Xiamen Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

About Xiamen

Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

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Xiamen Local Travel Guide 2026

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Xiamen Brief Guide

Xiamen whispers with island calm and Fujian flair. Wander Gulangyu’s car-free lanes past beautiful villas, bike coastal paths fringed with palms, and sip tieguanyin tea in century-old teahouses. Feast on peanut soup and oyster omelets at dawn markets, then ferry to hidden beaches on Xiamen Bay. Unwind in China’s graceful port city, where slow living meets subtropical beauty.

Xiamen Must-try local experiences

1. Explore the Captivating Gulangyu Island Take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its special architecture, beautiful beaches, and winding streets. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and visit the Piano Museum. 2. Find Tranquility at South Putuo Temple Visit the historic South Putuo Temple, a Buddhist site with intricate architecture and serene gardens. Admire the impressive Buddha statues. 3. Watch a Nanyin Performance Nanyin is a traditional form of Chinese music from the Minnan region. Watching a live performance provides a unique cultural experience. 4. Savor the Flavors of Xiamen Cuisine Indulge in Xiamen's diverse cuisine, known for fresh seafood, flavorful soups, and unique snacks like Shacha Noodles and Oyster Omelette. 5. Discover Local Treasures at Zhongshan Road Explore Zhongshan Road, a bustling pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. Find unique souvenirs and sample local snacks. 6. Cycle Along the Huandao Road Rent a bike and cycle along the Huandao Road, a scenic coastal route with stunning views of the sea and city. It's also a popular spot for sunset photography. Capture the stunning colors as the sun sets over the ocean.

Xiamen Must-see Attractions

Xiamen is a vibrant coastal city in China known for its rich cultural tapestry, featuring attractions like the UNESCO-listed Kulangsu Island with its musical heritage, the lush Xiamen Botanical Garden, the panoramic Zhonggu Cableway, the picturesque and historic Xiamen University, and the educational Xiamen Science and Technology Museum. Kulangsu, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, is a pedestrian-only island celebrated for its unique blend of natural beauty, historical architecture, and rich musical heritage. Known as "the islet of drumming waves," the island's name reflects the natural music created by the ocean waves hitting the reefs. Visitors can explore the winding lanes, relax on the beaches, and admire the diverse architectural styles, including Victorian-era buildings, which are remnants of the island's past as an international foreign settlement. Kulangsu is also dubbed "Piano Island" due to its high density of pianos and a dedicated Piano Museum, a testament to its status as a cradle of music in China. The island's tranquil environment, free from the noise of cars, offers a serene escape and a chance to immerse oneself in a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Xiamen Botanical Garden, also known as Wanshi Botanical Garden, is a verdant oasis nestled amidst the rolling hills of Wanshi Mountain in Xiamen. This "green museum" boasts over 5,000 species of tropical plants, creating a rich tapestry of flora that offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life. The garden is not only a place of natural beauty but also a site of historical and cultural significance, featuring various provincial- and municipal-level cultural heritage sites, including temples and historical monuments. Visitors can immerse themselves in the dramatic rocky landscape dotted with granite boulders inscribed with ancient calligraphy, adding a touch of historical depth to the scenic views. With its enchanting natural landscape, rich cultural heritage, and fantastic plant formations, Xiamen Botanical Garden is a leading tourist spot in Southern Fujian and one of the most distinctive gardens in Southern China. Zhonggu Cableway in Xiamen offers a unique aerial perspective of the city's stunning landscapes, including panoramic views of Gulangyu Island, South Putuo Temple, and the Kinmen Islands. The cableway, which is over 1,000 meters long, provides a scenic ride 150 meters above the ground, passing over lush greenery and notable landmarks such as Wanshi Botanical Garden and Huxi Rock. Visitors can capture the beauty of Xiamen from the ship-shaped viewpoint at the top of the mountain, which is especially breathtaking during sunset. This attraction is a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers who wish to experience the city from a different vantage point. Xiamen University, established in 1921 by the patriotic overseas Chinese leader Mr. Tan Kah Kee, is not only a prestigious institution of higher education but also a scenic attraction known for its beautiful campuses that blend natural and architectural beauty. The university's garden-like campuses are nestled between green hills and the blue sea, offering visitors breathtaking views and a serene environment to explore. The main campus, in particular, is celebrated as one of the most beautiful in China, with its traditional red-brick buildings and lush greenery. Visitors can immerse themselves in the academic atmosphere, enjoy the tranquility of Furong Lake, and appreciate the historical significance of the institution that has contributed to the prosperity of the country and the progress of mankind. The Xiamen Science & Technology Museum in Xiamen is a renowned educational attraction that focuses on enhancing the cultural and scientific literacy of its visitors. It is particularly popular among families, offering a blend of fun and learning through interactive activities. This museum serves as an educational base where children can engage in hands-on experiences, making the process of learning about science both enjoyable and memorable.

Xiamen Food Guide

Xiamen's cuisine is based on its unique local characteristics and rich seafood resources, ranging from classic dishes such as Satay Noodles, Tusu Bing, Shrimp Noodles, and Oyster Omelette to everyday Mianxian Hu, not only showcasing the essence of traditional Minnan cuisine but also integrating health and culture, becoming a must-try delicacy for locals and tourists. A traditional Xiamen delicacy, characterized by its unique satay sauce as the soup base, with the addition of alkaline water noodles and various ingredients, the taste is salty, fresh, slightly spicy, and slightly sweet. The preparation of Satay Noodles is simple; after blanching the noodles, pour the hot satay soup over them, and add ingredients according to personal taste, such as duck blood, tofu, bean sprouts, etc. Satay Noodles are not only an everyday food for Xiamen residents but have also become a local specialty snack sought after by tourists, with regular consumption being beneficial for health and strength. A famous traditional seafood snack in Xiamen, Tusu Bing is made from the unique marine goby, Tusu. It is grayish-white, crystal clear, soft, tender, and elastic. The production process of Tusu Bing includes cleaning the Tusu, boiling, cooling, and setting. When eating, add garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and other seasonings for a fresh and crisp taste. Tusu Bing is not only a seasonal delicacy in the Minnan region but has also been included in Fujian Province's intangible cultural heritage, with a unique cultural background and health and therapeutic effects. Xiamen Shrimp Noodles, also known as Shrimp Roe Noodles, are a traditional specialty noodle dish in Fujian Xiamen, loved for their delicious taste. The essence of Shrimp Noodles lies in the soup, usually made from dog shrimp heads and shells, paired with alkaline water noodles, shrimp, pork slices, and other ingredients, with a golden soup color and delicious taste. Shrimp Noodles are a culinary highlight in Xiamen and symbolize a historical and cultural connection with regions such as Malaysia and Singapore, having evolved over a century. Oyster Omelette: A very popular traditional snack in Xiamen, made with fresh oysters as the main ingredient, with the addition of sweet potato flour, eggs, and other ingredients, fried until golden on both sides. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritionally rich, known as the "milk of the sea", and is loved by locals and tourists. When eaten, it is usually accompanied by Xiamen's unique sweet and spicy sauce, making the taste of the Oyster Omelette even richer, fragrant, spicy, and tender. Xiamen Mianxian Hu is a traditional snack in the Minnan region of Fujian and Taiwan, made from fine noodles and sweet potato flour, with a porridge-like consistency, fresh, sweet, and smooth taste. This snack is usually eaten for breakfast and can also be enjoyed with fried dough sticks, water chestnut cakes, and other accompaniments, an indispensable part of Xiamen residents' daily lives. In the cooking process, the noodles of Mianxian Hu should be fine and long, smooth and delicious after cooking, often paired with rich ingredients such as intestines, shrimp, marinated eggs, providing a multi-layered taste experience.

Xiamen Transportation

By Air Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN): Located about 12 km (7 miles) northeast of downtown on Xiamen Island, it serves many domestic and some international routes. To City Center (Zhongshan Road): Metro (Optimal): Direct service via Line 1 from Airport Station (Terminals 3/4). Alight at Zhenhai Road Station for Zhongshan Road (25–30 minutes, ¥4). Operates 6:30 AM–11:00 PM. Pay via Alipay, WeChat, or cash at the machines for a single-ride ticket. Airport Shuttle Bus: Routes to Zhongshan Road, Xiamen Railway Station, and ferry terminals. Costs ¥10–20, takes ~30–40 minutes. Operates 5:20 AM–10:30 PM. Pay via cash, Xiamen eKatong card, or Alipay/WeChat. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Line 1 connects via a covered walkway from the airport. Travel time ~40–60 minutes, fare ¥1–4 (distance-based). Operates 6:10 AM–10:30 PM. Taxis: ¥40–55 (20–30 minutes, metered; higher during rush hour). By Train Xiamen Railway Station: Located at Xiahe and Hudong Roads, Siming District, it serves primarily regular trains and some high-speed trains. Ideal for central access. Xiamen North Railway Station: In Jimei District, 28 km (12 miles) from downtown, it’s the main hub for high-speed trains (G-series) on the Hangzhou-Fuzhou-Shenzhen corridor, connecting to Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Fuzhou, and many other locations. Metro Line 1 connects both stations with the city. By Bus Wucun Long-Distance Bus Station: Near Xiamen Railway Station, convenient for regional destinations like Quanzhou. Fanghu Long-Distance Bus Station: Serving routes across Fujian and beyond. Trains are much faster for most destinations; buses are suitable for nearby cities like Quanzhou. By Ferry Dongdu Port (international cruises) and Wutong Port (Kinmen Island, Taiwan). Ferries to Kinmen Island depart from Wutong, 11 km from downtown. Limited seasonal international cruises (e.g., Xiamen–Japan, 4–5 days) are available from Dongdu. To City Center: From Wutong, take Bus 6 (20 minutes) or a taxi (¥20–30, 15 minutes). From Dongdu, take Bus 87 or 436 (~10 minutes). Xiamen’s public transportation is well-developed, affordable, and tourist-friendly, with English signage on metro and BRT systems. Metro: Xiamen Metro has 3 lines: Line 1 (north-south, Yanwei to Zhenhai Road), Line 2 (east-west, Dongfashou to Tianzhujiao), Line 3 (mid-east, Xiamen Railway Station to Caicuo). Hours: 6:30 AM–11:00 PM. Fares and Payment Options: Distance-based, ¥2–7. Single-Journey Ticket: ¥2–7, purchased at vending machines (English interface, accepts ¥1 coins, ¥5–20 bills). Xiamen eKatong Card: Rechargeable, 10% fare discount, valid for metro, BRT, buses, and some taxis. Available at metro stations (¥20 deposit). Mobile QR Codes: Use Alipay/WeChat “Xiamen Public Transport” mini-program to scan at gates. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Xiamen’s BRT operates 3 main elevated bus-only lines, connecting Xiamen North Railway Station, Gaoqi Airport (Line 1), and downtown. Faster than city buses, with English signage. Fares: ¥1–4 (distance-based), payable via Xiamen eKatong card, Alipay/WeChat, or cash (exact change). Hours: 6:00 AM–10:30 PM. City Buses: Over 370 routes serve Xiamen Island and the suburbs, including Gulangyu ferry terminals and Nanputuo Temple, less tourist-friendly due to Chinese-only signage. Key routes: 1, 15, 21 to Xiamen University. Bus 29 to Hulishan Fortress, Bus 51 to Wanshi Botanical Garden. Fares: ¥1-2. Pay via cash (exact change), Xiamen eKatong card, or Alipay/WeChat. Hours: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM. Use Baidu Maps or Amap for routing; wave to stop minibuses on special lines. Ferries: Ferries are essential for Gulangyu Island, departing from Lundu Port (for tourists and non-residents) or Xiamen Ferry Dock (residents only). Travel time: ~8–20 minutes. Also serves Kinmen Island from Wutong Port. Hours: Gulangyu: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM (every 10–15 minutes peak, 20–30 minutes off-peak; night ferries are limited). Kinmen: ~8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Non-residents use Lundu Port; buy return tickets to avoid queues. Taxis and Ride-Hailing: DiDi offers ride-hailing with English interfaces, ideal for getting a car ride, including booking a taxi. Bicycles: Bike rentals are popular along Huandao Road for scenic coastal rides (e.g., Baicheng Beach, Wuyuan Bay). Meituan (yellow) and HelloBike (blue) offer rentals throughout the city. Scan the QR code to pay and unlock.

Xiamen Where to Stay

Xiamen offers a diverse range of accommodation options for travelers, with its primary lodging areas spread across different districts and islands, each presenting unique characteristics and advantages. The city's accommodation scene caters to a variety of preferences, whether one is seeking the bustling city center, serene island stays, or beachside relaxation. Location Convenience: Staying near Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street in Xiamen offers easy access to varied shops and eateries. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it's ideal for urban explorers. Scenic and Cultural Highlights: The street is a significant cultural and historical site, reflecting Xiamen's architectural heritage and growth. Here, you can immerse in local culture and the bustling street life. Accommodation Variety: The area provides a range of lodgings, from budget options to luxury hotels, catering to different budgets and preferences. The plethora of hotels allows for a comfortable stay in the heart of the action. Educational and Scenic Environment: The vicinity of Xiamen University is both academically and aesthetically enriching, making it a top choice for accommodation. Surrounded by verdant greenery and architectural gems, it offers a serene retreat from urban bustle. Proximity to Attractions: Residing near Xiamen University means easy access to attractions like South Putuo Temple and Baicheng Beach, perfect for those keen on exploring Xiamen's cultural and natural wonders. Vibrant Atmosphere: The area near Xiamen University buzzes with the energy of students and scholars, infusing a distinctive cultural and intellectual vibe. This is enhanced by diverse dining and entertainment venues catering to the youth. Island Retreat: Gulangyu Scenic Area offers a tranquil escape with its no-vehicle policy, ensuring peace away from urban clamor. The island boasts colonial architecture and verdant, meandering lanes. Cultural Immersion: Residing on Gulangyu Island, guests can delve into the island’s rich cultural tapestry and savor attractions like Shuzhuang Garden leisurely. It’s perfect for those passionate about culture and seeking solace in quietude. Limited Accommodation Options: The island provides a distinctive stay, but lodging choices are somewhat scarce and may cost more. It's wise to reserve early, particularly in peak season, to ensure a place in one of the quaint hotels or guesthouses.

Xiamen Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are Xiamen’s ideal seasons, offering mild coastal weather, blooming landscapes, and vibrant cultural events. Avoid summer’s intense heat and typhoons, as well as winter’s damp chill, for optimal exploration. Spring: 15–25°C (59–77°F); rising humidity, frequent light rain. Azaleas and bougainvillea bloom across Hulishan Fortress; Gulangyu Island fills with piano melodies amid historic architecture; May sees dragon boat races on the Huwei River. Summer: Hot, humid 25–35°C (77–95°F); monsoon rains and typhoon risks (July–Sept). Busy beaches at Baicheng and Zengcuoan; night markets thrive with seafood grills; indoor retreats like Xiamen Piano Museum offer respite. Autumn: Sunny, breezy 18–28°C (64–82°F); low rainfall. Perfect for golden-hour views from Sunlight Rock; cycling Huandao Road’s coastal trail; Mid-Autumn lantern displays at Nanputuo Temple; seafood festivals at Shapowei (Oct–Nov). Winter: Mild, damp 10–17°C (50–63°F); rare frost. Chinese New Year fireworks (Jan/Feb).

Xiamen Useful Guide

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English signage is widespread in tourist areas, but English is not widely spoken. WeChat: China’s all-in-one app for messaging, social media, and digital payments. English interface available. Alipay: A leading payment app for cashless transactions at restaurants, shops, and public transport. Its “Transport” feature supports metro and taxi payments. English version available. DiDi: China’s top ride-hailing app, offering taxi and private car services with an English interface. Integrates with Alipay or WeChat for seamless payments. Baidu Maps: The most reliable navigation app in China, offering detailed maps, real-time traffic, and transit routes for metro and buses. Superior to Google Maps for local accuracy. Alternative: Amaps app. Youdao Dictionary: A Chinese-English dictionary and translation app, perfect for communicating with non-English-speaking taxi drivers or reading menus. Includes offline OCR for scanning signs. Staying connected in Xiamen is essential for navigation, payments, and communication, given China’s reliance on mobile apps and limited access to some Western services. eSIMs: eSIMs are a convenient option for travelers, enabling instant activation without the need for a physical SIM card. Purchase online before your trip; activate upon arrival. Ensure your device supports eSIM. Local SIM Cards: Local SIMs from providers like China Mobile, China Telecom, or China Unicom offer reliable 4G/5G coverage in Xiamen. Available at airports or official provider shops. Present your passport at the time of purchase; airport staff can assist with setup. China Unicom often has better English support. Wi-Fi: available in hotels, hostels, and some cafes (e.g., Starbucks) but less common in public spaces like parks or streets. Many Wi-Fi networks require a Chinese phone number for SMS verification. The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY, ¥), also known as Renminbi (RMB). Notes come in denominations of ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100; coins are available in denominations of ¥0.1, ¥0.5, and ¥1. Digital Payments: Xiamen is largely a cashless city, with mobile apps dominating transactions. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Link a foreign bank card (Visa/Mastercard) to WeChat or Alipay before arrival. Cash: Cash is rarely needed but can be useful for small vendors (e.g., street food stalls), single-ride tickets on public transportation, or in rural areas. Carry small denominations (¥1–20) for convenience. Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major hotels, upscale restaurants, and some retailers in Xiamen, but less common at smaller venues. American Express is rarely accepted. Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks ATMs and Cash Withdrawals: ATMs accepting foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely available at banks, airports, and shopping areas. Most offer English interfaces. Look for PLUS (Visa) or Cirrus (Mastercard) logos. American Express is rarely accepted, except at select ATMs in airports or high-end hotels. Fees: ¥10–15 per withdrawal (some banks waive for partners). Home bank fees: ~3% + $5 (check your issuer). Currency conversion fee: 1–3% (Visa/Mastercard rate). Reliable Banks: Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank, HSBC China.