrived as China’s largest seaport. Arab merchants settled here during the Tang Dynasty, leaving cultural imprints like unique architectural styles and customs preserved nowhere else in China. This legacy lives on in Xunpu’s shell houses and Kaiyuan Temple’s carvings of Hindu deities – visible traces of South Asian merchants who worshipped here.

• Agenda

13:00–15:00: Xunpu Village (蟳浦渔村) Immersion
Drive to fishing heritage site (10km from downtown)

• Living Heritage: Meet descendants of Arab traders who maintain ancestral traditions

• Iconic Culture: See women wearing floral zanhua headdresses – marking them as one of Fujian’s "Three Great Fishing Communities"

• Architectural Wonder: Explore Oyster Shell Houses (蚵壳厝) – walls entirely covered with seashells for insulation and storm resistance

15:00–16:00: Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺) Pilgrimage
UNESCO site founded 686 AD

• Sacred Scale: Walk among 78,000m² of Ming-Qing temple halls beneath China’s tallest stone pagodas

• Multicultural Artistry: Admire Hindu-inspired carvings on pagoda bases – evidence of 13th-century cultural exchange

• Spiritual Continuity: Observe ongoing Buddhist rituals at the "Lotus Monastery" unchanged since Tang Dynasty

16:00–17:00: West Street & Xiaoxicheng (西街·小西埕)
Heart of ancient trading port

• Time-Capsule Lane: Wander Quanzhou’s oldest street (西街) from Song Dynasty – traditional shops selling local snacks like yuanxiao glutinous balls

• Artistic Reinvention: Discover Xiaoxicheng (小西埕) – a Ming-era courtyard transformed into Fujian’s trendiest art space with photo-worthy murals

• Golden Hour Magic: Capture the street’s romance – watch sunset glow on red-brick chuan dou houses and carved eaves

Return
Arrive at hotel by 17:30

II. Recommended Self-Guided Activities:

While these activities are not officially organized, we highly recommend them as excellent independent explorations.

1. Xiamen's Forest-to-Sea Trail

The pathway along Xiamen's Forest-to-Sea Trail (Linhaixian) is a stunning 6 km pathway that connects the city's lush mountains, serene reservoirs, and coastal landscapes.

• Highlights of the Linhaixian Trail

1. Meihai Flower Terrace

Located in Dongping Mountain, this terraced garden is a vibrant sea of flowers throughout the year. It's an ideal spot for photography and a peaceful retreat into nature.

2. Wanshi Canghai

Situated on the southern bank of Shangli Reservoir, this viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains. It's a perfect place to appreciate the harmony between Xiamen's mountains and sea.

3. Pangui Tower

A landmark of the trail, Pangui Tower is shaped like a sailboat and offers stunning views of the coastline. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Kinmen Island in the distance.

4. Cherry Blossom Valley

Nestled in Hulishan Park, this area is famous for its cherry blossoms and bougainvillea. In spring, the valley transforms into a colorful wonderland, making it a must-visit spot.

2. Night Cruise on Lujiang River

A night cruise on Xiamen's Lujiang River, a poetic waterway that weaves through the city's history, modernity, and natural beauty. Experience the enchanting fusion of illuminated skylines, cultural landmarks, and maritime charm under the starlit sky.

• Highlights of the Lujiang Night Cruise

1. Zheng Chenggong Statue

A towering monument dedicated to the Ming Dynasty national hero, standing solemnly by the river. At night, the statue is bathed in golden light, symbolizing Xiamen's historical resilience and maritime heritage.

2. Yanwu Bridge

This serpentine bridge stretches across the sea like a luminous dragon, offering panoramic views of Xiamen's coastline. Its dynamic lighting design reflects the city's modern engineering prowess710.

3. Twin Towers of Shimao Straits Plaza

Known as Xiamen’s “sails to the future,” these twin skyscrapers illuminate the night with ever-changing colors, representing the city’s innovation and prosperity.

4. Gulangyu Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site visible from the cruise. The island’s colonial-era architecture and lush greenery create a dreamy silhouette against the moonlit sea.

5. Cultural Performances Onboard

Immerse in traditional Minnan culture with live puppet shows, a national intangible heritage, and soothing saxophone performances under the stars.