Written by Natalia |
Do you want to enjoy a leisurely tour in China? Xiamen will not let you down. Located in the southeast coastal region in China, Xiamen is an important coastal city in Fujian Province. It is composed of the main island, Gulangyu Island and several small islands. In this city, you can enjoy a quiet time on Gulangyu Island to heal yourself, travel along the Huandao Road to immerse in the seaside scenery, or feel the strong artistic atmosphere in Xiamen University and Shapowei. Of course, the characteristic local food will offer you a feast. Are these experiences attractive to you? Follow this article to see how to plan a trip to Xiamen.
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- Best Time to Visit Xiamen
- How to Get to Xiamen?
- How to Get Around Xiamen?
- Where to Stay in Xiamen?
- Top Attractions in Xiamen
- What to Pack for Xiamen?
- What to Eat in Xiamen?
- What Souvenirs to Buy in Xiamen?
- Xiamen Nightlife
- How Many Days to Plan for a Xiamen Trip: Recommended Xiamen Itinerary
- Popular Day Trips from Xiamen
- Travel Tips for Visiting Xiamen
- FAQs on Planning a Trip to Xiamen
- Plan a Trip to Xiamen with China Xian Tour
Best Time to Visit Xiamen
Belonging to the subtropical Marine monsoon climate, the overall climate feature of Xiamen is warm and humid all year round. So the plants remain green in four seasons. Spring and autumn are the best timeĀ for sightseeing with pleasant weather and charming scenery. Refer to the table below for the detailed information, which will be helpful for your Xiamen tourĀ plan.
Seasons |
Months |
Weather / Temperature |
Tourist Highlights and Tips |
Spring (Best Season) |
March ā May |
Weather: Warm and humid, with increasing rainfall and occasional spring showers.
Temperature: 15Ā°C ā 25Ā°C, very comfortable. |
lĀ Pleasant climate, ideal for all outdoor activities (cycling, hiking).
lĀ Everything comes to life, the city is lush with greenery, flowers are blooming, great for photography. lĀ Avoid peak tourist crowds during the summer months. |
Summer (Peak Season) |
June ā September |
Weather: Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain and typhoons (especially from July to September).
Temperature: 26Ā°C ā 35Ā°C, feels stuffy. |
lĀ Great for swimming and water activities, as itās the peak season for beach activities.
lĀ A lively, energetic summer atmosphere. Tips: lĀ Be sure to protect yourself from the sun and heat, carry rain gear. lĀ Typhoons may affect flights and travel plans, so check weather forecasts in advance. lĀ This is the peak tourist season, so prices may increase. |
Autumn (Best Season) |
October ā November |
Weather: Clear and breezy, with little rain and lower humidity.
Temperature: 20Ā°C ā 28Ā°C, cool and comfortable. |
lĀ The best season of the year, with stable weather and clear skies.
lĀ Perfect for photography, cycling along scenic routes, and exploring outdoor attractions. lĀ Enjoy fresh and delicious autumn seafood. |
Winter (Off-Peak Season) |
December ā February |
Weather: Relatively dry, colder weather, with strong sea winds.
Temperature: 10Ā°C ā 18Ā°C, occasional cold fronts that can drop to around 5Ā°C. |
lĀ Fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful experience.
lĀ Lower airfare and accommodation prices. lĀ A great time for āescaping the coldā and enjoying a peaceful winter. Tips: lĀ Not ideal for swimming, as the perceived temperature may be lower than the actual temperature. lĀ Bring warm clothing to prepare for cold fronts. |
Tips on When to Visit
- All the public holidays in Chinaare absolutely peak periods, when the tickets are hard to book and the hotel prices may be doubled. Your travel experience will also be affected greatly. So avoid these days.
- Though not the same crowded as public holidays, summer vacations and weekends are also filled with tourists. In general, weekdays are a better time.
Related reading: Fujian Weather in Different Seasons
How to Get to Xiamen?
The first question of how to plan a Xiamen tour is definitely the transportation. Xiamen is located in Fujian Province, in the southeast coastal region in China. As a tourism city, it offers many transportation means for travelers to choose.
By Flight
Xiamen Gaoqi International AirportĀ is the main airport in Xiamen, and it is on the north of the main island. Tourists from major domestic and foreign cities can arrive here by flight directly. For the convenience of passengers, the airport express and metro line 1 have opened up to transport them to the downtown area. The duration is about one hour. Besides, the new airport Xiangan International Airport is in construction now.
By Train
Xiamen Train Station and North Train Station mainly operate normal trains and high-speed trains, respectively. Through the Fuzhou-Xiamen Railway, Xiamen-Shenzhen Railway and other lines, Xiamen is easily connected to the national high-speed railway network. Metro lines 3 and 1 connect the two stations with the city center, respectively.
By Car
The car is suitable for tourists who prefer an independent travel. The rental fee usually varies from CNY 200 – 800 per day according to the car type. A journey from Fuzhou and Quanzhou takes about 3 hours and 1.5 hours, separately.
By Bus
Taking a long-distance bus is a nice choice if you travel from nearby citiesĀ inside the province. Inside Xiamen, there are several bus stations and most arrive at Fanghu Bus Central Station. Every day, dense buses shuttle between Xiamen and Fuzhou and Quanzhou.
Related reading: Fujian Transportation: How to Get to and Travel Around
How to Get Around Xiamen?
After knowing about the transportation to Xiamen, the next problem of how to plan a Xiamen tripĀ will be how to travel around. Besides the common metro, bus and taxi, biking and city walk have become more and more popular in recent years. And there is a special experience, ferry, which is the main transportation means to Gulangyu Island. Continue reading to find suitable ways for the Xiamen trip.
Metro
Metro is undoubtedly the first and major way to travel between the different districts inside the city. There are 3 metro lines now, which basically cover the main land and the main area outside the island. Metro line 1 also has one section running above the water, just like the scene in the animation Spirited Away. The ticket price ranges from CNY 2 – 8.
Bus
The bus network is much denser than the metro, especially along the roads around the island. Just by taking the bus, you can appreciate the sea scenery outside the window. It is a perfect complement to the subway. Tourists can reach almost every corner of the city by bus. The bus takes only about CNY 1 – 2. But some bus routes only have Chinese broadcasts and signs.
A special bus system in Xiamen is the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system.Ā As this type of bus runs on dedicated elevated roads (exclusive busways), it effectively bypasses traffic congestion, offering a faster and more reliable travel option than normal public buses. Currently, there are BRT routes from the airport or Xiamen North Railway Station to the city center available.
Biking
In Xiamen, it is an enjoyment to cycle around the island. The gentle breeze and the beautiful scenery will make you feel relaxed. The most recommended is to ride slowly along the Huandao Road, passing by Baicheng Beach, Zeng Cuo An and Huangcuo Beach. You can stop to visit the scenic spot that attracts you at any time. It is easy to find the shared bikes in the city. The three main brands are Meituan Bike, Hello Bike and Qingju Bike. How to rent it? Just scan the QR code on the bike with your Wechat or Alipay. The cost is about CNY 1.5 – 1.8 for the first 15 minutes.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxi and online hailing are more flexible and convenient. Didi, an online hailing app, is commonly used in Xiamen. The flag-fall price is usually CNY 10. But in peak season, there may be traffic jams around the scenic areas.
City Walk
In some core areas in Xiamen, it is very suitable to explore its details by walking and immerse in the charm. Especially in Gulangyu Island, the motor vehicles are prohibited, so strolling along leisurely to explore the international architecture complex is very popular. Besides, in Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street and Shapowei Art District, city walk is the best way to discover the interesting stores and feel their charm. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes.
Ferry to Gulangyu Island
Taking a ferry to Gulangyu IslandĀ is the must-try experience during Xiamen travel.Ā The most important thing is to book the ticket on the official website or mini-program in advance. During holiday days, it is almost impossible to buy the ticket on site. Usually, the ferry departs at Xiagu Ferry Terminal and arrives at Sanqiutian or Neicuoan terminal. The cost for a round-trip ticket is about CNY 30 – 35 and a single trip takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
Suggested tour
Where to Stay in Xiamen?
Besides transportation, another major problem for how to plan an Xiamen tripĀ is the accommodation.
For first timers, the area nearĀ Zhongshan Road and the ferry terminalĀ is the most convenient, because it is the most prosperous area in Xiamen. Under your hotel building is the shopping district, metro and various restaurants. And you can go to Gulangyu Island easily.
Recommended hotels:
- Swiss Grand Xiamen
- Location: No. 12, Lujiang Road, Siming District
- Feature: gym, indoor swimming pool and an executive lounge with a view of the sea, 5 minutesāwalking to the ferry terminal and metro station.
- Price: CNY 750 +
- Xiamen Lujiang Hotel
- Location: No. 54, Lujiang Road, Siming District
- Feature: on the top floor is an afternoon restaurant, where you can enjoy a 270-degree panoramic view of Gulangyu Island and the night view of the river, next to the ferry terminal.
- Price: CNY 400 +
For families, couples and tourists seeking for beautiful seaside scenery,Ā the coastal area along the Huandao RoadĀ will offer you the best experience. Most hotels face the sea directly and boast a beautiful environment. Some also have their own private beach. You can cycle along the coastal line and enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Recommended hotels:
- Xiamen International Conference Center Hotel
- Location: No. 1697, Huandao East Road, Siming District
- Feature: All the rooms are equipped with a sea-viewing balcony, and inside the hotel, there are also several sea-viewing terraces. It faces the Greater and Lesser Kinmen Islands across the sea.
- Price: CNY 500 +
- Seaview Resort Xiamen
- Location: No. 3999, Huandao South Road, Siming District
- Feature: Its design integrates the seaside charm with the worldās first-class garden landscapes with luxury facilities. It is backed by mountains and faces the sea.
- Price: CNY 800 +
The youth and tourists who like an artistic atmosphere will like the hotels nearĀ Xiamen University and Shapowei Art District. The Xiamen University itself is a scenic spot famous for its beautiful scenery. Shapowei is the gathering place for creative stores.
Recommended hotel:
- Conrad Xiamen
- Location: No. 186, Yanwu West Road, Siming District, on Tower B of Shimao Strait Tower, the city landmark
- Feature: A high-end international hotel with luxurious facilities and considerate service. Some rooms offer a bird-eye view of Gulangyu Island.
- Price: CNY 800 +
Suggested tour
Top Attractions in Xiamen
Attractions in XiamenĀ are of greatest concern during the planning of a Xiamen trip. Below are the most popular ones recommended for you.
Gulangyu Island
- Location: No. 35-6, Huangyan Road, Siming District, faces Xiamen Island across the Lujiang River
- How to Get There:Take a ferry at Xiagu Ferry Terminal, which costs about CNY 30 – 35
- Ticket Price:CNY 90 for a ticket package of Sunlight Rock (CNY 50), Shuzhuang Garden (CNY 30), Bright Moon Garden (CNY 10) and International Engraving Art Museum (CNY 5)
After boarding the Gulangyu Island, you will find that it is an open-air museum of international architecture. Though it is only a small island, it has been an important window of Eastern and Western cultural exchanges since the mid-19thĀ century. Thirteen countries have set up consulates on the island. And in the early 20thĀ century, a large number of overseas Chinese returned to Xiamen and built over 1,000 villas and residences here that blend Chinese and Western architectural styles. Shuzhuang Garden is the representative. From that time, it has been an international community and is reputed as āthe garden on the seaā. When strolling around, you may also hear the melodious sound of a piano from the windows of an old villa, or encounter an impromptu performer on the street. And do not forget to climb Sunlight Rock to overlook the whole island.
Nanputuo Temple
- Location: No. 515, Siming South Road, Siming District
- How to Get There: Take bus line 1, 32, 45, 47, 100, B1, B9, B91 or M1 to the Xiamen University Stop
- Ticket Price: free
Nanputuo TempleĀ is a thousand-year-old ancient Buddhist temple. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful time to experience the Buddhist culture and appreciate the beauty of Southern Fujian’s traditional architecture. The buildings are built against the mountains layer by layer and face the sea. It is recommended to travel along the central axis: Hall of Heavenly Kings – the Great Buddha’s Hall – Great Compassion Hall – Depositary of Buddhist Texts – Inscriptions on Cliffs. The vegetarian foods in the temple are delicate and worth tasting. You can also buy several boxes of vegetarian cakes as gifts, which is a very famous local speciality.
Suggested tour
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
- Location: No. 56, Zhongshan Road, Siming District
- How to Get There: Take metro line 1 to Zhenhai Rd Station 3A and walk about 10 minutes to the street.
- Ticket Price: free
Built in 1925, Zhongshan Road is not an ordinary shopping street, it is renowned as “a living fossil of Xiamen’s business”, because it has witnessed the history of Xiamen from a small fishing port to a modern city. The arcade buildings on both sides are the highlights of this street. At night, all the lights are on, forming a dazzling night view. It is suitable to take some memorable photos. Besides, you can find the most authentic local snacks here, such as satay noodles and oyster omelette. Try to explore the small alleys to experience the local life and seek for characteristic small shops. Sometimes, there are also unique cultural activities, such as the puppet show.
Xiamen Botanical Garden
- Location: No. 25, Huyuan Road, Siming District
- How to Get There: Take metro line 1 to Zhongshan Park Station exit 4 and walk about 8 minutes to the entrance.
- Ticket Price: CNY 30 for an entrance ticket and CNY 10 for the sightseeing bus
Xiamen Botanical GardenĀ is a very large green fairyland and is one of the best places to feel the natural beauty of the city. The succulent plant area and rainforest world are the essence of the park. The succulent plant area is like a miniature Moroccan desert, where plants thousands of various giant cacti and large succulents. Compared with the plant, tourists seem to be extremely small. In the rainforest world, the spraying system is opened. Sunlight filters through the leaves and forms beautiful beams of light in the water mist, just like a fairyland.
Huandao RoadĀ
- How to Get There: Take bus line 29 to travel around the major scenic spots along the road.
- Ticket Price: free
Huandao Road is a coastal scenic road on the southeast of the main island. It is 43 km long. Integrating sea, beaches, green areas and urban landscapes, it is hailed as the golden coastal line. And travelling along the road has been one of the top things to do in Xiamen. The unmissable attractions are Baicheng Beach, Zeng Cuo An, Huangcuo Beach, Music Square and Coconut Village. Each of them offers a different experience. The best way to go sightseeing is by cycling and the city bus line 29.
Bell and Drum Cableway
- Location: No. 25-110, Huyuan Road, Siming District
- How to Get There: Take metro line 1 to Zhongshan Park Station exit 4 and walk about 12minutes to the entrance.
- Ticket Price: CNY 80
The Bell and Drum Cableway (Zhonggu Cableway) is actually inside the Xiamen Botanical Garden. You will feel like walking in the air during this 20-minute journey, and the city landscapes unfold beneath your feet like a scroll. As the cable car gradually ascends, you will see the garden on one side and the Shimao Twin Towers and Gulangyu Island on the other side. If taking it after 16:00, there is also a chance to see the romantic scene of golden sunlight bathing the sea surface and the magnificent sunset.
What to Pack for Xiamen?
Though the climate does not vary too much throughout the year, the packing list for each season has some differences.
- Spring: light long sleeves, thin overcoat, umbrellas and low-spf sunscreens
- Summer: strong sunscreen (SPF50+), sun hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, quick-drying clothes, rain gear
- Autumn: long-sleeved T-shirts, thin overcoat, sunhat
- Winter: sweater, down coat, warm jacket, scarf
- Other common necessary items: passport and visa, comfortable shoes, and a power bank
What to Eat in Xiamen?
WhenĀ planning a trip to Xiamen, you must want to know if there are unique local foods that are must-try. Below are favored by both locals and tourists.
- Peanut Soup: A hot soup that tastes sweet and mellow. After boiling, the peanut is melted in the mouth and the soup color is milky white. It is usually paired with fried dough sticks or jujubes and served as breakfast or night snack.
- Oyster Omelet: A pancake made by frying fresh small oysters with eggs, with crispy edges and tender inside. The oysters taste fresh and juicy. When eating, dipping it into the local sweet and spicy sauce will offer a more abundant flavor.
- Shacha Noodles: The most representative noodles in Xiamen. It’s featured taste sources from the thick soup made with satay sauce. It is slightly spicy, salty and fragrant, with the aroma of peanuts and shrimp.
- Kway Chap: A bowl of white rice with braised minced pork meat. The pork has both fat and lean meat, and is stewed to be extremely tender and flavorful. When mixed with rice, it is very appetizing.
- Xiamen Fish Balls: Meatballs made from fish meat with large pieces of meat inside. The outer layer is chewy and bouncy, and the fish meat is fresh and delicious. When bitten open, the meat filling inside will burst out with soup, which is usually boiled in the soup.
- Fried Taro Balls: A snack made by frying a mixture of taro and rice milk. It is crispy outside and fragrant inside with soft and glutinous taro.
What Souvenirs to Buy in Xiamen?
After the Xiamen city tour, you may want to buy some souvenirs for yourself or your family. Here are some suitable local products.
- Tea: Fujian is the hometown of Tieguanyin tea, which is also a characteristic Chinese souvenir.
- Handmade crafts: The lacquer thread sculpture is a traditional handicraft unique to Xiamen and is suitable as a high-end gift. It creates exquisite patterns on the objects with flexible lacquer threads and then sticks gold foil on the surface. Besides, pearl embroidery and various cultural and creative products are nice choices.
- Traditional Xiamen snacks: Guyangyu Island Pies, dried meat floss, meat jerky and dried seafood are all local specialties.
Popular Shopping Areas
To buy the above souvenirs, Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is the best place to purchase all the classic gifts at once. In Zen Cuo An and Shapowei Art District, you can find more cultural and creative products and handicrafts.
In addition, tourists are recommended to taste the seafood and experience the local life in The Eighth Market. About luxury shopping centers, SM City Square is one of the largest shopping center in Xiamen with the most brands and the Mixc Mall offer more high-end shopping options.
Xiamen Nightlife
The nightlife in Xiamen is very colorful, it is not restricted to bars and clubs. You can also experience the seaside romance in Huandao Road or Gulangyu Island to stroll or cycle leisurely. The sea breeze, the sound of waves and the splendid night scenery together form a romantic atmosphere. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of the urban city, Zhongshan Road and Zeng Cuo An will be the best places, where you can try various snacks and search for some interesting trinkets. In Shapowei Art District, feel the artistic and petty bourgeoisie atmosphere. Just spend a relaxing time in a cafe or bar, or step into a creative store or a handicraft shop at will and immerse in the youthful and trendy products.
How Many Days to Plan for a Xiamen Trip: Recommended Xiamen Itinerary
If you ask how to plan a Xiamen trip, you may get the answer: Xiamen is a city suitable for a slow travel. So 3 – 4 days is the ideal travel time. 2 days is also enough to cover the core scenic spots, but the schedule will be tight. Of course, if you have more time, consider travelling to the nearby cities or attractions you are interested in.
Recommended 3-day itinerary:
Day 1: Gulangyu Island
Day 2: Nanputuo Temple – Xiamen University – Shapowei – Baicheng Beach – Zeng Cuo An
Day 3: Xiamen Botanical Garden – Bell and Drum Cableway – Zhongshan Road
Suggested tour
Popular Day Trips from Xiamen
For tourists with enough time, it is usually recommended to spend a whole day on the Gulangsu Island so that you can enjoy a more relaxing tour and have more time to explore the island. Especially for first timers, this is undoubtedly the top choice.
If you want to extend the trip outside Xiamen, the world cultural heritage Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster is the classic destination. This architectural wonder is composed of four giant round buildings and one square building. This Tulou tourĀ is suitable for all tourists. Or plan a day trip from Xiamen to Quanzhou, the birthplace of southern Fujian culture, where boasts 22 world heritages.
Suggested tour
Travel Tips for Visiting Xiamen
- The most important of an Xiamen tour is to book the ticket for the Gulangyu Island on the official website and mini-program in advance.
- A pair of comfortable shoes will be your most useful assistant during the tour on Gulangyu Island.
- It is easy to get lost on the island due to the complex road conditions, so download a Chinese map app in advance, such as Amap and Baidu Map.
- Sun protection products, mosquito repellent and rain gear are needed no matter which season you visit.
- When ordering seafood, confirm it is sold by one serving or one kilogram.
- Cash is very useful, because it is still the preferred payment method in some stalls.
FAQs on Planning a Trip to Xiamen
How many days do I need in Xiamen?
3 – 4 days will be the most ideal time.
What is Xiamen famous for?
Xiamen is famous for the Gulangyu Island, charming coastal line, artistic atmosphere and delicious snacks.
Which city is close to Xiamen?
Quanzhou is the closest, which can be reached in about 30 minutes by high-speed train.
Do I need a visa to visit Xiamen?
Your nationality will be the decisive factor; see the latest 240-hour visa-free policyĀ for details.
Can I visit Gulangyu Island in a day?
Yes, one day is enough to cover the main attractions, but it is recommended to spend overnight if time permits.
Plan a Trip to Xiamen with China Xian Tour
Because of its mild climate and charming sea scenery, Xiamen is of great appeal to numerous tourists. So the ticket is always in short supply. And the attractions are scattered. Travelling with China Xian Tour, we will book the ticket and arrange a driver for you. Whatās more, our trip is customized for each tourist specially, so you can raise any need, we will try our best to handle it for you. Just contact us right now.
