Xiamen is a sophisticated coastal city in Fujian province, famous for its colonial-era architecture, tropical island vibes, and a relaxed pace of life. It is best visited between October and April when the weather is mild and the sea breezes are refreshing.
Top Things to Do in Xiamen
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Getting Around Xiamen
From the Airport
Metro. Line 3 of the Xiamen Metro connects the airport to the city center and the railway station, offering a fast and affordable ride. Rideshare. DiDi is the primary rideshare app used in Xiamen and is the most convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel.
Once You're There
Metro. The Xiamen Metro is clean, efficient, and serves all major tourist districts, making it the best way to navigate the city. Rideshare. DiDi is widely available and very reliable for short trips where the metro might not go, or for late-night travel. Walking. Many of the major attractions, especially on Gulangyu Island and around the central districts, are extremely walkable and best explored on foot.
Where to Stay in Xiamen
Hotel picks for Xiamen are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Xiamen
Shu You Seafood Restaurant★ 4.4 (24)1 Bai Lu Zhou Dong Lu, Si Ming Qu, Xia Men Shi, Fu Jian Sheng, China, 361000A high-end dining destination known for its massive selection of live tanks and impeccably prepared steamed fish.
Cai Tang Old House★ 4.3 (403)77 Trần Phú, Old Town, Hội An, Đà Nẵng 560000, VietnamHoused in a restored historic residence, this restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy traditional Minnan cuisine.
1980 Shacha Noodle★ 4.0 (33)353 Zhong Shan Lu, Si Ming Qu, Xia Men Shi, Fu Jian Sheng, China, 361001This local institution is the definitive place to try Xiamen's signature shacha noodles, a rich, spicy peanut-based soup.
Wu Zai Tian★ 4.0 (22)China, Fu Jian Sheng, Xia Men Shi, Si Ming Qu, Mei Hu Lu, 25号之7 邮政编码: 361004Famous for its authentic oyster omelets, this spot offers a quintessential taste of Fujianese street food culture.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Xiamen
Colonial Charm & Island Vibes
Morning. Start your trip by taking the ferry from the Xiamen Cruise Terminal to Gulangyu Island, a pedestrian-only paradise filled with colonial architecture. Spend your morning wandering the winding, car-free alleys to admire the historic villas before climbing to the top of Sunlight Rock for a panoramic view of the island and the city skyline. The humidity can be high, so arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday heat. After descending, head toward the waterfront to explore the quiet paths leading to the coast. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes, as the entire island is best explored on foot.
Afternoon. In the afternoon, make your way to Shuzhuang Garden, a stunning waterfront garden built by a wealthy merchant that blends traditional Chinese landscaping with the sea. Spend an hour or two exploring the Piano Museum located within the garden grounds, which houses a rare collection of antique instruments. Afterward, find a quiet spot near the beach to relax and watch the ferries crossing the channel. Before leaving the island, stop by a local bakery to try the famous pineapple cakes. Finally, catch the ferry back to the mainland as the sun begins to set over the harbor.
Evening. Return to the mainland and head straight to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, the heart of Xiamen's historic district. The street is illuminated by thousands of neon lights and colonial-style buildings, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. Spend time browsing the local shops and sampling street snacks like oyster omelets from the various stalls. Conclude your night with a bowl of traditional peanut soup at a nearby shop. It is the perfect way to soak in the lively energy of the city's commercial center.
Spiritual Heights & Academic Roots
Morning. Begin your day at the base of the Wulaofeng mountains to visit the historic Nanputuo Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the region. Spend time wandering through the temple complex, admiring the incense-filled halls and the serene lotus ponds. If you have the energy, hike the stone steps behind the temple up the mountain for a breathtaking view of the Xiamen University campus and the ocean. It is best to arrive early in the morning when the monks are performing their daily chants. After your descent, walk over to the nearby university gate to appreciate the beautiful architecture of the campus.
Afternoon. After a morning of culture, head to the Xiamen Botanical Garden, a massive green space that feels like a world away from the city. Focus your time on the succulent and cactus garden, which is an architectural marvel and a photographer’s dream. The garden is quite large, so consider taking the internal shuttle to save your legs for the steeper trails. Afterward, head toward the coast to walk along the Yanwu Bridge, a unique sea-level bridge that offers incredible views of the ocean and the city’s skyline. It is the perfect spot for a refreshing breeze and some iconic travel photos.
Evening. For your evening, head to the Baicheng Beach area, where locals gather to enjoy the sea air after a long day. Walk along the wooden boardwalk that connects the beach to the surrounding parklands, watching the lights of the city twinkle across the water. Find a nearby restaurant that specializes in local ginger duck to experience a true Fujianese dinner. The area is much quieter than the city center, allowing for a relaxed end to your day. Enjoy the sound of the waves before heading back to your hotel.
Coastal Cycling & Modern Xiamen
Morning. Spend your final morning cycling along Huandao Road, a scenic coastal highway that stretches for miles along the island's southern edge. You can easily rent a bicycle from one of the many kiosks located near the beach entrances. The path is flat, well-paved, and offers unobstructed views of the ocean and the distant islands. Stop at the various scenic viewpoints along the way to take photos of the rock formations and the vast blue horizon. It is a fantastic way to see the modern side of Xiamen and feel the refreshing sea air.
Afternoon. After returning your bike, head to the area surrounding the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center to see the city's modern architectural developments. Spend your afternoon at a trendy cafe in the nearby Siming district, where you can reflect on your trip over a cup of local tea. If you have time, visit a local gallery or museum in this newer part of town to see how the city is evolving. It provides a stark, interesting contrast to the historic colonial buildings you visited on your first day. Take your time enjoying the slower pace of this modern neighborhood.
Evening. For your final evening, head back toward the harbor to enjoy a farewell seafood dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water. Select your meal from the live tanks, ensuring the freshest possible experience, and toast to your trip. After dinner, take one last walk along the waterfront to watch the lights of the city and the passing ships. It is a peaceful way to end your three-day adventure in Xiamen. Reflect on your favorite moments while enjoying the cool evening breeze.