Take the Zhonggu Cable Car and Encounter Xiamen's Romance and Grandeur
It cannot soar through the skies like an iron bird, tethered by steel cables between mountains, like a traveler shackled by chains. Slowly climbing through the tilted passage of time, it witnesses the vicissitudes beneath its feet; moving along the edge of bustling urbanity, it gazes at the lingering sunset glow on skyscrapers—Shu Gangcheng's "Peak Tram" captures the unique charm of cable cars.
Xiamen, this romantic city blessed with both mountain and sea beauty, boasts the fresh and artistic Gulangyu Island, the culturally rich Xiamen University, and the majestic Wulao Peak... However, if you wish to take in the panoramic views of Egret Island from a perspective that "crosses mountains and seas," there's a romantic and lesser-known way—riding the Zhonggu Cable Car, which unlocks a different side of Xiamen's scenery.
Zhonggu Cable Car: Xiamen from a God's-Eye View
The starting point of the Zhonggu Cable Car is adjacent to the Xiamen Botanical Garden. With a route spanning over 1,000 meters and 82 cabins arranged in an orderly fashion, waiting times are significantly reduced. If visiting during the day, take a stroll through the botanical garden first to soak in the vitality and charm of nature before boarding the cable car for an aerial adventure. The round trip takes about 40 minutes, allowing you to leisurely admire the breathtaking views of over half of Xiamen Island.
Crossing Mountains and Seas: A Feast of Ocean, Sky, and Cityscapes
As you step into the cable car, the cabin gradually ascends along the mountain slopes. At first, it weaves through the dense forests on the western side of the botanical garden, with trees swaying like green waves beneath you. Looking down at the sea of trees, hidden among them are flowers, peculiar rocks, temples, and ponds—unfolding like a scroll, each scene telling its own unique story.
As the cable car moves forward, the urban atmosphere grows stronger. On the roads below, cars resemble tiny beetles winding their way into the distance, offering a whimsical visual experience.
At the highest point of the cable car route, a magnificent panorama of mountains, sea, city, and islands unfolds before your eyes. The lush greenery stretches from the foot of the mountains to the coastline, while on the other side, the city blends with the sea and sky. Landmarks like the elegant upturned eaves of Nanputuo Temple, the vibrant Jiageng-style architecture of Xiamen University, and the towering Twin Towers are all visible. The vista extends all the way to Gulangyu Island and the distant mountains across the sea, where peaks, city, ocean, and sky merge into a romantic and grand landscape painting.
Upon arriving at the terminal station near Wulao Peak on Gushan, you can either disembark under the guidance of staff to conclude this wondrous journey or choose to ride the cable car back, revisiting any missed sights along the way. Alternatively, simply sit quietly and watch the scenery slowly transform around you, savoring the passage of time.
Where Mountains Meet the Sea: A Romantic Sunset Encounter
Riding the cable car at sunset is an unparalleled visual feast. The gradually setting sun casts a dreamy and mysterious golden veil over the entire scene. At the junction of mountain and sea, the sunset glow bathes every corner of the city. Sharing this breathtaking seascape sunset with a loved one is sure to create a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Board the gently moving Zhonggu Cable Car, traverse the green mountains, and encounter the vast sea, embracing the romantic coastal island city in all its glory. This spot is also a popular photo destination, where every snapshot is postcard-worthy, capturing the beauty of mountains and sea at your leisure.
What are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family and embark on this unique aerial journey through Xiamen!
Travel Tips:
- Experience: Relaxation, photography, cultural check-ins, sightseeing, family fun.
- Ticket price: ¥70
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Duration: Choose between a one-way trip (20 minutes, disembark at the terminal) or a round trip (40 minutes).
- Address: No. 31, Huyuan Road, Siming District (enter through the motor vehicle gate of Xiamen Botanical Garden, 50 meters ahead, on the right at the small white building). Take the bus to Xiamen Botanical Garden Station or the metro to Zhongshan Park Station.