Fujian
Xiamen
厦门
A relaxed coastal city of island scenery, walkable neighborhoods, local food, and easy connections to southern Fujian.

Discover Xiamen
Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is an inviting introduction to Fujian: a compact coastal city where subtropical greenery, historic neighborhoods, seafood markets, university streets, and island views sit close together. Its pace is gentler than China’s largest cities, making it especially comfortable for first-time international visitors.
Use Xiamen as both a destination and a gateway. Spend time exploring Gulangyu and local districts, then continue to Fujian tulou, Quanzhou, or other parts of southern Fujian.
An Easy Coastal Base
Convenient transport, comfortable hotels, and a manageable city scale make Xiamen a practical start or finish to a Fujian journey.
Island and Neighborhood Character
Gulangyu’s villas contrast with markets, temple lanes, university streets, and everyday residential districts.
Gateway to Southern Fujian
Private day trips and rail connections make it easy to combine Xiamen with tulou villages and Quanzhou.
Top Experiences
Things to do in Xiamen
Signature sights and authentic local experiences worth adding to your visit.

Walk Historic Gulangyu
Explore villa-lined lanes, gardens, small museums, and quieter residential corners beyond the busiest shopping streets.

Experience the Eighth Market
See seafood, produce, snacks, and neighborhood routines at one of the city’s most engaging traditional markets.

Follow the Coast
Enjoy relaxed coastal paths, beaches, gardens, and viewpoints along Xiamen Island.

Explore Local Neighborhoods
Discover temple streets, old lanes, creative districts, and places where contemporary city life meets southern Fujian traditions.
Go Deeper
Culture & local food
Local culture
Xiamen’s culture reflects maritime trade, migration, Minnan traditions, and long connections with overseas Chinese communities. Temples, red-brick architecture, local dialect, music, and neighborhood rituals remain part of daily life.
- Minnan language and southern Fujian traditions
- Gulangyu’s international villa architecture
- Active temples and community rituals
- Maritime and overseas Chinese connections
What to eat
Xiamen food favors seafood, delicate soups, sweet-savory sauces, and portable street snacks. Markets are ideal places to understand ingredients before tasting them.
- Shacha noodles with a rich satay-style broth
- Oyster omelet and fresh local seafood
- Peanut soup and traditional sweets
- Spring rolls and market snacks
Plan Around the Weather
Best time to visit
Spring · March to May
BestWarm, increasingly sunny weather with flowers and comfortable outdoor walking.
Summer · June to August
RecommendedHot and humid with occasional typhoons; plan breaks and monitor forecasts.
Autumn · September to November
BestClearer skies and pleasant temperatures make this the most comfortable season.
Winter · December to February
RecommendedMild compared with northern China, with cooler coastal winds and fewer crowds.
Know Before You Go
Practical travel information
Getting Around
Metro, taxis, and ride-hailing cover most of the city. Gulangyu requires a ferry, and international visitors should use the designated passenger terminals and carry passports.
Where to Stay
Central Siming District is convenient for markets, historic areas, restaurants, and ferry connections. Coastal areas offer quieter views but may require more driving.
Trip Planning
Reserve Gulangyu ferry tickets ahead during weekends and holidays. Allow extra time at Xiamen North Railway Station, which is outside the central island area.
Good to Know
Summer heat and humidity can be intense. Carry water and sun protection, and schedule outdoor walking for mornings or late afternoons.
Travel With Local Experts
Recommended Xiamen tours

Xiamen Hidden Gems and Local Life Tour
Experience another side of Xiamen through traditional neighborhoods, local markets, coastal scenery and stories that reveal the character of this relaxed seaside city.

Gulangyu Culture and Food Walking Tour
Walk through the atmospheric lanes of Gulangyu, discover its international architectural heritage and taste local specialties with an English-speaking guide.

Fujian Tulou UNESCO Heritage Experience
Discover Fujian’s remarkable tulou villages with a knowledgeable local guide, explore centuries-old communal homes and learn how Hakka families have preserved their traditions.
Useful Reading
Xiamen travel guides
Hướng dẫn du lịch
3 Days in Xiamen: A Relaxed Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Follow a balanced three-day Xiamen itinerary covering coastal scenery, historic streets, Gulangyu, local food, and easy cultural experiences.
Read guideHướng dẫn du lịch
Morning at Xiamen’s Eighth Market: A City Waking Up
Step into a Xiamen morning market to see how seafood, seasonal produce and neighborhood routines reveal the city’s everyday coastal character.
Read guideHướng dẫn du lịch
Quiet Gulangyu: Finding Island Life Beyond the Main Routes
Leave Gulangyu’s busiest lanes to notice garden walls, coastal light and residential details that reveal a quieter side of the island.
Read guideHướng dẫn du lịch
Những điều cần biết khi du lịch Trung Quốc: Thanh toán, tàu hỏa, ứng dụng và những mẹo hữu ích trong cuộc sống hàng ngày
Danh sách kiểm tra thiết thực dành cho du khách nước ngoài, bao gồm các nội dung về thanh toán di động, tàu cao tốc, kết nối mạng, các ứng dụng hữu ích, ngôn ngữ, an toàn và các hoạt động du lịch hàng ngày tại Trung Quốc.
Read guideFrequently Asked Questions
Planning a visit to Xiamen
Can I include this destination in a private itinerary?
Yes. Eastorya can combine this destination with other places in Fujian and adjust the pace, transport, guiding, and accommodation to suit your trip.
Is English widely spoken?
English is limited outside major hotels and visitor facilities. An English-speaking guide makes transport, local meals, and cultural visits easier and more meaningful.
How far ahead should I plan?
Four to eight weeks is comfortable for most trips. Plan earlier around Chinese public holidays, popular weekends, or when you want distinctive accommodation.
Lập kế hoạch cùng Eastorya
Plan a Personal Xiamen Journey
Combine island history, neighborhood life, coastal scenery, and local food in a private itinerary designed around your pace.