Mountains and Sea of Haichang Across the Bridge

Contrary to its first impression as an industrial area beyond the bridge, Haichang is a place where forests, temples, hot springs, and long coastal parks coexist. The lake and woodland paths of Tianzhushan, the belief in the Earth God at Qingjiao Ci Gong, the hot springs of Leweigu, and the sunset at Haichang Bay reveal a multifaceted view of the living area west of Xiamen.

As the preparations needed for mountains, sea, and hot springs differ, it’s better not to try and fit everything into one day. It would be good to combine either Tianzhushan in the morning with a hot spring in the afternoon, or a temple visit followed by a stroll at Haichang Bay. Be sure to check transportation schedules for returning to the main island and the end times for mountain shuttles ahead of time. Don’t just save the place names; also put the Chinese addresses and formal entrances on your map. Conditions may vary due to rain, heat, and events, so checking the latest announcements will help you secure an accurate stay duration.

The charm of traveling in Haichang extends beyond just viewing the urban landscape from the other side. The forests of Tianzhushan, the stonework and faith at Ci Gong, seasonal flowers at Daping Mountain, and red bricks in Xin'an Village showcase the west of Xiamen created by nature and the Minnan community.

Forest parks prioritize weather and fire regulations, hot springs have rules specific to each facility, and temples have worship etiquette. Make sure to schedule transfer times to catch the last subway and bus after the coastal walk, and be cautious of pedestrian safety on residential roads and industrial paths. Rather than visit many places, recording specific scenes and travel times at each location will allow for more accurate planning for your next itinerary. Use the official announcements on the day of departure as your final guide for operational information.