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This is the main commercial street in Xiamen. It includes traditional shophouses with the latest fashion, shoes and wide variety of products. A large section of the street (between the ferry landing and Siming Street) has recently been fully pedestrianized.
Zhongshan Road is currently reserved to show a more complete history of the modern style of the Old City. There are many cultural and historic sites along the street, such as the former residence of Chen Huacheng, the first Chinese Church and many other monuments. Zhongshan Road is currently the only pedestrian street heading towards the sea. Nanyang arcade building and the colorful LED lights view can be found along the street. Fujian snacks is everywhere in the ancient neighborhood alley nearby.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street was built in 1925. It is the oldest commercial street in Xiamen. Both tourists and local people come here for shopping, buying some sort of seafood or other souvenirs. It is also a landmark in Xiamen, like Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai, but it appears to contain historic charm. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is street in an old town of Xiamen City, and retains a more complete history in modern style. The buildings by the two sides of the street are arcade buildings. Arcade architectures are a form of the combination features of European and the Southeast Asian region. Pink and white are the main colors. After years of baptism, mottled walls and old wooden windows looks more charming. Walking to the end is the ferry terminal to Gulangyu. A lot of tourists go to Gulangyu from here by ferry.
Food is the soul of Zhongshan Road—here, you’ll find almost every iconic Xiamen/Minnan dish. Follow this food trail to avoid missing out
Street Snacks |
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Most snack stalls are open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM; arrive early to avoid long lines. | ||
| Seafood | - Braised Squid (酱爆鱿鱼)：Street vendors near Gulangyu Ferry Terminal grill squid with savory sauce—chewy and aromatic. - Steamed Pomfret (清蒸鲳鱼)：“Haiwan Seafood Restaurant” (海湾海鲜排档) offers fresh, simply cooked seafood (ask for a price list first to avoid overcharging). |
Seafood is best enjoyed in the evening; for budget options, stick to street stalls. | ||
| Desserts | - Grass Jelly (烧仙草)：“Xiamen Grass Jelly House” (厦门烧仙草屋) serves it with taro balls, red beans, and coconut milk—cool and refreshing. - Mung Bean Cake (绿豆饼)：“Qianxiangyuan” (千祥园) sells flaky, not-too-sweet mung bean cakes—great for souvenirs. |
Desserts are perfect for beating Xiamen’s humidity (try them in the afternoon!). | ||
| Beverages | - Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)：“Chen Si Ji” (陈四纪) is a local favorite—less sweet than chain stores, with chewy tapioca. - Osmanthus Tea (桂花茶)：Street vendors sell hot/cold osmanthus tea—fragrant and soothing. |
Avoid sugary drinks if you plan to eat a lot; opt for unsweetened tea instead. |
Zhongshan Road has something for every shopper, from affordable souvenirs to high-quality local products. For souvenirs, look for Minnan-style crafts like hand-painted porcelain at Xiamen Porcelain Store or bamboo weaving at small stalls near Tong’an Guild Hall—these items are unique and representative of local culture. Food souvenirs are also a great choice: you can buy packaged peanut soup, mung bean cakes, or “Xiamen shrimp crackers” from well-known spots like1 Huang Zehe or Qianxiangyuan, as they're easy to carry and make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
When it comes to local products, head to Xiamen Seafood Market on Xiahe Road for dried seafood like shrimp, squid, and abalone—opt for vacuum-sealed packs to ensure freshness during your trip. If you’re interested in textiles, Minnan Textile Store offers Minnan-style batik scarves and tablecloths, which are colorful, durable, and perfect for adding a touch of local flair to your home.
For modern shopping needs, the main street of Zhongshan Road is home to popular chain stores like H&M and Uniqlo, where you can find everyday fashion items. If you prefer unique, independent designs, take a detour to side streets like Siming South Road—here, you’ll discover small boutiques selling handmade jewelry, local designer clothing, and one-of-a-kind accessories that you won’t find in big malls.
When shopping, keep a few tips in mind: feel free to bargain at small stalls, especially for crafts and dried seafood—start by offering 30-50% off the asking price and negotiate politely. For food souvenirs, always check the expiration dates, as most have a shelf life of 1-3 months. This way, you can ensure you’re bringing home fresh, high-quality items.
Zhongshan Road isn’t just for eating and shopping—it’s also a window into Xiamen’s past. Don’t miss these iconic spots:
Xiamen Old Post Office (厦门旧邮局)
A well-preserved historical building dating back to the early 20th century. Its red-brick exterior and vintage interior (with old postboxes and telegraph machines) make it a popular photo spot. You can even send a postcard with a special “Zhongshan Road” postmark to friends or yourself.
Gulangyu Ferry Terminal (鼓浪屿码头)
Located at the southern end of Zhongshan Road, this terminal connects you to Gulangyu Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Even if you don’t plan to visit Gulangyu that day, the waterfront here offers beautiful views of the island and the sea—great for a casual stroll or sunset photos.
Tong’an Guild Hall (同安会馆)
A classic example of Minnan (Southern Fujian) architectural style, with intricate wood carvings and a traditional courtyard. It was once a gathering place for people from Tong’an (a district of Xiamen) and now occasionally hosts cultural exhibitions.
Colonial-Style Buildings
Wander along the side streets (like Xiahe Road or Siming South Road) to find more hidden gems—colorful colonial-era buildings with verandas and arched windows. Many have been converted into cafes or boutique hotels, ideal for a quick break.
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