In Xiamen's laid-back vibe, the Wishing Tree is a must-visit for its magical charm! Covered with fluttering ribbons bearing travelers' hopes, this ancient tree looks absolutely enchanting when the breeze blows. Legend says sincere wishes here often come true – perfect for couples writing dreams together. Surrounding artsy shops and cafes invite leisurely exploration. Pro tip: Come at golden hour when sunlight filters through the leaves, creating Insta-worthy scenes (avoid crowds by arriving early!).

This hotel is perfect for families! Kids will love the playground and child-friendly amenities, while parents can relax knowing everything is taken care of. The robot service adds a fun, futuristic touch! Rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring rainforest showers for ultimate relaxation. The breakfast is delicious, offering a mix of international and local Min cuisine. Located just 25 minutes from the airport and train station, with free parking for those driving. Unwind after a day of exploring with spa treatments or yoga classes. With its great value and excellent service, it’s the ideal choice for your Xiamen stay!

This is a fantasy resort perfect for both family fun and adult relaxation! Kids will love the children's pool and play area, with added fun from robot services. Rooms feature private balconies with stunning bay views, and you can enjoy romantic poolside BBQs at night. The hotel also offers outdoor wedding lawns and professional meeting rooms for various events. Indulge in Minnan specialties and seafood buffets that will delight your taste buds. As a 2024 awarded hotel, it's the perfect getaway for your next family vacation!

This is the perfect destination for romantic getaways and family fun! Located next to Xiamen's most beautiful marathon track, you can enjoy the seaside anytime. The hotel blends French elegance with Southern Fujian charm, making every step feel like a fairy tale. Seven Stars Playland offers go-karts, a kids' club, and regular family activities—ideal for little ones! Relax in indoor/outdoor pools, the fitness center, or spa. The Ocean Ornate Village features dreamy blue rooftops and cobblestone paths, perfect for photos. Whether for family trips, romantic escapes, or business meetings, this place has it all!

This hotel is the perfect choice for both business and family trips! Located in Xiang'an District, it's just a 15-minute drive to Fantawild Dreamland and close to several high-tech parks and attractions. The hotel offers top-notch facilities, including an executive lounge, fitness center, and kids' play area, plus robot service! Rooms are clean and comfortable, with fast WiFi, and there's even a self-service laundry and free fruits. The service is attentive, the environment is great, and the value for money is excellent—highly recommended!

This hotel is the perfect choice for both business and leisure! Conveniently located, it’s just a short drive from the airport and high-speed rail station, with nearby attractions like Tong’an Film Studio, Fantian Temple, and Fangte Dream Kingdom. The rooms feature sleek, modern designs with high-speed internet and luxurious bedding for a restful stay. The lobby bar and restaurant offer diverse cuisine in an elegant setting, plus 24-hour convenience stores and self-service laundry for added convenience. Whether for work or family trips, this hotel has everything you need!

Looking for a family-friendly hotel with a cultural vibe? This is the perfect choice! Nestled next to Meifeng Park, where mountains, sea, lakes, and city views blend seamlessly, it’s close to attractions like Fangte Dream Kingdom. The hotel offers kids’ meals, children’s amenities, and even robot service to keep the little ones entertained. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting rooms and 24-hour gym. Conveniently located near the subway with airport shuttle services, it’s ideal for seamless travel. Plus, the hotel’s book-sharing and local photography themes add a touch of warmth and creativity to your stay.

This hotel is the perfect choice for both business and family trips! With a convenient location and plenty of nearby snacks, you'll love the free parking and 24-hour front desk service. The facilities are top-notch, featuring a children's playground for kids to enjoy and meeting rooms for your business needs. The rooms were newly renovated in 2016, offering a sleek and luxurious style, along with affordable buffet options. The staff is warm and attentive, making it a high-value stay you won't regret!

This hotel is a perfect choice for family trips! Just steps away from the Rainbow Beach, kids can enjoy sand and water play, plus there's a dedicated children's play area and home theater to keep everyone entertained. With free parking and airport transfer services, it's super convenient whether you're driving or flying. The laundry room and dryer are lifesavers after beach fun – no need to pack dirty clothes home! Rated 4.9/5 with a stay 5 nights get 1 free deal, book your stay now!
Everything you need to know about Wishing Tree
Near the Xuyuan Tree on Gulangyu Island, stay at boutique accommodations like Tinghai Xiaoyuan or Island Slow Living, both housed in restored 19th-century villas. These guesthouses offer serene sea views, traditional architecture with modern amenities, and are just a 5-minute walk from the tree. Many provide complimentary shuttle services to the ferry terminal, ensuring hassle-free access. Book early—especially during Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival when demand surges. Enjoy quiet island living while participating in daily morning rituals and experiencing authentic Minnan culture.
Top Picks: Boutique guesthouses, 5-minute walk, sea-view rooms, free shuttles, seasonal HopeGoo
The most convenient route is taking the ferry from Xiamen Ferry Terminal (near Zhongshan Road), which takes about 10 minutes and runs every 10–20 minutes. After docking on Gulangyu Island, walk or rent an electric scooter to the Xuyuan Tree—just 15 minutes away. For those with luggage, consider pre-booked electric scooter pickup service or a guided tour that includes transport. Note: Motor vehicles are banned on the island; all travel must be by foot, e-scooter, or rickshaw. Plan your trip in advance to avoid delays.
Best Access: Ferry ride, walking/e-scooter, no motor vehicles, guided tours available
At the Xuyuan Tree, visitors can engage in several distinctive rituals. Hang a red prayer tag with your wish tied to the branches—a symbol of sincerity. Every Saturday evening features a nightlight ceremony, where the tree glows with lanterns accompanied by guqin music and chanting, creating a spiritual ambiance. There’s also a traditional incense workshop offering hands-on lessons in proper incense burning and ritual etiquette. Seasonal events like the Xuyuan Tree Music Festival blend local folk songs and opera, enhancing the cultural experience. Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning light effects. Respect the site—do not damage trees or litter.
Unique Experiences: Prayer tags, nightlight ceremony, incense workshop, music festival, ideal timing
The Xuyuan Tree is located in the heart of Gulangyu Island, surrounded by iconic landmarks. Just 800 meters away is Suzhuang Garden, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles with sea-view pavilions and rare rock displays. Ri Guang Yan (Sunshine Rock) offers panoramic views of the island and Xiamen mainland—perfect for photography. The Organ Museum houses over 100 vintage organs and hosts free concerts. Explore the Minnan Traditional Courtyard Houses to see preserved heritage architecture. For nature lovers, stroll along the Coastal Trail, where you’ll enjoy ocean breezes and coconut groves. Allocate at least half a day to fully appreciate these sites, especially with a guided tour for deeper insights.
Must-See Spots: Suzhuang Garden, Ri Guang Yan, Organ Museum, Minnan Courtyards, Coastal Trail
The optimal times to visit the Xuyuan Tree are 6:30–8:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM. Morning visits offer soft sunlight filtering through the branches, ideal for photography and peaceful reflection. Evening visits capture golden hour hues as the sun sets over the sea, casting romantic shadows. Special events occur during Lunar New Year's Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, when the tree is adorned with thousands of lanterns. Avoid weekends and public holidays if possible to reduce crowds. Check official schedules for event participation and early registration. Note: The tree is not lit at night—stay within safe hours.
Best Times: Early morning, golden hour, festival seasons, avoid weekends, no night lighting
Near the Xuyuan Tree, savor authentic Minnan street food. Try Sha Cha Mian, a rich, savory noodle soup with fresh seafood and peanuts—best enjoyed at the long-standing “A Hai Sha Cha Mian” on Zhongshan Road. Don’t miss Tu Xing Dong, a gelatinous dish made from sea worms, served chilled with soy sauce and garlic. For breakfast, sample Hua Sheng Tang (peanut soup) and Jiang Hu (rice gruel)—sweet, comforting, and traditional. For a homely meal, visit Island Shiguang, a hidden gem tucked in backstreets, serving fresh seafood and regional home cooking. Most vendors accept cash only—bring small bills. Treat yourself to a warm bowl after your blessing ritual for a perfect end to your journey.
Local Favorites: Sha Cha Mian, Tu Xing Dong, Hua Sheng Tang, Jiang Hu, Island Shiguang, cash-only
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