Xiamen, situated on the southeast coast of Fujian province, China, is a historically significant coastal city with a strategic geographic location. It has served as a vital port for trade and cultural exchange, contributing to its rich historical heritage.
Today, Xiamen has emerged as an important tourist destination, offering a diverse range of attractions for travelers. The famous Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, is renowned for its charming colonial architecture and traveler-friendly, car-free streets and pleasant weather. Visitors can also enjoy the pristine Xiamen Beaches along the coastline, including those in Xiamen downtown and Gulangyu Island. You can also visit Xiamen's attractions, including South Putuo Temple, Baichen Beach, Jimei School Village, and Zhongshan Road, to experience Xiamen local lifestyle and explore the rich cultural heritage that Xiamen has to offer for tourists.
Despite its remarkable offerings, Xiamen remains an underrated gem in the tourism landscape. Xiamen's modern development and urban vibe add a vibrant touch to its historical and natural attractions, making Xiamen a tourist city with a unique blend of nostalgia and a metropolitan feel. For travelers seeking an authentic local and fusion tour experience, Xiamen is a must-visit destination.
Check out this Ultimate Xiamen Travel Guide for the latest travel information, including top attractions, activities, best time to visit, How to get to Gulangyu tips, weather, Xiamen Hotels and recommended itineraries for optimal planning.
Planning to travel to Xiamen? It's important to be well-prepared before your Fujian trip. Our curated articles provide detailed insights into Xiamen travel essentials, including transportation, the best times to visit Xiamen, must-see attractions in Xiamen, and recommended activities. We hope this comprehensive travel guide will help you have a smooth journey in Xiamen, whether you're exploring Xiamen’s rich history, savoring Minan or Hakka cuisine, or immersing yourself in the diverse culture of Fujian. Within a three-hour drive from Xiamen, you can discover numerous other attractions in Fujian that are so different from the one you would see in Xiamen city, such as the Hakka Tulou, ancestral homes of the famous female hero Mulan, and Wuyi Mountain, home to the oldest and most renowned tea trees.
Whether you're planning a trip to Xiamen or exploring Fujian Province in general, knowing the exact locations of these attractions can help you visualize a more vivid Xiamen/Fujian travel route. With this highlighted Xiamen map, you can prioritize your visit to renowned landmarks and navigate through Xiamen city and Fujian province seamlessly. The map includes Xiamen's famous sites like the UNESCO Heritage site Gulangyu Island, Jimei School Village, the vibrant Eighth Seafood Market, and even the Hakka Tulou, the ancestral home of the legendary Mulan, a celebrated symbol of female valor. Let this Xiamen attraction map guide you on a marvelous journey through Xiamen and Fujian!
Xiamen, the most underrated tourist attraction, in here, you can experience a wealth of activities in Xiamen! Explore the enchanting architecture of Gulangyu Island and savor delectable vegetarian cuisine near Nanputuo Temple. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Xiamen local atmosphere as you wander along Zhongshan Road and delve into the bustling 8th Seafood Market. Extend your adventure to Nanjing from Xiamen, where you'll discover the fascinating Hakka Tulou — traditional circular buildings steeped in heritage. And for tea lovers, a visit to Wuyishan is a must, where the secrets of black tea's origins await. Xiamen promises a world of captivating experiences that will leave you with cherished memories. Here are some of the best things to do in Xiamen:
As a seasoned travel agency in Xiamen, Fujian, we have curated diverse tour packages catering to different interests, ensuring every traveler experiences the city's splendor and beauty of nature. Our offerings span from Xiamen City tour to Cultural Tours exploring the Hakka Tulou for history enthusiasts and Wuyi Mountain Tour for hikers and tea lovers. With our customized Xiamen, Fujian tour packages, you're set for an unforgettable exploration of this scenic Xiamen city and Fujian Province in general.
1. What is Xiamen famous for?+
Cultural Melting Pot Xiamen's history as a trading port has led to a mix of different cultural influences, including European architecture on Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cultural diversity is evident in the city's art, architecture, and cuisine.
Scenic Coastlines and Natural Beauty The city offers beautiful beaches and scenic coastlines. The island geography of Xiamen itself, with its pleasant climate, makes it a relaxing getaway from the bustle of mainland China.
Rich Historical Heritage From the ancient Nanputuo Temple to the historic Hulishan Fortress, Xiamen has a wealth of historical sites that tell the story of China's maritime history and cultural development.
Lively Urban Atmosphere Despite its historical charm, Xiamen is also a modern, vibrant city. Zhongshan Road, for example, is a bustling pedestrian street with shops, street food, and a lively atmosphere.
Culinary Delights The city is famous for its delicious Fujian cuisine, which is one of the eight great traditions of Chinese cuisine. It's particularly well-known for its seafood dishes and various snacks.
Gateway to Fujian Province Xiamen can be a starting point for exploring the wider Fujian province, discovering the amazing world cultural heritage site of Fujian Tulou, the majestic landscapes of Mt.Wuyishan (world natural and cultural heritage site), the historic city of Quanzhou (world cultural heritage site), or the mesmerizing beauty of Xiapu (photographer's heaven).
2. What are the must-visit attractions in Xiamen?+
Gulangyu Island, the Hakka Tulou, Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, Zhongshan Road, Eighth Seafood Market, Huandao Road, Jimei Village.
3. When is the best time to visit Xiamen?+
The most favorable periods to visit Xiamen are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These seasons boast mild and delightful weather, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F). The skies tend to be clear and sunny, and rainfall is minimal.
Do note Winter is also recommended for tourists. There would be a detailed breakdown later in this article. Read on to find out if winter is the right time for you to visit Xiamen.
4. How do I get to Gulangyu Island from Xiamen?+
You can take a ferry from Xiamen to Gulangyu Island. The ferry ride is a short and scenic journey.
5. What is the typical duration of a Xiamen tour?+
A typical Xiamen tour can range from 2 to 5 days, allowing you to explore the city's main attractions and nearby destinations like Fujian Tulou or Mt.Wuyishan.
6. What is the local cuisine in Xiamen, and where can I try it?+
Xiamen is famous for its seafood and local snacks such as Shacha Noodle (沙茶面), Oyster Omelet (海蛎煎), and Peanut Sweet Soup (花生汤). You can try them at local markets, street food stalls, and restaurants near Zhongshan Road and the Eighth Seafood Market.
7. Where to stay in Xiamen?+
You have options like the downtown area of Siming District, offering the most diverse hotel choices in Xiamen, or stay overnight at Gulangyu Island for a different vibe.
8. What to do on Gulangyu Island?+
Explore the Architecture: Wander around and admire the unique mix of architectural styles from around the world. The island has been designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, known as World Architecture Exhibition.
Shuzhuang Garden: Visit the beautifully landscaped Shuzhuang Garden, initially a private villa, but now open to the public.
Sunlight Rock: Climb to the highest point on the island, Sunlight Rock, for panoramic views of Xiamen and the South China Sea.
Piano Museum: Check out the Piano Museum in the Shuzhuang Garden, which showcases a collection of antique pianos from around the world. Gulangyu is known as the "Island of Music".
Beaches: Relax on one of the island’s small beaches. Although they may not be ideal for swimming, they are perfect for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment by the sea.
Local Cuisine: Sample local snacks and dishes such as seafood, oyster omelet, and the unique peanut soup.
Create a tour based truly on your preferences, including all aspects of your travel in the destination