Xiamen is one of China’s most relaxed and walkable cities — a breezy coastal escape known for its colonial island, fresh seafood, and palm-lined promenades.
Where to stay
Base yourself near Zhongshan Road or on Gulangyu Island itself for the best atmosphere. Compare Xiamen hotels on Booking.com or Agoda.
Getting there
Xiamen has its own international airport and is on the high-speed rail network. Book trains and flights on Trip.com.
Day 1 — Gulangyu Island
- Take the ferry to Gulangyu, a car-free island of colonial villas and gardens (book ferry tickets in advance)
- Wander the lanes, visit Shuzhuang Garden and Sunlight Rock for views
- Seafood dinner back on the waterfront
Day 2 — Temples & old town
- Nanputuo Temple, a beautiful seaside Buddhist temple
- Stroll the Xiamen University campus next door (one of China’s prettiest)
- Shopping and snacks along Zhongshan Road
Day 3 — Coast & culture
- Cycle or walk the scenic Island Ring Road boardwalk
- Day trip to the Hakka tulou (UNESCO round earth houses) in nearby Fujian
- Browse guided tours on Viator or Klook
Where to eat
Xiamen’s Minnan (Hokkien) food is all about fresh seafood and moreish street snacks:
Oyster omelette (海蛎煎) at a stall in Xiamen — a classic Minnan street snack.
- Huang Ze He (黄则和) — a Zhongshan Road institution for peanut soup (花生汤) and local snacks.
- Wu Zai Tian (吴再添) — old-school Minnan snacks (oyster omelette, satay noodles).
- Sha cha mian (沙茶面) — Xiamen’s signature satay noodle soup; Wutang (乌糖沙茶面) is a famous spot.
- Bashi Market (第八市场) — the old wet market; pick your seafood and have a stall cook it.
Come hungry and graze. For more, see the street food guide.
Short on time? An 8–10 hour layover plan
Xiamen is one of the best layover cities in China — the airport is unusually close to town, so even a short visa-free transit goes a long way.
- Airport ↔ city: only about 20–30 minutes each way by metro/BRT or Didi.
- Buffer: immigration still takes about an hour, but since the airport is only 20–30 minutes out you can cut it finer — being back 2.5–3 hours before an international flight is plenty.
- That leaves ~5–6 hours — more than most cities. Suggested loop: ferry to Gulangyu Island (allow 3–4 hrs with the crossing) → a quick seafront stroll or Zhongshan Road snacks, then head back. Book the Gulangyu ferry ahead in peak season.
Quick tips
- Sort your eSIM and mobile payments before arrival — you’ll buy the Gulangyu ferry and seafood by QR
- Gulangyu ferries and tulou trips are best pre-booked in peak season
- Xiamen is compact and walkable — comfortable shoes help
