10 Best Sights in Eastern China, China

Legend has it that, when these huge doughnut-shape residential structures were first spotted by the American military, fear spread that they were silos for some massive unknown missile site. Many were created centuries ago by the Hakka, an offshoot of the Han Chinese who settled all over southeastern China. Peppering the countryside of Yong Ding, 225 km (140 miles) northwest of Xiamen, these beautiful examples of Hakka architecture are made of raw earth, sand, brown sugar and glutinous rice, reinforced with bamboo and wood. Joining a tour group or hiring a private car is your best option for getting to one.

Built into a hillside, Hongshan Park has a small Buddhist temple, a lovely waterfall, and beautiful views of the city and the harbor. The steep park shoots straight up from a busy street, so wear comfortable shoes if you're eager to explore.

A symbol of China’s westernization in the 19th and 20th centuries, Hulishan Cannon Fort was built with help from Germany. When constructed in 1894, the fort was considered one of China’s most technologically advanced fortresses and served as the central command of the coast. It also played a major part in the defense against the Japanese in 1900 and 1937, thanks, in part, to two massive, 19th-century, German Krupp cannons. Today, the fortress retains its east-meets-west architectural style, with beautiful views of the coast, a castle, and one of the famed cannons. Regular performances by horseback riders dressed in old-fashioned military attire help bring history to life here.

History buffs will be fascinated by a trip to "the island Chairman Mao couldn't capture." Though barely a stone's throw from mainland China, this little chunk of land is still controlled by Taiwan, and Taiwanese guards patrol its shores. A visit is possible, but you'll need to do some planning. Apple Tours (www.appletravel.cn; [email protected]) can arrange boats to the island for Y189 there and Y155 back, plus a car and driver/guide who speaks English for another Y1,100. Be sure to email Apple Tours at least a week in advance.

Dating from the Tang Dynasty, Nanputuo Temple has roofs decorated with brightly painted clusters of flowers and statues of sinewy serpents and mythical beasts. It has been restored many times, most recently in the 1980s, with more touch-ups in recent years. Pavilions on either side of the main hall contain tablets commemorating the suppression of secret societies by Qing Dynasty emperors. As the most important of Xiamen's temples, it is nearly always buzzing as monks and worshippers mix with tour groups. The latter often miss the intriguing small statues embedded in stone crannies behind the back of the main complex.

Housed in an imposing cream-color building, this museum was founded by wealthy industrialist Tan Kah Kee. With pictures and documents, personal items, and associated relics, three large halls tell the story of the great waves of emigration from southeastern China during the 19th century.

Surrounding a pretty lake at the base of Wanshi Mountain, this garden has a fine collection of more than 6,500 species of tropical and subtropical flora, ranging from eucalyptus and bamboo trees to orchids and ferns. Pathways wind past interesting rock formations, a rose garden, and several temples, including the notable Heaven's Border Temple. Don’t miss the atmospheric "rain forest" section, and be sure to wear comfy shoes: this huge park is worth hours of exploration.

Soar over the park in a cable car (Y70 round-trip), embarking next to where the east end of Huxiyan Lu crosses Huyuan Lu, at the base of the mountain.

Right by Nanputuo Temple, housed in an interesting mix of modern and traditional colonial buildings, is Xiamen University. It was founded in the 1920s with the help of Chinese living abroad.

For some peace and quiet, take a stroll here in the early morning.

Commemorating Dr. Sun Yat-sen—who is known in Chinese as Sun Zhongshan—Zhongshan Park was built in 1927 and is centered on a bronze statue of the great man. It has a small zoo, pretty lakes, and canals you can explore by paddleboat. The annual Lantern Festival is held here.