Things To Do
in Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in Fujian Province known for its pleasant island scenery and a laid-back atmosphere. It blends lush greenery with modern streets, housing campuses, historic neighborhoods, and the famous Gulangyu Island just off its shore. The city enjoys a mild subtropical climate with breezy sea air that makes outdoor exploring enjoyable most of the year.
Expect delicious seafood, tea culture, and a mix of Chinese and Fujian influences that flavor its cuisine and culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll around the Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Xiamen breakfast items such as peanut soup and fried dough sticks. As the sun rises, take in the stunning views of the sea and the bustling port activities around you.
Visit the Shuzhuang Garden, an elegant garden that blends natural landscapes with architectural beauty. Explore the various pavilions and enjoy the serene atmosphere while sipping tea at a local teahouse. Later, wander through the quiet streets of Gulangyu, where you can discover unique shops and art galleries.
As dusk approaches, take a ferry back to Xiamen and enjoy a seafood dinner at a restaurant overlooking the coastline. Savor fresh local dishes while watching the sunset over the sea. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, absorbing the vibrant night ambiance.
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Nanputuo Temple, situated at the foot of Wulao Mountain. Participate in a morning prayer session and explore the intricately decorated halls and pavilions of the temple complex. Don't forget to take in the beautiful surrounding scenery of lush mountains and coastal views.
After exploring the temple, hike up Wulao Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Xiamen and the ocean. The hike is invigorating, with well-maintained paths leading you through lush vegetation. Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the scenic spots along the trail before descending.
Return to the city and indulge in a local culinary experience at a night market. Sample various street foods, from dumplings to grilled seafood, while mingling with locals. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with laughter and the sizzling sounds of cooking, will make for an unforgettable evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧥Mid-range dinner for two | $25-40 |
| 🚌Public transit ticket | $0.5-2 per ride |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $6-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and easy island access
- Excellent seafood and Fujian flavors
- Friendly locals and safe travel environment
- Strong tea culture and relaxing pace
- Summer humidity and typhoon risk
- Language barrier in non-tourist areas
- Crowded peak season on popular spots
- Traffic can be heavy during rush hours
- "Nǐ hǎo" - Hello
- "Xièxiè" - Thank you
- "Wǒ yào zhǎo chē" - I want to find a taxi
- "Yǒu méiyǒu wèishēng jiān?" - Is there a restroom?
Places to Visit in Xiamen
Visit one of these nice places.
Winding lanes and pastel-colored mansions with a backdrop of the Pacific provide classic photo moments.
Iconic gate, palm trees, and sea views make for striking campus photography.
Temple grounds with sea views and dramatic rock formations near the coast.
Colorful street art and creative studios set in a lively neighborhood.
Ancient fortress and ocean views offering dramatic historic photography.
Food in Xiamen
Xiamen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flavorful noodle dish cooked with a spicy, peanut-based sauce and a choice of seafood or meat.
Must-Try!
A savory pancake made with oysters and eggs, often served with a tangy sauce.
Seasonal seafood stews and simply grilled fish highlight the day’s catch.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant street stalls offering seafood skewers, fried dim sum, and Fujian snacks.
Car-free lanes on the island feature small bites, sweet soups, and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Maintain orderly lines and avoid loud conversations in temples or residential areas.
Be respectful in temples; dress modestly, remove hats, and avoid touching statues.
Wait for others to begin eating and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.
Small tokens are appreciated when visiting friends; decline or accept politely if offered a seat or food.
Safety
Tipping in Xiamen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Chinese restaurants; some international hotels may accept tips for exceptional service.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used; carry cash for smaller vendors and rural trips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days and blooming flowers; carry a light jacket for mornings and evenings.
Humidity and heat; frequent showers and typhoon possibilities; stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
Milder temperatures and clearer skies; great for outdoor walking and island trips.
Milder than many inland cities; occasional cool mornings; layers help.
Xiamen at Night
Hiking in Xiamen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle coastal paths around the island with ocean views.
A forested area near the city with moderate elevation and viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Xiamen by plane.
Main international airport serving Xiamen; convenient taxi or metro options connect to the city.
A regional airport about an hour away by high-speed rail or road; useful for connections to Fujian’s western towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Xiamen and Fujian, with strong local dialect and culture.
Local roots, language, and culinary traditions influence daily life and dining.
A sizable student population due to universities and research institutions; some international residents live in the city center.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime across schools and communities; many parks offer tables for public use.
Common in city courts and youth programs; easy to join a pickup game.
Often seen in parks and waterfront promenades.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xiamen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetarian options available in Buddhist temples and dedicated eateries. Look for 清淡/素食 dishes and ask for 无葱姜蒜 to avoid onion/garlic if necessary.