Enjoy the Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

Having a Helicopter sightseeing tour in Xiamen would be an exciting experience for your Xiamen trip. The departure point for the tour is the Zhengyang helicopter sightseeing service center at Xiajin Bay from which the helicopter will fly over classic scenic spots including Huandao Road, Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre, Yefengzhai Beach, enjoy an in-depth tour of the city by air, sea and land, Pearl Bay, Hulishan Ancient Fortress, Xiamen University, South Putuo Temple, and Gulangyu Island and other scenic spots in the city at a height of around 200 meters. The flight altitude and speed will be adjusted according to passengers' desires to allow for a perfect view of the city from the sky. A preferential charter service will also be available for family customers.

Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

The helicopter, which has standard seating for two crew and five cabin seats, will carry only 4 passengers each trip, on a 15 minute round trip from the Zhengyang helicopter sightseeing service center to Gulangyu Island. The 15-minute round trip costs RMB1,880 (about US$298) per person per ride with reservations required at least 1 day in advance.

The helicopter, which has standard seating for two crew and five cabin seats, will carry 4 passengers each trip, on a 15 minute round trip from the Zhengyang helicopter sightseeing service center to Gulangyu Island at a height of 50-100 meters. It is a great change to have bird's eye view of Xiamen and enjoy an in-depth tour of the city by air, sea and land.

The operation Hour of this tour is available from 09:00 am to 11:30 am; 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm every day, with departing every 20 minutes.

The Journey Begins: Flight Details & Preparation

Your adventure starts at the Zhengyang Helicopter Sightseeing Service Center, nestled in the serene Xiajin Bay. As you arrive, a sleek helicopter sits on the tarmac—its white fuselage glinting in the sun, rotors at rest—while the bay’s salt-kissed breeze builds anticipation. Before takeoff, the certified crew leads a concise safety briefing: they explain seatbelt use, communication headsets (for chatting with the pilot or companions), and turbulence protocols, fostering trust that lets you relax into the adventure.
 

What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. The pilot adjusts altitude (50–200 meters) and speed based on your preferences—slow down to linger over Gulangyu’s rooftops or climb higher for a wide view of Huandao Road. The helicopter is designed for comfort and visibility: large panoramic windows eliminate blind spots, and while it fits 5 passengers, only 4 are onboard per trip, ensuring space to lean toward the glass.
 

The 15-minute round-trip (Xiajin Bay to Gulangyu and back) balances brevity and depth, covering all key landmarks without restlessness. It costs RMB 1,880 (≈US$298) per person, with bookings required 1 day in advance (online or by phone). Families can opt for a preferential charter service for a private, customized flight. Operations run daily, with 20-minute departures between 9:00 am–11:30 am (soft morning light for photos) and 2:30 pm–5:30 pm (golden-hour views of the setting sun on the sea).

Highlights of the Tour

•Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island The first aerial landmark is Gulangyu Island—Xiamen’s UNESCO-listed “Piano Island,” just 600 meters across the Lujiang River. From 50–100 meters up, you’ll see its entire outline: a lush green oval dotted with red-tiled colonial villas, winding stone lanes, and tiny beaches. No cars clutter its streets—only pedestrians, cyclists, and small electric vehicles—adding to its timeless calm.

Key spots are easy to spot: Sunlight Rock (Gulangyu’s 92.7-meter peak) juts from the center, while Shuzhuang Garden’s lotus ponds and zigzag bridges blend with nature. To the east, Bright Moon Garden’s giant Zheng Chenggong statue stands against the sea, and near the southern shore, Xiamen Underwater Sea World’s glass tunnels peek through the beachfront. From the sky, Gulangyu’s charm—quiet, artistic, and unhurried—feels more vivid than ever. 

Gulangyu Island

•South Putuo Temple

Next, the helicopter glides toward South Putuo Temple, a revered Fujian Buddhist site tucked between Xiamen University and the Lu River. Founded in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and renovated over centuries, its golden-tiled roofs shine brightly against surrounding greenery—especially the main hall’s roof, which glows like liquid gold in the sun.

While the temple’s famous 1,000-Hand Goddess of Mercy Statue (in the rear hall) is too small for detail from above, you can make out the hall’s traditional wooden beams and intricate carvings. Nearby, the Sutra House—housing rare Buddhist scriptures—peeks from a grove of banyan trees. What stands out most is the temple’s serenity: even amid Xiamen’s bustle, its grounds feel peaceful, with worshippers and monks moving gently below.

South Putuo Temple

•Hulishan Ancient Fortress

As you fly south, Hulishan Fort comes into view—perched on Xiamen Island’s southern shore, alongside the Rongguang Cultural Relics and Treasures Museum. Built in 1874 (Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu reign) to defend the harbor, it spans over 70,000 square meters, with a 13,000-square-meter castle at its core.

From the air, its star-shaped layout (borrowed from Western military design) and large cannon emplacements are clear—including the “Great King Cannon,” a massive iron weapon once capable of firing 16 kilometers out to sea. Lush greenery (banyan trees, palms, tropical shrubs) softens its military edge, and below, you might spot tourists wandering the grounds or children playing near the adjacent beach. It’s a vivid mix of history and everyday life.

Hulishan Ancient Fortress

•Huandao Sightseeing Road
The final highlight is Huandao Sightseeing Road (Xiamen Islet-Ring Road), a 43-kilometer coastal route winding along the island’s southeast. Its most beloved stretch is the 9-kilometer “Golden Coastline” between Xiamen University and Qianpu—pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush parks line this segment.

From above, the road looks like a silver ribbon between sea and city. You’ll see cyclists on dedicated lanes, couples walking the sand, and families picnicking on the grass. Near the eastern end, the modern Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre (host to global events) stands out, while further along, Xiamen International Airport’s planes take off against the sea. The contrast—calm blue waters on one side, vibrant city life on the other—captures Xiamen’s unique character.

Island Ring Road

As the helicopter descends back to Xiajin Bay, you’ll take one last look: Gulangyu’s red roofs, South Putuo’s golden spires, Hulishan’s stone walls, and Huandao Road’s winding path. It’s a fleeting yet eternal moment—you’ll wish to freeze time, but be grateful for the memories.

This tour isn’t just about aerial views; it’s about reconnecting with Xiamen anew. It reveals how the sea shapes the city’s identity, how history blends with the present, and how familiar spots feel magical from above. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, it’s an experience that stays with you long after landing.

So when you visit Xiamen, don’t just walk its streets or sail its seas. Take to the sky— the view from above isn’t just beautiful; it’s life-changing.