Picture choosen by: Ms.Vera Sights in Xiamen Great Compassion Hall
The Great Compassion Hall contains four statues of Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy). Worshippers cast divining sticks at the feet of the statues to seek heavenly guidance.

The temple has an excellent vegetarian restaurant in a shaded courtyard where you can dine in the company of resident monks.

Great Heroic Treasure Hall
In front of the courtyard is the Great Heroic Treasure Hall, a two-storey building containing three Buddhas that represent Buddha in his past, present and future lives.

Heavenly King Hall
Entering the temple through Heavenly King Hall you are met by the tub-bellied Milefo (Laughing Buddha), flanked by four heavenly kings. The classical Chinese inscription reads: 'When entering, regard Buddha and afterwards pay your respects to the four kings of heaven'.

Huli Shan Fortress
Not too far from the university is the Huli Shan Fortress, a gigantic German gun artillery which was built in 1893 and used to deter foreign imperialists from entering the city. You can rent binoculars here to peer out over the water to Taiwanese-occupied Jinmen Island, formerly known as Quemoy, claimed by both mainland China and Taiwan. From a small pier next to the fortress you can hire a boat to take you on a one-hour ride around Jinmen.

Nanputuo Temple
On the southern outskirts of Xiamen city, this modern-looking Buddhist temple was originally built more than 1000 years ago during the Tang dynasty, and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the course of its long history. The most current incarnation dates to the early 20th century. It's an active temple and very busy, with chanting monks and worshippers lighting incense and praying.

Overseas Chinese Museum
Also close to the university is the Overseas Chinese Museum, which has excellent photos and paintings of the history and various activities of Chinese communities abroad.

Xiamen University
Next to Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University was established with overseas Chinese funds. Its well-maintained grounds feature an attractive lake and are good for a pleasant, shady stroll. The campus entrance is next to the stop for bus 1. You can walk south to Daxue Lu from the main entrance, where you'll see a nice long stretch of sandy beach.