During your stay on China’s southeast coast across the Taiwan Strait from Taiwan, soak up the city’s coastal beauty, colonial architecture, and Buddhist heritage. Take in the picturesque pools, terraces, and pagodas at the Tang Dyansty-era South Putou Temple—a Buddhist complex on the beautiful campus of Xiamen University. Explore attractions such as the former fishing village of Zengcuo'an and historic 19th-century Hulishan Fort, sandy beaches like Baicheng Beach, and the 43-kilometer Huandao Road—a coastal thoroughfare loved for its bike paths. Sample street food like peanut soup and oyster omelets while admiring the unique arcade-style Qilou buildings along Zhongshan Road and enjoy colorful street art, trendy cafés, and a charming fishing harbor at Shapowei Art Zone. For a complete change of pace, ride the ferry to the car-free Gulangyu Island to check out the historic colonial villas, striking Sunlight Rock, and the seaside classical Shuzhuang Garden.