The Nanxun Building Complex is a historic architectural gem in Xiamen, where red-brick facades meet Western-style arcades in perfect harmony. Climb to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Gulangyu Island – it's the ultimate spot to capture that golden sunset glow, making it a must-visit for Instagrammers and culture lovers alike!

This hotel is perfect for family trips! With a kids' playground and play area, plus children's amenities, your little ones will have a blast. Enjoy the heated pool and fitness center, fun for all ages. Its prime location is close to the subway and MixC shopping mall, with stunning views of Xianyue Mountain – ideal for photos. The design blends Nanyang nostalgia with rainforest elements, creating a unique and comfortable stay. 24-hour front desk and robot service add a thoughtful touch to your experience.
Everything you need to know about Nanxun Building Complex
Shangri-La Xiamen is a top choice, located just a 10-minute drive from the Nanhun Tower Complex. This luxury resort blends traditional Fujian architecture with modern elegance, offering spacious rooms with panoramic views of the historic towers and surrounding gardens. The hotel features an award-winning spa, an outdoor pool, and a private beach access.
For transportation convenience, guests can take the metro from Xiamen Railway Station to "Luntan Pier," then transfer to a ferry to Gulangyu Island—just a 30-minute journey. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service to key attractions, including the Nanhun Tower Complex, making exploration effortless.
Don’t miss the traditional Minnan paper-cutting workshop hosted at the Gulangyu Cultural Heritage Center, just steps from the Nanhun Tower Complex. Led by master artisans, participants learn to craft intricate red-paper designs symbolizing luck and prosperity—a unique way to engage with local craftsmanship.
Also highly recommended is a morning stroll along Lujing Avenue, where golden sunlight bathes the rooftops and stone pathways of the tower complex, perfect for photography and quiet reflection. For history lovers, join a guided architectural tour through the inner halls, featuring detailed explanations of Ming and Qing dynasty construction techniques, rare wood carvings, and ancestral couplets—offering deep insight into the site’s heritage and legacy.
The easiest route is taking the metro to "Luntan Pier" station, then transferring to a ferry to Gulangyu Island, which takes about 15 minutes. The Nanhun Tower Complex lies in the heart of Gulangyu, reachable within 10 minutes on foot or by renting an electric bicycle. Total travel time is approximately 30 minutes, avoiding traffic and parking hassles.
Ferries run frequently from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with mobile ticket HopeGoo available for seamless access. While taxis offer door-to-door service (around 40 minutes), they involve detours across sea bridges and higher costs.
Tip: Travel early or late in the day to enjoy quieter streets and stunning light effects during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, several premium hotels such as Gulangyu Shangri-La and Hotel Indigo Gulangyu provide complimentary shuttles to and from the ferry terminal, ensuring hassle-free arrival and departure. These services operate daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, aligning with major ferry schedules.
Additionally, these hotels feature concierge desks that assist with guided tours, ticket bookings, and restaurant reservations. For guests with mobility challenges or heavy luggage, this service offers significant convenience.
Note: Smaller or budget accommodations may not offer such services—always confirm in advance. Many hotels also partner with local tour operators to offer bundled packages including accommodation, breakfast, and guided visits to the Nanhun Tower Complex, enhancing overall travel experience.
At night, the Nanhun Tower Complex transforms into a luminous masterpiece, with warm yellow lights accentuating its red-tiled roofs and gray stone walls, creating a soft, elegant glow. The covered corridors and tiered platforms become ideal spots for photographers, offering rich contrasts and depth in lighting.
During festivals, the site features themed light displays—such as moon lanterns during Mid-Autumn Festival or auspicious character lamps during Chinese New Year—adding festive charm. Nearby alleys house cozy cafes and indie art shops, perfect for relaxing after exploring.
Best viewing time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, when crowds are manageable and lighting effects are fully illuminated.
Absolutely! The area around the Nanhun Tower Complex is packed with century-old eateries and street food stalls. Try Huang’s Sha Cha Mian, famous for its rich peanut-based broth, or Gulangyu Braised Pork Zongzi, where sticky rice and savory fillings are hand-wrapped daily. Don’t miss A-Bin Homemade Desserts, serving fresh sweet treats like taro paste and peanut porridge—creamy and deeply flavorful.
Many restaurants feature courtyard dining areas, where you can enjoy meals while listening to the gentle chime of ancient wind bells, evoking a sense of timeless tradition.
Visit the Gulangyu Night Market daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, hosting over 30 local vendors offering authentic Minnan dishes—ideal for a true culinary immersion.
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