Riguangyan is located in Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province. It is the core scenic spot and iconic landscape of Gulangyu, and an important part of the national 5A-level tourist attraction Gulangyu Scenic Area. Centering on the highest peak of Gulangyu, the scenic area integrates natural scenery, historic buildings, cliff carvings and southern Fujian folk customs. It is a mountain-type scenic area integrating mountain climbing, sightseeing, cultural research and leisure tours. The summit of Riguangyan stands 92.7 meters above sea level, the highest point on Gulangyu Island. Covering an area of about 56,000 square meters, the scenic area mainly includes the Riguangyan Summit, Koxinga Drilling Platform, Qin Garden, Bird Garden and Hongyi Master Memorial Garden. Visitors can overlook the full view of Gulangyu and the sea area of Xiamen Bay, and it is the preferred viewing spot on Gulangyu.
History and Culture
Riguangyan was originally named Huangyan. It was officially named Riguangyan in the Ming Dynasty because it was the first place to be illuminated by the morning sun. Its history is closely linked to the development of Gulangyu and Koxinga's recovery of Taiwan. In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, national hero Koxinga stationed troops here and trained naval forces. Relics such as the water drill platform and stockade gate still remain. These historical sites are important physical carriers for studying coastal defense in the Ming and Qing dynasties and the recovery of Taiwan, as well as vital patriotic education landmarks in southern Fujian.
Riguangyan is a combination of literati culture and religious culture on Gulangyu. Riguangyan Temple was built on the mountain in the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty. Originally a natural cave temple, it was gradually expanded into a characteristic southern Fujian temple, one of the oldest Buddhist buildings on Gulangyu. There are more than one hundred cliff carvings from the Ming and Qing dynasties to modern times, including calligraphy, inscriptions and poems. Inscriptions by celebrities such as Cai Yuanpei and Cai Jun are preserved here, boasting high artistic and historical value and recording the cultural development of Gulangyu.
In modern times, Riguangyan has become a landmark of Gulangyu. As Gulangyu was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, Riguangyan, one of the core heritage sites, has well maintained its mountain landscape, ancient buildings and cultural relics. It serves as an important window to display southern Fujian culture, overseas Chinese culture and coastal defense culture.
Major Attractions
Riguangyan Summit
The summit of Riguangyan, 92.7 meters above sea level, is the highest point on Gulangyu Island. Equipped with viewing platforms and guardrails, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Gulangyu's red-tiled buildings, beaches and Gangzaihou Beach. Visitors can overlook Xiamen Island, Lu River, Yanwu Bridge and Kinmen Islands. It is the core viewing spot and a must-visit landmark for tourists.
Riguangyan Temple
Riguangyan Temple is situated at the foot of Riguangyan Mountain. Constructed relying on natural caves in the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty, it is an exquisite southern Fujian Buddhist temple built against the mountain, including the Mahavira Hall and Guanyin Hall. Blending perfectly with rocks and green plants, it is the earliest Buddhist building on Gulangyu with long-standing incense.
Koxinga Water Drill Platform
Located on the hillside of Riguangyan, Koxinga Water Drill Platform is a stone-built commanding platform relic where Koxinga trained naval troops in the late Ming Dynasty. As a core historical relic of Koxinga's garrison on Gulangyu, it witnesses the history of military training and the recovery of Taiwan, serving as an important cultural attraction.
Koxinga Stockade Gate
Koxinga Stockade Gate is a military pass built during Koxinga's garrison. Composed of natural rocks and stone structures, it was the entrance to the military camp in ancient times. Well-preserved, it reflects the coastal defense layout of the Ming and Qing dynasties on Gulangyu.
Cliff Carving Group
Distributed along the mountain trails, there are over 80 cliff carvings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the Republic of China period. They include calligraphy, inscriptions and poems in regular script, running script and cursive script. Masterpieces such as "Gulang Dongtian" and "Lujiang No.1" are classic works of the Ming Dynasty, fully embodying the humanistic art of Gulangyu.
Qin Garden
Qin Garden lies on the south side of Riguangyan, covering an area of about 12,000 square meters. The music-themed garden features dense vegetation, viewing pavilions and music sculptures. Connected to the Riguangyan mountain, it boasts a quiet environment and serves as a supporting leisure area.
Hongyi Master Memorial Garden
Hongyi Master Memorial Garden is built inside Riguangyan Scenic Area in memory of Master Hongyi's Buddhist preaching in southern Fujian. It features memorial sculptures and exhibition areas displaying the master's life and Buddhist culture, being a distinctive cultural and religious attraction on Gulangyu.
Tour Route
Riguangyan Gate → Riguangyan Temple → Cliff Carving Group → Koxinga Stockade Gate → Koxinga Water Drill Platform → Mountain Trail → Riguangyan Summit → Qin Garden → Hongyi Master Memorial Garden → Scenic Area Exit
Travel Tips
- The recommended visiting duration is 1.5 to 2 hours. The total length of the mountain trail is about 800 meters with gentle slopes, suitable for visitors of all ages.
- The light is optimal from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Visitors can enjoy sunrise and the panoramic view of Gulangyu with fewer crowds and better photography experience.
- Combine with other Gulangyu attractions such as Shuzhuang Garden and Haoyue Garden to form a one-day tour route.
- Wear comfortable flat shoes for mountain climbing. The trails are mainly stone steps, and high heels and slippers are not recommended.
- Rest seats and drinking water stations are available in the scenic area. Travel light and there is no need to carry large amounts of drinking water.
- Book tickets online in advance during peak seasons to reduce on-site queuing time.
Notes
- The viewing platform at Riguangyan Summit is small. Queuing is required in peak seasons. Crowding and climbing over guardrails are prohibited.
- Smoking, carving rocks and climbing ancient buildings and stone carvings are strictly forbidden in the scenic area.
- Pets are not allowed in the core visiting areas.
- Stone steps become slippery on rainy days. Please take anti-slip measures and stay cautious of strong winds at the summit.
- Ancient cultural relics and cliff carvings are World Heritage sites. Touching, smudging and damaging them are prohibited.
- Loud noise, street vending and leaflet distribution are not allowed in the scenic area.
- Children and the elderly must be accompanied by family members while climbing to avoid traveling alone.
Transportation
- External Transportation: Head to Xiamen Ferry Terminal or Xiagu Wharf and take a ferry to Gulangyu Piano Wharf or Neicuo'ao Wharf.
- Internal Transportation on Gulangyu: Riguangyan is located in the central area of Gulangyu. Motor vehicles are banned on the island. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from Piano Wharf and 15 minutes from Neicuo'ao Wharf.
- No buses or taxis are available. Visitors can only travel on foot with the help of official scenic maps.
Opening Hours
The scenic area opens from May 1st to September 30th each year from 5:30 to 18:00. From October 1st to April 30th of the next year, the opening hours are 6:00 to 17:30. Ticket checking stops 30 minutes before closing. The opening hours remain unchanged on legal holidays and will be adjusted temporarily and announced in advance under special weather conditions.
Ticket Information
The ticket price is 50 yuan per person. Follow the official WeChat account "鼓浪屿" to get the latest travel information.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.