Baicheng Beach

Introduction & Historical Significance
Located southeast of Xiamen University and adjacent to the historic Hulishan Fortress, Baicheng Beach is one of Xiamen's most iconic coastal destinations with over a century of maritime heritage. Originally formed by natural coastal erosion and reinforced during the Ming Dynasty for coastal defense, it became a popular leisure spot in the early 20th century. As part of Xiamen's "Golden Coast" tourism belt, it blends natural beauty with cultural significance, serving as a backdrop for academic life, military history, and community traditions. The beach is linked to Xiamen University's founding in 1921, with students and locals gathering here for sea bathing, Festivals, and sunset views. In 2010, it was designated a national marine ecological protection zone, emphasizing sustainable tourism and coastal conservation.

Architectural Layout & Design
The beach stretches 600 meters along Xiamen's southern coastline, featuring:

• Coastal Defense Remnants: Ming-era stone walls and Qing-dynasty cannons at Hulishan Fortress, now part of a heritage park.
• Seaside Promenade: A paved walkway with modern sculptures, viewing platforms, and tidal pools, connecting to the 10km-long Huandao Road coastal cycle path.
• Ecological Zones: Mangrove forests, tidal flats, and sand dunes protected under marine conservation projects.
• University-Adjacent Facilities: Open-air cafes, student art installations, and seasonally deployed beach volleyball courts.

Major Attractions

• Sunset Watching Point: A designated area with panoramic views of the sunset melting into the sea, framed by Xiamen University's modernist buildings.
• Hulishan Fortress & Cannon Museum: A 19th-century military fort housing Asia's oldest operational coastal cannon (280mm Krupp cannon).
• Tidal Pool Exploration: Natural rock pools teeming with marine life during low tide, ideal for family-friendly exploration.
• Beach Sports: Surfing, kiteboarding, and sand sculpture competitions hosted seasonally.
• Cultural Events: Annual Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays, summer music festivals, and traditional fishing boat parades.

Ticket Information

• Free Access: Beach entry, promenade, and tidal pools are open to the public without charge.
• Paid Experiences: Hulishan Fortress entrance (¥25), guided coastal ecology tours (¥80-150), and water sports rentals (¥50-200/hour).
• Bundled Packages: Combined tickets with Gulangyu Island or Xiamen University campus tours (¥200-350) include ferry and guided services.

Transportation Guide

• Public Transit: Bus routes 2/20/22/29 to "Baicheng Station"; Metro Line 2 to "Xiamenda Station" (500m walk).
• Self-Drive: Parking at Xiamen University's west gate or Huandao Road lots (¥10-20/day). Weekends require early parking due to high demand.
• Bike/Scooter: Shared e-bikes and scooters available for coastal rides; dedicated bike lanes connect to Shapowei and Zhongshan Road.
• Walking Access: Direct pedestrian paths from Xiamen University's southern gate and Hulishan Fortress.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April-June and September-November for mild temperatures (20-28°C) and calm seas. Avoid July-August typhoon season and winter winds.
• Photography: Dawn for misty beachscapes; sunset for golden-hour reflections on the sea. Night photography highlights Xiamen's skyline from the promenade.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect marine conservation zones; avoid littering. Participate in local beach clean-up events.
• Packing: Swimwear, sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles. For hiking, wear sturdy shoes for coastal paths.
• Dining: Try "Sea Breeze Cafe" for fresh seafood bowls, "University Plaza" for student-favorite snacks, and "Fujian Fish Ball Soup" at nearby stalls.

Nearby Attractions & Itineraries

• Combined Tours:
  • Morning: Hulishan Fortress tour + tidal pool exploration + coastal promenade walk.
  • Afternoon: Xiamen University campus tour + Shapowei Art Zone cultural immersion.
  • Evening: Beach sunset viewing + Zhongshan Road night market for local delicacies.
• Cultural Synergy: Pair with Gulangyu Island's colonial architecture, Nanputuo Temple's Buddhist heritage, or Tongan's ancient fishing villages for a holistic coastal experience.

Baicheng Beach exemplifies Xiamen's maritime soul—where academic tradition, military history, and coastal ecology converge. As a protected coastal landscape, it offers travelers a serene escape into China's southern sea culture and sustainable tourism practices.