The Xiamen Botanical Garden is on the mainland rather than on Gulangyu, but it is close enough to the ferry terminals to combine with an island visit for those who want a quiet afternoon away from the heritage crowds. The garden covers a substantial hillside area with good collections of tropical and subtropical species, a cactus house, and a bonsai section that is among the better examples in China. The hillside trails provide views over the city and the strait.
The garden is popular with local families and provides a less-pressured alternative to the more tourist-oriented sights in the area. It is particularly good in spring when the flowering trees are at their best, and in late autumn when the weather is cool and clear. The resident bird population includes several species that are easier to find here than anywhere else in central Xiamen, making it worth a visit for those with an interest in wildlife as well as horticulture.