Xiamen Botanical Garden (commonly known as "Wanshi Botanical Garden") is located in Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. As a rare botanical garden built in the urban core area of China, it integrates multiple functions including plant species conservation, scientific research, science popularization, ecological protection, and tourism services. The garden has introduced and collected over 8,500 plant species (including varieties and infraspecific taxa), established 15 specialized zones, and houses research institutions such as the National Palm Plant Conservation Center. Covering an area of about 4.93 square kilometers, the garden boasts diverse characteristic landscapes and rich plant resources, serving as a tourist destination where natural and cultural landscapes complement each other perfectly.
History and Culture
The predecessor of Xiamen Botanical Garden was a nursery under the jurisdiction of the "Xiamen Garden Management Office". It began to prepare for the botanical park in 1960, established the "Fujian Xiamen Tree Garden" in 1961, was named "Xiamen Botanical Garden" in 1962, and renamed "Xiamen Municipal Botanical Garden" in 1999.
The garden features numerous historical relics and cultural landscapes. For instance, Wanshi Lotus Temple is said to have been built during the Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan Period, ranking as one of the earliest temples on Xiamen Island. Tianjie Temple was constructed by Monk Yuesong in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, with "Tianjie Morning Bell" listed as one of Xiamen's old "Small Eight Sights" and new twenty famous scenes. "Little Peach Garden" is rumored to be an "underground villa" built by Zheng Lian, Marquis Dingyuan of the late Ming Dynasty, expanded by Shi Lang during the Qing Dynasty's Kangxi Period. Taiping Rock Temple is said to date back to the Tang Dynasty, with the existing structure reconstructed in 2008. The three characters "Jile Tian" (Extreme Happiness) and "Taiping Stone Smile" on the rock below the temple form a renowned cliff carving landscape, enhancing each other's beauty.
Main Attractions
Tropical Rainforest Zone
Covering about 2.5 hectares, the Tropical Rainforest Zone creates a humid rainforest environment through mist landscaping, planting typical rainforest species like strangler figs, epiphytes, and ferns. During misting hours (9:00–11:00 and 14:00–16:00 daily), the lingering mist creates a fairyland-like scene, making it a popular photo spot.
Xerophyte and Succulent Zone
Spanning approximately 4 hectares, this zone showcases over 2,000 succulent species from families like Cactaceae and Crassulaceae, featuring rare giant cacti and succulent landscapes in China. The landmark "Xerophyte Pavilion" houses impressive Golden Barrel cacti, baobab trees, and other desert plants, forming a unique botanical display.
Wanshi Hancui (Wanshi Emerald Lake)
As the garden's core water landscape, Wanshi Hancui is transformed from Wanshi Rock Reservoir, with a lake area of about 1.5 hectares. Surrounded by palm plants and rock formations, the name "Wanshi" ("Ten Thousand Rocks") originates from the numerous unique rocks by the lake, exemplifying the perfect blend of natural scenery and botanical landscapes.
Culinary Delights
Ginger-Flavored Duck
A traditional Xiamen specialty, this dish uses Muscovy duck cooked with old ginger and sesame oil, resulting in tender meat infused with rich ginger aroma. Authentic versions can be tasted at nearby restaurants like "Linjia Minnan Cuisine," with an average cost of 80–100 RMB per person.
Tusundong (Seaslug Jelly)
A signature southern Fujian snack, it is made by boiling and gelatinizing sea slugs (peanut worms), served with soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic. The chewy texture and refreshing taste make it a hit. "Ximen Tusundong," a time-honored shop near the garden, offers portions at 15–20 RMB each.
Peanut Soup
A classic sweet soup, peanuts are boiled until soft, creating a milky-white, sweet broth. Served at breakfast spots and dessert shops around the garden, it pairs perfectly with fried dough sticks, costing about 8–10 RMB per serving.
Admission
Admission fee: 30 RMB per person.
For the latest updates and online ticketing, search for the official WeChat public account "夏门市园林植物园".
Opening Hours
Open daily year-round from 06:30 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30). During legal holidays and summer vacation (July 1–August 31), hours extend to 18:30 (last entry at 18:00).
Recommended Itinerary
Classic route: South Gate → Tropical Rainforest Zone (during misting) → Xerophyte & Succulent Zone → Wanshi Hancui → Tianjie Temple → Taiping Rock Temple → Rose Garden → Baihua Hall → West Gate. The full tour takes 3–4 hours; consider using the sightseeing bus (10 RMB one-way, 30 RMB full route) to save energy.
Transportation
- Bus: Take routes 3, 17, 19, 21, 87, 96, 122, 139, 659, 857 to "Botanical Garden Station," then walk 5 minutes to South Gate.
- Metro: Metro Line 1 to "Zhongshan Park Station" (Exit 3, 15-min walk); Metro Line 3 to "Xiamen Railway Station" (Exit 4, 10-min bike ride via shared bike).
- Car: Parking is available at South and West Gates (5 RMB/hour, 30 RMB daily maximum). Public transport is recommended during holidays due to limited parking.
Must-See Attractions
- Tropical Rainforest Zone: Magical misting scenes perfect for photography (9:00–11:00, 14:00–16:00 daily).
- Xerophyte & Succulent Zone: Insta-worthy giant cacti and succulents; best visited in the morning for soft lighting.
- Wanshi Hancui: Serene lake surrounded by palms and rocks, ideal for leisurely walks.
- Taiping Stone Smile: Iconic cliff carving where four rocks form a smiling face, blending history and natural beauty.
Visitor Tips
- Summer: Enter before 9:00 to avoid midday heat; winter: Afternoon visits offer warm lighting.
- Wear comfortable sneakers (mountainous terrain); bring sunscreen and an umbrella for the humid rainforest.
- Carry water and snacks (limited on-site stores); light-colored clothing enhances photo quality against greenery.
- Families with kids: Focus on Rainforest and Succulent Zones; seniors: Use sightseeing buses for ease.
Notes
- No smoking or littering; do not pick plants.
- Rainforest Zone is slippery during misting; avoid touching thorny cacti in the succulent area.
- Sightseeing buses end when the garden closes; plan transport accordingly.
- South Gate has longer queues on holidays; use West Gate (Huyuan Road) for shorter waits.