Xiamen Botanical Garden was founded in 1958 and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in China. It was originally established as a center for the research and preservation of Southeast Asian tropical plants and has since grown to become a major botanical garden and tourist destination. The garden has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, adding new attractions and exhibits, as well as increasing its collection of plants. Today, Xiamen Botanical Garden covers an area of over 80 hectares and is recognized as a national-level botanical garden in China.
The garden is known for its natural beauty, wide variety of flora, and educational and cultural significance. It’s a place you can enjoy a relaxing picnic with the family or go on an exploration hike. Regardless, there’s something enjoyable for all who visit.
If you’re looking to visit Xiamen, here’s everything you need to know when visiting the Xiamen Botanical Garden.
Visiting information
Location: 25 Huyuan Road, Siming District
Opening Hours: Usually open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, every day.
Admission Fee: The admission fee is CNY 40 (changes to fee may apply)
Visiting duration: 3-5 hours
How to get there
- By taxi: Taking a taxi is the most convenient and quickest way to get to Xiamen Botanical Garden.
- By bus: Visitors can take bus 87 or 943 to Zhiwuyuan, or bus 3, 17, 19, 21, 32, 139, 659, 959, or 857 to Yizhong, and walk 300 meters.
- By private car: The garden is easily accessible by private car with ample parking available for visitors.
- From Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport: Visitors can take a taxi from the airport to the garden, which is approximately a 30-minute drive.
The exact transportation options and travel time may vary depending on the current traffic conditions.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Xiamen Botanical Garden varies depending on the type of plants you are interested in seeing and the weather conditions you prefer. Here are some factors to consider:
Spring (March to May): This is a great time to visit Xiamen Botanical Garden as many of the flowering plants and trees are in full bloom.
Summer (June to August): This is a good time to visit if you are interested in tropical plants, as the warm and humid greenhouses are in full display.
Autumn (September to November): This is a good time to visit as the weather is mild and the leaves of deciduous trees change color.
Winter (December to February): This is the best time to visit if you are interested in visiting the greenhouses, as the warm and humid environment provides a respite from the cold outside.
In general, the best time to visit Xiamen Botanical Garden is when the weather is mild and sunny, allowing for pleasant outdoor activities and comfortable exploring of the garden’s many areas.
Things to do
- Nature walks: Explore the garden and enjoy the natural beauty and diverse flora.
- Guided tours: Learn about the history and significance of the garden through guided tours.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the garden and its plants through photography.
- Outdoor activities: Enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics, hiking, and bird watching in the garden’s scenic surroundings.
- Cultural events: Participate in cultural events and festivals, such as music concerts and traditional celebrations.
- Tea house: Relax and unwind with a cup of tea in the garden’s tea house.
Highlights of Xiamen Botanical Garden
- Wide variety of plants: Xiamen Botanical Garden is home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including tropical, subtropical, and temperate species.
- Greenhouses: The garden has large greenhouses which provide a warm, humid environment for tropical plants to thrive.
- Rock Garden: The rock garden showcases a variety of cacti, succulents, and other drought-tolerant plants.
- Bonsai Garden: The bonsai garden features miniature trees and shrubs expertly trained and pruned to look like mature trees in miniature.
- Palm Garden: The palm garden showcases a variety of palm trees, including exotic species.
- Scenic lakes and bridges: There are scenic lakes and bridges within the garden which provide an attractive backdrop for visitors to enjoy.
- Walking paths: The garden features walking paths that allow visitors to explore and admire the beauty of the garden at their own pace.
- Research center: Xiamen Botanical Garden is also a research center, conducting botanical research and providing educational programs for visitors.
Tips
- Plan ahead: Review the garden’s map, website, or brochure to plan your visit and get an idea of what you’d like to see.
- Language barrier: Be prepared for very little to no English being spoken. Make sure to have some sort of translator app.
- Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat or umbrella to protect yourself from the sun or rain.
- Check the weather: Check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly.
- Arrive early: Try to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and to make the most of your visit.
- Take photos: Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the garden.
- Respect the plants: Please don’t touch or pick the plants, and be mindful of your surroundings to protect the garden’s delicate ecosystem.
- Stay on the designated paths: Stay on the designated walking paths to avoid damaging the plants and to keep yourself safe.
- Bring water and snacks: Be prepared for a full day of exploring and bring water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and nourished. There are no food or beverage vendors at the location.
