Recommended stay at Shangri-La Xiamen, a luxury hotel just a 10-minute walk from Nanyang Association Hall. The hotel blends Hokkien architectural elements with modern elegance, offering rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Xiamen Bay and Gulangyu Island. Complimentary shuttle service runs to major attractions, and the on-site restaurant, Haigui Lou, serves authentic Fujian cuisine, providing guests with immersive local culinary experiences.

After exploring Nanyang Association Hall, visit the nearby Xiamen Museum (free entry) to dive into the history of Hokkien emigrants and overseas Chinese heritage. On weekends, traditional Nanyin music performances take place in the hall’s plaza, featuring master artisans of intangible cultural heritage. For hands-on engagement, join the hall’s calligraphy workshop, where you can write ancestral letters using Chinese brushes, connecting deeply with transnational nostalgia and cultural identity.

From Xiamen Station or Xiamen North Station, take Metro Line 1 to Zhenhai Road Station, then walk 8 minutes to reach Nanyang Association Hall. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs only 5 RMB. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes around 15 minutes and costs approximately 30 RMB. Metro is highly recommended due to its punctuality and lack of traffic delays, especially convenient for travelers with luggage.

Nearby, Xiamen Garden Expo Park is ideal for families, featuring a South Seas-themed zone, interactive water play areas, and a folk art museum showcasing Hakka traditions. Children can participate in workshops like puppetry shows and South Sea textile weaving. The park also has dedicated family trails and picnic zones, complementing the adjacent Jia Geng Park to form a seamless cultural family route. Admission is only 15 RMB per person, offering excellent value.

Try Toushun Dong and Huasheng Tang in the historic Sapowei Street, famous for their century-old recipes. A-Zhen Snacks serves handmade tou-sun-dong (sea slug jelly), known for its chewy texture; Old Banyan Tree Peanut Soup offers slow-cooked, creamy peanut broth. Additionally, Jinlongxuan beside the hall serves authentic Southeast Asian curry chicken rice, rich in coconut milk and spices—perfect for a taste of distant lands. These local favorites attract residents, ensuring genuine flavor.

At night, the Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street lights up with colonial-era charm. While the hall itself doesn’t open after dark, its façade features a light projection show called 'Memories of Nanyang', starting at 7:30 PM nightly, narrating the stories of overseas Chinese pioneers. Meanwhile, vintage trams run along the street, allowing passengers to enjoy the blend of neon signs and traditional veranda architecture. This nostalgic South Seas atmosphere is perfect for photography and evening strolls.