Xiamen Botanical Garden (commonly known as "Wanshi Botanical Garden") is located in Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and key national botanical garden, it covers 4.93 square kilometers. Established in 1960, it cultivates over 7,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants across 20 specialized zones including Palm Garden, Succulent Plant Area, Rainforest World, and Flower Garden, serving as a comprehensive botanical garden integrating research, education, and tourism.
History and Culture
The garden's location at Wanshi Mountain has been a Xiamen scenic spot since ancient times, known as "Minor Eight Scenes" during Qing Dynasty. Designed by renowned botanist Professor He Jing in 1960, its early development involved introducing numerous tropical plants from South China Botanical Garden and other institutions.
After China's reform and opening-up, the garden established multiple specialized zones, becoming an important plant introduction and acclimatization base in southern China. Designated among China's first 4A-level scenic areas in 2000, it was upgraded to 5A-level in 2023.
Beyond scientific research, the garden serves as a recreational space and cultural landmark for Xiamen residents. It preserves 60+ historical cliff inscriptions and sites like Tianjie Temple and Wanshilian Temple, blending natural and cultural landscapes.
Main Attractions
Rainforest World
This 16-hectare area simulates tropical rainforest ecology with 1,000+ plant species including tree ferns, banyans, and lianas. Timed misting creates dreamy cloud effects, making it a social media hotspot. Suspension bridges and observation decks offer immersive rainforest experiences.
Succulent Plant Area
One of China's largest succulent collections features 3,000+ species from Cactaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Agavaceae families. Its pyramid-shaped greenhouse and outdoor displays showcase astonishing cacti and succulents, earning the nickname "Desert Plant Kingdom."
Palm Garden
Spanning 12 hectares with 400+ palm species including royal palms and oil palms, its grand palm-lined avenue exudes tropical charm, popular for wedding photos. The central lake's giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica) with 2m-wide leaves are spectacular in summer.
Flower Garden
Seasonal displays include tulips (spring), lotuses (summer), chrysanthemums (autumn), and camellias (winter). The European-style rose garden features 200+ rose varieties, bursting with color and fragrance when blooming.
Cuisine
Shacha Noodles
Xiamen specialty featuring noodles in savory broth made with shacha (satay) sauce, seafood, and pork liver. The rich, slightly spicy soup delivers authentic local flavor.
Sea Worm Jelly
Southern Fujian delicacy made from boiled beach worms that congeal when cooled. Served with garlic and soy sauce, its unique texture and nutrition make it distinctive.
Peanut Soup
Traditional sweet soup with slow-cooked peanuts creating milky-white broth. Often paired with fried dough sticks or rice cakes as local breakfast favorite.
Ginger Duck
Fujian medicinal dish stewing duck with aged ginger and rice wine. Tender meat with robust ginger flavor offers warming properties.
Ticket Information
Admission: ¥40/person (¥20/student). Free for seniors over 60 and children under 1.2m. Open 6:30-18:00 (extended to 18:30 summer). Shuttle ticket: ¥10/person (unlimited rides).
Suggested Itinerary
Recommended half-day route: Enter West Gate → Shuttle to Succulent Area → Walk to Rainforest World (note misting schedule) → Palm Garden → Flower Garden → Return by shuttle. Allow 3-4 hours; wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water.
Transportation
- Bus: Routes 87/B3 to "Botanical Garden" stop
- Metro: Line 1 to "Zhongshan Park Station," Exit 4 (10-min walk)
- Drive: Limited parking at West Gate (public transport recommended)
Must-See Attractions
- Rainforest World - Misty tropical wonderland
- Succulent Plant Area - Extraordinary desert flora
- Palm Garden - Tropical palm-lined avenue
- Flower Garden - Seasonal floral displays
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: Spring/Autumn (avoid midday summer heat)
- Rainforest misting: 9:30-11:30 & 14:30-16:30
- Wear anti-slip shoes for hilly areas
- Bring mosquito repellent for rainforest
- Allocate sufficient time for large grounds
Important Notes
- Don't pick plants or damage environment
- Beware spiny plants in Succulent Area
- No smoking or open flames in garden
- Follow shuttle rules and safety
- Secure belongings in expansive area