Xiamen Botanical Garden Overview
Also known as Wanshi Botanical Garden, this expansive ecological park nestled in the Wanshi Mountains features stunning landscapes, a surreal misting rainforest, and an impressive desert cactus zone.
Xiamen Botanical Garden Opening Hours & Tickets
- 06:30–18:00 (Hours for internal specialty gardens like the Cactus zone may vary slightly)
- Best season: March to May and October to December
- Ticket note:
General admission is 30 CNY. Sightseeing shuttle buses and the scenic escalator...
Essential Xiamen Botanical Garden Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 592 2024785
- Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses
- Restrooms
- Vending machines
- Cableway/escalators to higher sections
How to Get to Xiamen Botanical Garden
Take Metro Line 1 to Zhongshan Park Station, then walk or take a short taxi ride to the West Gate. Numerous public buses also stop at the 'Botanical Garden' bus stop.
Xiamen Botanical Garden Travel Safety & Advice
Dial 120 for medical emergency. Security personnel patrol the main paths and visitor centers have first-aid kits.
Xiamen Botanical Garden Travel FAQ
How long does it take to visit Xiamen Botanical Garden?
For the main highlights (cactus house, bonsai garden, and a short hike), budget at least 2.5 to 3 hours. If you want to do the full loop including the cable car and the summit, set aside 4-5 hours. I usually tell my guests: 'Anything less than 2 hours is a waste of your ticket.'
Is Xiamen Botanical Garden free for children?
Children under 1.2 meters (roughly 4 feet) are free. For kids between 1.2m and 1.5m, it's half price – about 20 RMB. Bring the child's passport if they look older; the staff is strict.
Can I bring food inside the garden?
Yes, and I recommend it. The food inside is limited to instant noodles and overpriced snacks. There's a nice picnic area near the lake. Just clean up after yourself – the park staff will thank you.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The main paved paths and the cable car are OK. But the hilly trails and many steps are not. If you're in a wheelchair, you can still enjoy the greenhouse area and the bonsai section, but you'll miss the summit. I'd call ahead to check the route conditions.
Is Xiamen Botanical Garden worth visiting if I only have one day in Xiamen?
If you only have a single day, I'd prioritize Gulangyu Island or the city's beaches. But if you've already seen the coast and want a nature break, the garden is a solid half-day option. It's not a 'must-see' for a rushed trip, but it's a gem for slow travelers.
Can I use a stroller or wheelchair inside?
Partly. The main roads are paved and stroller-friendly, but many of the best trails are steep or gravel. I'd recommend a baby carrier for infants and a sturdy wheelchair for the lower sections only. The garden rents manual wheelchairs at the east gate – free with a 200 RMB deposit, first come first served.
Are there any restaurants inside? I don't want to carry food.
Only two small kiosks near the Palm Garden and the Bamboo Forest. They sell instant noodles, packaged snacks, and bottled water. Don't expect hot meals. A better option: eat at the vegetarian restaurant at Nanputuo Temple (5-minute taxi ride from the west gate) – they serve good Buddhist-style mock meat dishes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How long do I need to see everything?
If you rush the main loop, 2 hours. But to enjoy my route and the hidden spots, budget at least 4–5 hours. I've spent a whole day there just sitting by the lotus pond with a book.
Is it worth visiting if it rains?
Yes, actually. Light rain makes the garden feel lush and mystical. The desert house and other greenhouses are covered. Heavy rain, though – the trails get slippery, and some paths close. Check the weather app. If forecast says >60% rain, postpone.
Can I take photos with a drone?
No drones allowed unless you have special permission from the park administration (possible for commercial shoots with a fee). Staff are watchful, and they'll confiscate the drone if you try. Stick to handheld cameras.
Recent Reviews
Perfect escape from the city buzz. I came early in the morning and had the whole place almost to myself. The air is crisp, the paths are well-marked, and the diversity of flora is stunning. Highlights for me: the giant cycads and the tropical palm section. Even the cable car ride up to the top gives you a breathtaking view of the whole garden and the sea beyond. Can't recommend it enough.
One of the best botanical gardens I've visited in Asia. The variety of plants from different climate zones is impressive, and the layout makes you feel like you're traveling through different countries. I went on a weekday and it was pleasantly quiet. The tea house near the top had a lovely view and decent oolong. If you're in Xiamen, this is a must-see — totally worth the ticket price.
Absolute gem! I spent an entire afternoon here and still didn't cover everything. The cactus and succulent greenhouse is a photographer's dream — the light hits perfectly in the late afternoon. Also loved the bamboo grove and the little lake with koi fish. Very well-maintained paths and plenty of benches to sit and just breathe. 5 stars, no hesitation.
Pretty solid overall, especially if you're into plants and quiet walks. The misty morning made the rainforest section look magical, and I saw some birds I couldn't identify. Only giving it a 4 because the souvenir shop was overpriced and the staff there seemed bored. The restrooms near the main gate were clean though, which is always a plus. Good place to spend a few hours, just bring your own snacks.
I really wanted to love this place, but it fell a bit short. The botanical garden itself is huge and has some beautiful spots, but the signage is terrible. I ended up walking in circles for an hour trying to find the cactus greenhouse. Also, a few of the paths were closed for maintenance without any detour signs. For the entrance fee, I expected better upkeep. Not terrible, but I wouldn't rush back.
This garden is a hidden gem! I’ve traveled to over 30 countries and this is one of the most peaceful, beautifully curated botanical gardens I’ve ever seen. The bamboo grove felt like stepping into a painting, and the tropical rainforest zone was so humid and lush it felt real. Perfect escape from the city noise. 10/10.
Brought my kids here on a Sunday and it was surprisingly not too crowded. They loved the insectivorous plant house and the huge banyan tree you can walk under. Clean restrooms and helpful staff at the info desk. We’ll definitely come back next time we’re in town. Highly recommend for families!
Absolutely stunning! The variety of plants from different climate zones is incredible. I spent almost four hours here and still didn’t see everything. The desert greenhouse and the cloud forest section were my favorites. Well-maintained paths, plenty of shady benches, and even a small café with decent coffee. A must‑see in Xiamen!
A solid spot for a leisurely stroll, but it’s not as impressive as other botanical gardens I’ve visited. The floral clock was cute, and the lily pond was lovely, but the signage could be way better. The entry fee is reasonable, just don’t expect world-class curation. Worth a couple of hours if you’re in the area.
I really wanted to love this place, but the layout is confusing and maps are almost nonexistent. Ended up walking in circles for an hour trying to find the cactus greenhouse. Some paths are poorly maintained too. Not terrible, but definitely not the relaxing morning I planned.
As a photographer, I'm always looking for unique landscapes, and Xiamen Botanical Garden delivered big time. The combination of tropical plants, lotus ponds, and the Fujian-style architecture scattered around makes for endless composition opportunities. The light in the late afternoon was gorgeous filtering through the giant fern leaves. I also appreciated the clean drinking fountains and well-placed rest stops. This place is a gem — absolutely deserves 5 stars!
I've been living in Xiamen for two years and this is still my favorite spot to unwind. The bamboo forest path is so serene, and the little waterfalls make it feel like a hidden oasis. I love that you can spend half a day here and still discover new corners. The staff at the entrance were friendly and gave great tips on which trails to take. Perfect for a solo stroll or a romantic date — highly recommended!
Absolutely stunning! This garden is a must-visit in Xiamen. The collection of succulents and cacti from around the world is world-class — I spent over an hour just in that greenhouse. The paths are well-maintained and there are plenty of shaded benches to rest. I came early in the morning when it was quiet, and the birdsong was incredible. Easily the best botanical garden I've been to in China. Will definitely come back!
Spent a lovely afternoon here! The tropical rainforest zone was absolutely magical with all the mist and giant palms — felt like stepping into another world. We also enjoyed the walk up to the hilltop pavilion for a nice view of the city. My only small complaint is that the tram stops were hard to find and we ended up walking way more than expected. Still, a solid 4-star experience for nature lovers visiting Xiamen.
I really wanted to love this place, but honestly it fell a bit short. The botanical garden itself is huge and the concept is nice, but a lot of the paths were poorly marked and some sections felt neglected with overgrown weeds. The cactus greenhouse was the highlight for me, but even that had several empty pots. The entrance fee is reasonable, but I expected cleaner restrooms and more informative signage. Would only recommend if you have extra time and nothing else to do.
What surprised me most was the huge collection of cycads — I didn't know there were that many varieties! The staff at the entrance were friendly and gave me a map with a suggested route. The only downside was that some of the restrooms were closed for renovation. Otherwise a solid experience.
I visited early in the morning and had the whole place almost to myself. The birds were singing, the air smelled of damp earth and flowers. The bamboo grove and the little pond with koi fish brought me so much peace. Took hundreds of photos. A hidden gem for anyone needing a quiet escape.
Honestly a bit underwhelming for the entrance fee. Some paths were cracked and the map was confusing. The greenhouse section felt neglected — plants were dusty and labels faded. I did enjoy the view from the top of the hill, but I wouldn't call it a must-see. Could use better maintenance.
Lovely garden overall, but it was quite crowded when I went on a Saturday. The variety of plants is impressive, especially the palm collection. I wish the signage had more information about each species. Still, a great way to spend a few hours away from the city noise. Would come back on a weekday.
Absolutely fell in love with this place! The rainforest zone with its mist machines felt like stepping into a real jungle. The succulent garden is massive — some of those cacti are taller than me! Perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Easily one of the best botanical gardens I've ever visited.
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