Is the Island Ring Road free?

Yes, the road and its bike path are free public space. You pay only if you rent a bike or buy food at the beach stalls. It is open all day.

It runs along the southeast shore. Metro line 1 to Zhenhai Road plus a short DiDi, or a bike from the old town, reaches the start near Hulishan Fortress.

Can I cycle the whole loop?

You can ride a good stretch of the coastal path, flat and car-free in parts. Shared bikes are easy; return them inside the city zone when you finish.

What is the 'Wind Roar Stone'?

It is a coastal rock formation on the route known for the sound of wind and waves. It is a popular photo stop with the sea behind it.

Is it good for families?

Yes. The flat path and beaches suit strollers and kids. Go early or late to avoid the midday sun, and watch the tide at the beach edges.

Island Ring Road Xiamen 2026: Free Coastal Bike & Beach Walk

The Island Ring Road is a free coastal path and bike route on Xiamen's southeast shore. Learn the route, the beaches and how to ride in 2026.

The coastal bike path of the Island Ring Road — Photo: toter-yau · Pexels License · source page · author

The Island Ring Road follows Xiamen Island’s southeast shore, a flat coastal path with a bike lane, beaches and sea views. It is free and open all day. You ride or walk past Hulishan Fortress, sandy coves and the “Wind Roar Stone”. Locals run, cycle and watch the sunrise here.

Intro: why go

The road is the city’s favourite outdoor escape. You get open water, clean air and a car-free path without leaving town. It suits a slow bike ride or a barefoot beach stop. Unlike the temples, there is no ticket and no queue — just the coast.

Tickets & booking

The road and bike path are free public space. You pay only to rent a bike or buy snacks. No reservation is needed. The route is open all day, but the light is best at sunrise and just before sunset. Beach stalls keep loose hours.

How to get there & in-site route

Reach: metro line 1 to Zhenhai Road, then a short DiDi to Hulishan Fortress, where the coastal path begins.
The route that works: start at Hulishan, ride or walk south past the beaches, pause at the Wind Roar Stone, and end near Zengcuo’an. Allow 2 hours.
Bikes: shared bikes (Alipay Haibike / Meituan) are picked up in the core.
The path is flat and paved; the beach sand is soft.

Facilities

Toilets and drink stalls sit near the main beach entries. Shade is limited on the open path, so bring water and a hat. The flat route suits strollers and wheelchairs near the car parks. Card and Alipay work at stalls.

Best season & seasonal pros and cons

Oct–Apr: cool, clear and the best for riding and beaches.
May–Sep: hot and humid; go at dawn or dusk.
Typhoon days: avoid the exposed path; waves can be rough.
Holidays: the beaches fill, but the path stays rideable early.

Tips & scams

Rent bikes only through the official apps; scan-and-ride, no cash middlemen.
The road is free — never pay to “enter” the coastal path.
For the classic shot, ride to the Wind Roar Stone at sunset.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Island Ring Road free?: Yes, the road and its bike path are free public space. You pay only if you rent a bike or buy food at the beach stalls. It is open all day.
How do I get there?: It runs along the southeast shore. Metro line 1 to Zhenhai Road plus a short DiDi, or a bike from the old town, reaches the start near Hulishan Fortress.
Can I cycle the whole loop?: You can ride a good stretch of the coastal path, flat and car-free in parts. Shared bikes are easy; return them inside the city zone when you finish.
What is the 'Wind Roar Stone'?: It is a coastal rock formation on the route known for the sound of wind and waves. It is a popular photo stop with the sea behind it.
Is it good for families?: Yes. The flat path and beaches suit strollers and kids. Go early or late to avoid the midday sun, and watch the tide at the beach edges.

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.