Ask a QuestionAs for shopping in Xiamen, except for some normal things to buy, you can purchase some local snacks or handcrafts as souvenirs or gifts. These can be easily found in supermarkets or commercial area in the city. TCT would like to introduce what to buy in Xiamen for you.
A signature pastry of Xiamen, Gulangyu Island Pie is a beloved sweet treat with a history dating back over a century. It consists of a flaky, buttery crust encasing fillings like mung bean paste, red bean paste, coconut paste, or even taro. The texture is light and crumbly, while the filling is sweet but not cloying, balancing the richness of the crust perfectly. Its elegant paper packaging, often printed with Gulangyu's scenic spots like Sunlight Rock, makes it a classic and meaningful gift.
Where to Buy: Head to "Gulangyu Island Pie Factory" (鼓浪屿馅饼厂) on Gulangyu Island for authentic products. On the mainland, popular spots include "Huang Zehe" (黄则和) on Zhongshan Road and "Qianxiangyuan" (千祥园) specialty stores. You can also find it in large supermarkets like Carrefour and Walmart in Xiamen.
Price Range: Approximately 30 - 60 CNY per box (12 - 24 pieces, 200 - 400g). Premium versions with mixed fillings may cost up to 80 CNY per box.
A traditional handicraft of Southern Fujian, Minnan Batik Textiles showcase exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant local aesthetics. Artisans use wax-resist dyeing techniques to create intricate patterns inspired by Minnan folk motifs—such as lotus flowers, sea waves, and ancient architecture—on cotton or linen fabrics. The result is a colorful, durable textile with a unique texture, ideal for scarves, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, or even wall decorations. Each piece carries the warmth of handmaking and the story of Minnan culture.
Where to Buy: "Minnan Textile Store" (闽南纺织品店) on Xiahe Road near Zhongshan Road offers a wide selection. For more artistic pieces, visit cultural and creative parks like "Xiamen Old Town Creative Zone" (厦门老城文创区) or intangible cultural heritage workshops in Tong'an District.
Price Range: Scarves: 50 - 150 CNY; Tablecloths: 80 - 300 CNY; Handkerchiefs: 20 - 50 CNY. Prices vary by fabric quality and pattern complexity.
A staple condiment in Minnan cuisine, Xiamen Satay Sauce is a flavorful blend of roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, dried shrimps, garlic, and a hint of chili. It has a rich, nutty aroma and a balanced taste—slightly savory with a touch of warmth from spices. This versatile sauce is essential for making "satay noodles" (a local breakfast favorite), marinating meats for grilling, or using as a dipping sauce for seafood and vegetables. Its thick, smooth texture and distinctive flavor make it a beloved souvenir for food enthusiasts.
Where to Buy: Look for well-known local brands like "Xiahe Road Satay Sauce" (厦禾路沙茶酱) at specialty food stores on Zhongshan Road. It’s also widely available in supermarkets such as Carrefour and RT-Mart, and at traditional markets like "Xiamen First Market" (厦门第一市场) where you can find homemade versions from trusted vendors.
Price Range: 200g bottle: 10 - 20 CNY; 500g jar: 25 - 40 CNY. Gift sets with satay sauce and matching seasonings (like peanut butter) cost around 60 - 100 CNY.
Though originating from Anxi County (near Xiamen), Tieguanyin—a premium oolong tea—is widely celebrated and sold in Xiamen. Known for its floral aroma and smooth, mellow taste, good Tieguanyin has a golden-yellow liquor and a lingering aftertaste. It’s not just a beverage but a representation of Fujian’s profound tea culture. Tea shops in Xiamen often offer tea-tasting services, allowing you to choose the flavor profile that suits you best (from light and fresh to rich and roasted).
Where to Buy: "Kuangye Intangible Cultural Heritage Tea House" (旷野非遗茶馆) on Jukou Street is renowned for high-quality teas. Other reliable spots include "Xiamen Tea Market" (厦门茶叶市场) on Siming South Road and brand stores like "Wuyi Rock Tea" (武夷岩茶) along Zhongshan Road.
Price Range: Mid-range (50g): 80 - 200 CNY; Premium (50g): 200 - 800 CNY. Loose tea is often sold by weight, and gift tins are available for gifting.
Given Xiamen’s coastal location, dried seafood is a must-buy specialty. Popular items include dried shrimps, dried squid, dried abalone, and seaweed. These products are made by air-drying fresh seafood under the Xiamen sun, preserving their natural umami flavor without additives. Dried shrimps are great for soups and stir-fries, while dried squid can be grilled or used in congee. Vacuum-sealed packaging ensures freshness during travel, making them ideal for bringing home to share.
Where to Buy: "Xiamen Seafood Market" (厦门海鲜干货市场) on Xiahe Road is the go-to place for a wide variety at reasonable prices. You can also find trusted stalls on Zhongshan Road, but be sure to check the freshness and ask for vacuum sealing.
Price Range: Dried shrimps (250g): 40 - 80 CNY; Dried squid (250g): 60 - 120 CNY; Dried abalone (10 pieces): 150 - 300 CNY. Prices depend on the size and quality of the seafood.
By the way, there are some featured small shops in Gulangyu Island to buy the local specialties, so it is don't have to worry about where to buy specialty.
As what to buy in Xiamen, it is not fixed. You may find some more interesting things when you are traveling there.
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