Shapowei Typhoon Shelter

Shapowei Typhoon Shelter

The history of Shapowei Typhoon Shelter dates back to before the Ming Dynasty. In the early days, Xiamen Port was a crescent-shaped bay, and this area featured a moon-like bay with stretches of golden sand, hence earning the beautiful name “Jade Sand Slope.” Historically, it was divided into two sections: “Shapotou” and “Shapowei,” with the dividing line being a stream that converged from Bishan Rock, with its estuary located precisely at the current entrance of Shapowei Typhoon Shelter.

Xiamen Port was once a famously renowned harbor in history, and the coastal area of the port was called “Shapowei.” Coastal fishing boats would “go out at dawn and return at dusk, fishing north and south of Dadeng, and return in a line when the wind picked up,” making it a natural shelter from storms. This area was once the most bustling district in Xiamen, with its peak period seeing a population of around 10,000–20,000 people and nearly 4,000 fishing boats. The aroma of seafood wafting through the streets and alleys remains a childhood memory for many native Xiamen residents.

The typhoon shelter is the landmark of Shapowei. You can see it by entering any alleyway between No. 2 and No. 150 on University Road. The typhoon shelter still serves its original function today. Not only can you see a variety of Southern Fujian fishing boats, but if you’re lucky, you might also spot egrets skimming over the water — a sight photography enthusiasts definitely shouldn’t miss.

Address: Shapowei, Siming District, Xiamen

Type: Harbor/Bay

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

No admission fee.

Transportation

Take bus routes 86 or 112 (peak hour) and get off at Freezing Plant Station, then walk about 220 meters to reach the destination.