The Xiamen Twin Towers are located in the Yanwu area, adjacent to Xiamen University, in Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province. They are a national 3A-level tourist attraction and one of Xiamen's urban landmarks and core cultural tourism landmarks. The attraction features two super-high-rise towers as its core architectural form, integrating sightseeing, commerce, leisure, and cultural experiences, with an overall design that blends Minnan maritime culture and modern architectural aesthetics. The Twin Towers consist of two main towers: one is 300 meters tall with 64 floors, and the other is 249.7 meters tall with 55 floors. The total site area is approximately 30,000 square meters, with a total floor area of about 336,000 square meters. The core sightseeing area of the attraction is the 55th-floor high-altitude observation hall, at an elevation of 260 meters, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Gulangyu Island, Xiamen University, the Ring Road, Xiamen Bay, and other landscapes. It is one of Xiamen's most iconic high-altitude sightseeing destinations.
History and Culture
The Xiamen Twin Towers were developed by Shimao Group, with architectural design by the British firm Atkins. The design was inspired by Xiamen's city flower, the flame tree (Phoenix tree), and Minnan sailing culture; the paired towers symbolize soaring and taking flight. The project officially started in 2011, with main structure construction beginning in 2013. It was completed and put into use in 2015, and the high-altitude observation attraction officially opened to the public in 2016, quickly becoming Xiamen's new city.
As a landmark project of Xiamen's Special Economic Zone modernization, the Twin Towers carry the contemporary significance of Xiamen as an important node city on the Maritime Silk Road, serving as a vital carrier for the city's internationalization and integrated development of culture and tourism. The architecture not only continues Xiamen's maritime cultural heritage but also showcases the innovative vitality of a modern metropolis, becoming an important window to display Xiamen's city image and attract domestic and international visitors, as well as a representative project of Xiamen's high-quality development in cultural tourism.
Major Attractions
Cloud Above Xiamen Observation Hall
Located on the 55th floor of the Twin Towers, at an elevation of 260 meters, the Cloud Above Xiamen Observation Hall covers approximately 1,300 square meters and is Xiamen's highest indoor-and-outdoor integrated observation platform. Equipped with full transparent viewing glass, high-definition telescopes, and a cultural and creative display area, it offers panoramic views of Xiamen Island, Gulangyu Island, the Kinmen islets, Zhangzhou Port, and more. It is the core sightseeing experience of the attraction.
Skywalk (Sea and Sky Stroll)
The Skywalk is Fujian Province's first outdoor high-altitude sightseeing experience, located outside the 55th-floor observation hall. The walkway is 30 meters long and 1.2 meters wide, featuring a fully transparent, railless design, and operates under professional security and safety equipment. Visitors can experience a 300-meter-high suspended view, making it the Twin Towers' iconic immersive experience.
Shimao Emall Shopping Center
Located in the podium area of the Twin Towers, the Shimao Emall has a total operating area of about 70,000 square meters. It is a comprehensive commercial complex integrating shopping, dining, entertainment, cultural creativity, and family activities. The mall offers Minnan specialty cuisine, international brands, a cinema, creative shops, and more, providing visitors with one-stop leisure and consumption services beyond sightseeing.
Twin Towers Night Light Show
The exterior facades of the Twin Towers are equipped with a large-area LED lighting system, presenting themed light shows every evening at scheduled times. Regular shows last about 5 to 10 minutes, featuring oceanic culture, Minnan elements, holiday themes, and city promotional imagery. It is Xiamen's iconic nighttime attraction, with special themed content updated during holidays.
Twin Towers Plaza
Located at the base of the towers, the plaza is an open area for visitors to take photos of the full building panorama and relax. It offers a wide view, ideal for capturing the complete appearance of the Twin Towers, and also serves as the main entrance to the observation hall and the shopping center.
Suggested Tour Route：
Twin Towers Plaza → Shimao Emall Shopping Center → Ground-floor ticket checkpoint → High-speed elevator to the 55th-floor Cloud Above Xiamen Observation Hall → 360-degree panoramic viewing platform → Skywalk experience zone → Cultural and creative souvenir area → Elevator back to ground floor → Plaza to view the towers' exterior and light show.
Tour Tips：
Recommended total visit time: 1.5 to 2 hours; core high-altitude observation area takes about 1 hour.
Sunny days are recommended for the best visibility to enjoy the full Xiamen landscape.
Entering between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM allows you to experience daytime, sunset, and nighttime views in one visit.
The Skywalk experience requires advance online reservation; wear comfortable, non-slip footwear.
On holidays, it is advisable to purchase tickets online in advance and avoid the peak crowd hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Rest areas and tea/drink sections are available within the observation hall for breaks.
You can combine the visit with Xiamen University, Gulangyu Island, and the Ring Road for a half-day or full-day itinerary.
Important Notes：
Flammable, explosive, and controlled items are prohibited in the observation areas.
Running, climbing, or horseplay is strictly forbidden in high-altitude experience zones; follow staff instructions at all times.
Pets are not allowed (except guide dogs and working dogs).
Do not knock on or scratch the glass viewing facilities; smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas.
Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
People with high blood pressure, heart disease, acrophobia (fear of heights), or pregnant women are not permitted to participate in the Skywalk.
Unauthorized drone flying is prohibited throughout the attraction; comply with all safety management regulations.
The observation hall stops ticket checking at 8:30 PM; plan your entry time accordingly.
Transportation：
Bus: Take routes to Xiamen University Hospital Station or Shimao Twin Towers Station. Lines include 2, 22, 29, 47, 87, 92, 96, 122, 135, 310, and B3.
Metro: Take Line 1 to Zhenhai Road Station, then transfer to bus 2 or 29 for direct access; or take Line 3 to Xiamen Railway Station, then transfer to bus 96 or 21.
Ride-hailing/Taxi: Directly navigate to "Shimao Haixia Building, Xiamen." Dedicated pick-up/drop-off points are available at the entrance.
Driving: An underground parking lot is available; public transport is recommended.
Walking: About 10 minutes' walk from Xiamen University (Siming Campus) and about 20 minutes from the Ferry Terminal.
Opening Hours：
Regular daily hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM; last ticket check at 8:30 PM.
Skywalk experience: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Shimao Emall Shopping Center: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Opening hours remain unchanged during statutory holidays. Temporary adjustments may occur for special events or maintenance; please refer to on-site announcements.
Tickets：
Ticket price: 160 RMB per person.