Xiamen Travel Guide

The "Garden on the Sea"of Southeast China

Xiamen is a modern coastal city on China's southeast coast, loved for its island scenery, rich cultural heritage, relaxed lifestyle, and artistic vibe. As one of China's earliest Special Economic Zones, it is also known as a highly livable city and an excellent gateway for international travelers to explore China's maritime culture, overseas Chinese history, and Minnan traditions.

Essential Travel Information

Location: Southeastern Fujian Province, along the west coast of the Taiwan Strait

Climate: Subtropical maritime  climate

• Mild winters, warm and humid summers

• Pleasant to visit most of the year

City Atmosphere: Relaxed, creative, open-minded, and easygoing

Language: Mandarin is widely spoken; Minnan (Hokkien) is the local dialect

Top Reasons to Visit Xiamen

Gulangyu Island – Piano Island & Historic Architecture

A car-free island famous for its piano culture and beautifully preserved buildings in European and Asian styles, showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Western influences.

Xiamen University – One of China's Most Beautiful Campuses

Set between mountains and the sea, the campus features scenic Furong Lake and the colorful Furong Tunnel, a favorite photo stop for travelers.

Living Minnan Culture

Experience authentic local life through Nanputuo Temple, traditional neighborhoods, and bustling local markets such as the Eight Markets (Bashi).

Overseas Chinese Heritage & Tea Culture

With deep connections to Southeast Asia, Xiamen blends Chinese and Nanyang influences. Gongfu tea culture is part of daily life, easily found in teahouses and local streets.

Top Attractions in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Accessible by ferry only. Explore Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and Bagua Building (Organ Museum). Wander through quiet lanes lined with historic international architecture and enjoy the sound of piano music drifting from local homes.

Xiamen University & Surroundings

After visiting one of China's most beautiful campuses, walk to Nanputuo Temple, a famous and active Buddhist temple. Continue to Hulishan Fortress for panoramic ocean views and historic coastal cannons.

Island Ring Road (Huandao Road)

A scenic coastal road ideal for cycling or seaside walks. Pass by Baicheng Beach, Zengcuo'an (a former fishing village turned creative food and arts hub), and Huangcuo Beach.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

A lively shopping street featuring traditional Nanyang-style arcades, local snacks, souvenirs, and a glimpse of old Xiamen's charm.

Xiamen Botanical Garden (Wanshi Botanical Garden)

Home to impressive cactus zones and a tropical rainforest area, perfect for photography and nature lovers.

Easy Side Trips (1–2 Days)

Quanzhou (≈30 min by high-speed train)

Once the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Must-see sights include Kaiyuan Temple, Qingjing Mosque (China's oldest mosque), and West Street.

Zhangzhou (≈20 min by high-speed train)

Famous for Fujian Tulou (earthen buildings) such as Nanjing Tianluokeng and Yunshuiyao, offering a deep look into Hakka culture.

Fuzhou (≈1.5 hours by high-speed train)

Fujian's capital city, known for the historic Three Lanes and Seven Alleys district and rich cultural heritage.

Must-Try Local Food

Street Food & Noodles

• Shacha Noodles – savory noodles in a rich peanut-based broth

• Oyster Omelet

• Tǔsǔn Jelly – a local specialty with a unique texture

• Peanut Soup

• Sticky Rice Dumplings with Pork (Shaorou Zongzi)     
       

Seafood Experience

Visit Bashi Seafood Market to choose fresh seafood and have nearby restaurants cook it for you -  a favorite local dining experience.

Tea & Snacks

Enjoy Gongfu Tea in local teahouses, paired with traditional pastries such as Gulangyu pies and water chestnut cakes.

Arrival & Departure

By Air

• Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is the city's main gateway.

• International & regional direct flights connect Xiamen with major Asian cities, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taipei, as well as select long-haul routes such as Amsterdam and Sydney.
  
  

By Train

• Xiamen Railway Station (downtown) and Xiamen North Railway Station (outside the island, serving many high-speed trains) connect Xiamen to China's extensive high-speed rail network.

• Easy rail access to Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, and other major cities.
  
  

By Sea

• Ferry services operate between Xiamen and Kinmen (Quemoy).

Best Time to Visit

• Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (October–November)
       Pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures (15–25°C), ideal for sightseeing and island activities.

• Good alternative: Winter (December–February)
       Mild and comfortable, perfect for escaping colder climates, though the sea is cooler.

• Best to avoid: Summer (June–September)
       Especially July–August, which can be hot and humid with occasional  typhoons and heavy rain. This is also peak tourist season.

Recommended Itineraries

Classic 3-Day Xiamen Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Xiamen. Visit Xiamen University and Nanputuo Temple, then enjoy an evening stroll along Huandao Road and dinner in Zengcuo'an.

Day 2: Full day exploring Gulangyu Island (advance ferry booking recommended). Return to the main island in the evening and explore Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.

Day 3: Morning visit to Xiamen Botanical Garden, then head to Jimei School Village (Tan Kah Kee Memorial sites and Aoyuan Garden) to experience Minnan architecture and overseas Chinese heritage. Depart Xiamen or continue onward.

5-Day In-Depth Minnan Culture Tour

Days 1–3: Follow the classic Xiamen itinerary above.

Day 4: Take a high-speed train to Quanzhou. Visit Kaiyuan Temple and West Street, experiencing the city's unique blend of everyday life and ancient spirituality.

Day 5: Travel to Nanjing County, Zhangzhou to explore the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (the famous"Four Dishes and One Soup"), then return in the afternoon.

How to Plan Your Xiamen Trip

Xiamen's appeal lies in its variety of experiences. You can easily design an itinerary that matches your travel style and interests:

Create a Customized Itinerary
Whether you prefer a classic 3-day highlights tour or a 5-day in-depth Minnan culture journey, your route can be flexibly tailored  to your schedule and interests.
History lovers may spend more time on Gulangyu Island, while nature enthusiasts can add extra time for cycling along Huandao Road or exploring the Botanical Garden.

Stress-Free Choice: Full-Day Guided Tour
For a smooth, insightful, and language-free experience, hiring a professional local guide is an excellent option. English-speaking (and other language) guides can be arranged.
A guide brings sites to life by explaining the stories behind them - such as the Buddhist heritage of Nanputuo Temple or the architectural  wisdom of Tulou dwellings - while also assisting with transportation, tickets, and dining, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the journey. View choices on Xiamen Tours – trip of a multi-cultural coastal city

Flexible & Comfortable Option: Private Car with Driver
If you prefer to travel at your own pace but still want comfort and convenience, a private car with a professional driver (such as a comfortable business van) is ideal.
You can adjust your schedule on the go, spend more time at places you enjoy, and avoid the hassle of public transport and parking. This option strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and comfort and is often      more cost-effective than a full guided tour.