Xiamen
Xiamen Botanical Garden (Wanshi), Xiamen
Xiamen Botanical Garden, known to locals as Wanshi Botanical Garden after the hill it covers, sits just east of the old town and is one of the city's most popular days out. Opened in 1960, it spreads across Wanshi Mountain and is part of the larger Gulangyu-Wanshi national scenic area. By early 2025 the garden's living collection had passed 10,000 plant species and cultivars, one of the largest such collections in China, growing among granite boulders, temples and small lakes that make it work equally well for a serious botanical visit or a relaxed walk in the shade.
What to see
The garden is divided into themed sections. The one everyone photographs is the Rainforest World, where fine mist is sprayed over a pond and wooden walkways to mimic a tropical cloud forest. The mist runs on a schedule, roughly mid-morning and mid-afternoon as of 2026, rather than all day, so time your visit for one of those windows instead of just any calm morning.
Misty walkway in the Rainforest World section of Xiamen Botanical Garden
The Cactus and Succulent area is the other highlight, a sun-baked slope of towering cacti and desert plants that feels nothing like the rest of subtropical Xiamen. Higher up, the Banshan viewing platform looks out over Wanshilian Temple and the city skyline beyond.
Cactus and succulent collection on the dry slope of the garden
Tickets and hours
General admission is a modest fixed fee, with roughly half off for students, seniors from 60, and visitors aged 6 to 18, and free entry for young children, seniors from 70, and visitors with disabilities (bring ID for any discount). You can also book a ticket in advance through a reseller such as Klook, which sidesteps the on-site Chinese-language system.
Opening hours are seasonal: roughly 06:30 to 18:00 from May to early October, and 06:30 to 17:30 the rest of the year (as of 2026). The garden is large and hilly, so allow at least half a day, or take the internal sightseeing shuttle (small extra fee) between the main areas.
Getting there
Several city buses stop at the South Gate (Wanshi Botanical Garden stop), a short ride from the Zhongshan Road area. From there it is uphill, so wear comfortable shoes. Pay the entrance fee and shuttle by Alipay or WeChat Pay.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Aim for one of the Rainforest World misting windows, and go on a weekday morning to beat both the heat and the tour groups.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much is the entrance fee? A modest fixed adult fee, with discounts for students, seniors and children on ID; the internal shuttle costs a little extra.
When does the Rainforest World mist run? On a schedule, roughly mid-morning and mid-afternoon, not continuously, so check the current times posted at the gate.
How long should I spend? Half a day is sensible given the hills and the size of the grounds.
Highlights
- More than 10,000 plant species and cultivars as of 2025, one of China's largest living collections
- Rainforest World: scheduled misting windows that fill the walkways with fog
- Cactus and succulent slope, a desert pocket in subtropical Xiamen
- Banshan platform views over Wanshilian Temple and the skyline
- Granite boulders and small temples scattered through the grounds
- Discounted or free entry for students, seniors, children and disabled visitors
Travel Tips
Time the mist windows
Rainforest World fog runs on a schedule, roughly mid-morning and mid-afternoon, not all day, so check the current times posted at the entrance and plan around them.
Use the internal shuttle
The garden is large and uphill; the small-fee sightseeing cart saves your legs between the main sections.
Wear proper shoes
Paths climb the hillside and can be slippery near the misted ponds.
Book ahead if it's easier
An English-language reseller ticket saves you navigating the on-site Chinese ticketing system, useful on a first trip.
