Xiamen Botanical Garden Wanshi
A vast tropical paradise showcasing over 4,000 plant species, featuring mist-shrouded rainforests and iconic cacti.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful strolls.
Xiamen Botanical Garden Wanshi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful strolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast tropical paradise showcasing over 4,000 plant species, featuring mist-shrouded rainforests and iconic cacti.
"Stunning! So peaceful, so beautiful, so well maintained! Very impressive."
Bring Your Passport!
:passport_control: Foreigners need a passport for entry. No exceptions noted.
Chinese Phone Number Needed
:iphone: A Chinese phone number is required for registration. This can be a barrier for international visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rainforest World
Xiamen Botanical Garden
Wander through ethereal fog and lush greenery, creating a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere.
Sand Plant Zone
Xiamen Botanical Garden
Marvel at iconic giant cacti, a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.
Panoramic City Views
Wanshi Mountain Trails
Hike scenic trails for breathtaking overlooks of Xiamen city and the surrounding coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Passport & Phone Number Required
Plan for Extensive Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Passport!
:passport_control: Foreigners need a passport for entry. No exceptions noted.
Chinese Phone Number Needed
:iphone: A Chinese phone number is required for registration. This can be a barrier for international visitors.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: The garden is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
Allow Ample Time
:clock1: Don't rush! You'll need several hours, or even multiple visits, to explore fully.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Passport!
:passport_control: Foreigners need a passport for entry. No exceptions noted.
Chinese Phone Number Needed
:iphone: A Chinese phone number is required for registration. This can be a barrier for international visitors.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: The garden is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
Allow Ample Time
:clock1: Don't rush! You'll need several hours, or even multiple visits, to explore fully.
Check for English Signage
:speaking_head: Plant information is primarily in Chinese. Be prepared for limited English translations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the garden's stunning beauty, meticulous maintenance, and peaceful atmosphere, especially noting the quietness of the city. However, some foreign tourists find the entry requirements (passport and Chinese phone number) and lack of English signage frustrating, leading to a less than ideal experience.
"it's not a friendly place for foreign tourists! access is by presenting your passport, a phone number from China 😵💫
there is no presentation, no indication of plants in English!
the toilet and the rules are translated into English...
as a foreigner you are guarded wherever you go in the park...
it's not a pleasant experience! 😣
If the park management doesn't want foreigners, make it explicit! I didn't come 10,000 km to not understand anything I see... sad 🇨🇳"
mirabela vladulescu
"Stunning ! so peacefull, so beaut, so well maintained ! very impressive as is the whole city actually. The most surprising thing I noticed was “the silence” ! (Most likely due to all the electrics cars and electric bikes)
The city is spotless, large amount of trees and greenery ! Great city to explore …"
Christian de boer
"I was pleasantly surprised by my visit to Xiamen's Botanical Gardens.
Make no mistake about it: this is literally a grouping of several distinct gardens, and the scope of the area is very large. During my initial trip on 2019-10-24, I walked from 13:30 until the park closed at 18:00, and still had a lot of unseen area, which is why I returned on 2019-11-03.
I read many reviews and websites claiming that one may enter the park for free before 07:00, and so I forefeited sleep to make that cutoff time. (Truth be told, I'd been having difficulty sleeping, and decided to wear myself out with another day of extended exercise and sightseeing instead of laying in bed until sleep overcame me.) However, I was denied entry: the park staff said I needed to get a new ticket to enter. So while FREE ENTRY BEFORE 7 AM may have once been a reality, be warned that that is NO LONGER the case.
30 RMB is a very fair price to charge for admission. Although I feel adverse to traveling and sightseeing in China because of how crowded and needlessly noisy it usually is, the vehicular noise pollution disappears once you walk 10 or so minutes away from the West entrance.
That having been said, my first was very peaceful and relaxing. Aside from protesting in an effort to get free admission (I paid for a cab to get to the park before 07:00), my second visit was less pleasant because there were a lot of elderly men smoking as they slowly strolled along the paths.)
If you're going to visit, just accept that you'll pay a reasonable entrance fee, and come at a time that's convenient for you. I'd arrive no later than 16:00 (Two hours prior to closing time.) But if you want to see everything, you're going to need a lot more time.
To fully explore the park in its entirety, you may want to make multiple trips instead of one mega trip lasting all day. From my exposure, as with every other place in China, it's better to come during a weekday when there is no holiday going on.
My only complaint is that the park should not allow visitors to enter using their private vehicles since most of them disturb the peace by honking at pedestrians. Either fine people for creating noise pollution or don't enable them to do so by letting them drive around."
Phillip Yallah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is nestled in Wanshi Mountain, near Xiamen University. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Xiamen and can take you directly to the West entrance. Public buses also serve the area, offering a more budget-friendly option.
While private vehicles are allowed, some visitors note that they can disturb the peace with honking. It's advisable to check for designated parking areas upon arrival or consider public transport to avoid potential noise pollution.
Yes, taxis are a convenient way to reach the Xiamen Botanical Garden. Ensure your driver knows the destination, preferably the West entrance, for the most direct access.
Several public bus routes likely serve the vicinity of the Xiamen Botanical Garden. Checking local bus maps or using a navigation app upon arrival in Xiamen will provide the most up-to-date route information.
Yes, the garden is located near Xiamen University, making it a relatively short taxi or bus ride away. Some visitors might even find it accessible via a longer walk depending on their starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is 30 RMB, which is considered a very fair price for the vastness and beauty of the gardens. Be aware that the 'free entry before 7 AM' policy may no longer be in effect.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check the official website or local information sources closer to your visit, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, foreigners can enter, but you must present your passport for access. A Chinese phone number is also required for registration, which might be a challenge for some international tourists.
The garden is open daily. While specific hours can vary, it's generally open from morning until early evening, with closing typically around 18:00. It's best to arrive no later than 16:00 to have sufficient time to explore.
Information regarding specific discounts for students or seniors is not readily available in traveler feedback. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival for any potential concessions.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the magical Rainforest World with its mist and lush greenery, the iconic giant cacti in the Sand Plant Zone, and the scenic trails offering panoramic city views. +1
Absolutely! The diverse plant life, unique landscapes like Rainforest World, and panoramic city views offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The Sand Plant Zone with its giant cacti is particularly popular for photos. 
Unfortunately, plant information and signage are predominantly in Chinese. While toilets and some rules might be translated, expect limited English explanations for the flora.
Crowds can vary. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends or holidays. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon can also help avoid peak times.
The garden boasts over 4,000 tropical plants, including a wide range of cacti, succulents, and a mist-shrouded rainforest zone. The orchid collection is also noted as being impressive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on food vendors or restaurants within the garden is limited. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water, or plan to dine outside the garden after your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in designated areas. However, always be mindful of park rules and dispose of trash properly.
Given its proximity to Xiamen University and the city center, you'll find numerous dining options ranging from local eateries to more upscale restaurants in the surrounding areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The Rainforest World offers a mystical backdrop, the Sand Plant Zone with its giant cacti is iconic, and the scenic trails provide stunning city panoramas. Look for unique plant formations and vibrant colors.
There is no specific information available regarding drone usage. It's best to assume that drone photography is restricted in most botanical gardens and public parks to ensure safety and tranquility.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the plants. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful golden hour light for landscape shots.
One reel mentioned professional photographers being present, suggesting it might be possible to arrange for photoshoots, especially in popular areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the plant information is mostly in Chinese, the visual appeal of the different zones, like the Rainforest World and the giant cacti, can still captivate young minds. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options within the garden might be limited.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Bring your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing them at potentially higher prices within or near the garden. This is a great way to manage your expenses while enjoying a full day of exploration.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Don't miss the panoramic city views from the higher trails for stunning wide-angle shots. Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Garden's Vastness
While the garden is beautiful, be prepared for limited English signage. Most plant labels and informational boards are in Chinese, which can be a challenge for international tourists. If you're keen on learning about the specific species, consider downloading a translation app or hiring a local guide if available.
Despite the potential language barrier, the sheer beauty and tranquility of the gardens make it a worthwhile experience. The Rainforest World offers an almost mystical atmosphere with its fog and dense foliage, while the Sand Plant Zone is famous for its impressive collection of cacti.
+1Entry Requirements for International Visitors
In addition to your passport, you will also need a Chinese phone number for registration purposes. This requirement can pose a significant hurdle for travelers who do not have a local SIM card or a Chinese contact number. It's advisable to arrange for a local SIM card or inquire about alternative registration methods before your visit.
Some visitors have reported feeling 'guarded' or closely monitored while inside the park, suggesting a potentially less welcoming atmosphere for foreigners. While the park management may not explicitly state they don't want foreign visitors, the practicalities of entry and the lack of English information can create a less than ideal experience for those unfamiliar with the system.
Photography Opportunities and Tips
+1The Sand Plant Zone is another highlight, featuring an impressive collection of cacti, including some giant specimens that make for striking photographic subjects. These unique plants offer a stark contrast to the lushness of the rainforest and provide excellent opportunities for close-ups and creative compositions.
For broader vistas, explore the trails leading to panoramic overlooks of Xiamen city. These elevated viewpoints offer stunning backdrops, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as reaching these viewpoints often involves some hiking.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit