Xiamen Tourism

Nestled along China's southeastern coast, Xiamen shines as a vibrant "International Garden City" where natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern innovation converge. This coastal paradise offers a unique blend of subtropical landscapes, historic charm, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal destination for international travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery.


 

1. Why Xiamen? A City of Unique Charms

Located on the Taiwan Strait, just 1.8 kilometers from Kinmen Island, Xiamen boasts a strategic coastal position that has shaped its role as a gateway to cross-strait cultural exchanges. As a historic hometown of overseas Chinese, the city is a living tapestry of Minnan traditions, blending Fujian-Taiwan customs, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant street art. It also holds significance as one of China’s first Special Economic Zones and a top 10 national tourist city, balancing economic dynamism with a laid-back coastal vibe. With year-round mild temperatures ranging from 10 to 30°C, lush greenery, and flocks of graceful egrets—Xiamen’s iconic bird—the city earned its nickname as a "sea garden," where every corner feels like a breath of fresh air.

 

2. Must-Visit Attractions: Classic & New in 2025

Timeless Icons


 

A trip to Xiamen is incomplete without exploring Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and car-free haven renowned for its well-preserved colonial villas, cobblestone lanes, and thriving piano culture. Home to over 500 pianos, the island’s Gulangyu Music Museum (housed in the historic Octagonal Tower) offers a fascinating journey through musical history, while Shuzhuang Garden’s waterfront pathways provide stunning sunset views. Ferry tickets (¥35–50) are essential and should be booked 1–3 days in advance via xiamenferry.com.

 

For cultural seekers, the South Putuo Temple stands as a serene 1,000-year-old Buddhist sanctuary at the foot of Wanshi Mountain. Visitors can climb the mountain for panoramic cityscapes or enjoy vegetarian delicacies at the temple’s café. Adjacent to the temple, the Mount Wanshi Scenic Area and Xiamen Botanical Garden invite hikers to explore subtropical forests, dramatic rock formations, and the Rainforest World greenhouse, where 7,000 plant species thrive.
 

2025 New Highlights

This year, Xiamen introduces exciting additions to its tourism landscape. The "Meet Minnan: Time 幻境" Immersive Experience transports visitors into a virtual world of Minnan culture through VR and AR technologies. Dress in traditional Hanfu, solve puzzles in a recreated ancient street, and immerse yourself in live folk performances like Nanyin music and shadow puppetry.
 

The East Coast Romantic Line (Phase II) extends the city’s seafront trail to 46 kilometers, offering cycling paths, kite-flying spots, and beachside campgrounds with stargazing opportunities. Perfect for families, the trail connects to Fantawild Adventure Park and Meifeng Ecological Park, providing endless outdoor fun.
 

As night falls, Gulangyu Island transforms with the Illuminated Piano Path, where LED-lit keys along the coast sync with classical melodies, creating a magical atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Shapowei Art District buzzes with energy, featuring trendy galleries, craft beer bars, and the "Chaowan Night Market," where visitors can sample local favorites like oyster omelets and bubble tea.
 

3. Explore Beyond Xiamen: Regional Gems

Extend your adventure to nearby destinations that showcase the rich tapestry of Fujian’s culture and landscapes. Just an hour by high-speed rail, Quanzhou—a UNESCO City of Culture—awaits with ancient landmarks like Kaiyuan Temple, Maritime Silk Road museums, and intricate handcrafted puppets. A 2.5-hour drive leads to the Nanjing Hakka Tulou, UNESCO-listed earthen fortresses where Hakka families once lived, including the iconic circular Chengqi Lou. For nature lovers, the Wuyi Mountains (3 hours by train) offer tea plantation hikes, rafting along the Nine Bend River, and tastings of the renowned Da Hong Pao oolong tea.
 

4. Travel Tips for International Visitors

Services & Support

Xiamen’s Smart Tourism Service Centers (renamed in 2025) provide essential support for international travelers, with English-speaking staff, free maps, and touchscreens offering real-time attraction updates. Key locations include Xiamen Airport (Domestic Arrivals Hall) and the Xiamen Tourist Distribution Center (76 Hubin South Road), both equipped to assist with bookings and inquiries. Nationals from 53 countries can take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, ideal for exploring the city during layovers via Xiamen Airlines.
 

Getting Around

Navigating Xiamen is easy with its modern metro system, which covers key areas including a new Line 3 connecting to Xiamen xiang’an Airport. Buses are affordable (¥1–2) but require cash or the "Xiamen Public Transport" app. Taxis operate on meters; ensure drivers start them, with typical fares from the airport to downtown ranging from ¥50–80. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also widely available.
 

Local Cuisine Must-Tries


 satay noodles (沙茶面)

Dive into Minnan cuisine with dishes like satay noodles (沙茶面), geoduck jelly (土笋冻), and oyster omelets (海蛎煎), best enjoyed at Linjia Restaurant. For street food adventures, Zhongshan Road offers crispy mochi (麻糍) and pineapple cakes, but be cautious of overpriced seafood stalls—opt for venues with clear English menus and fixed prices.
 

Seasonal Tips

Spring (March–May) brings mild weather and blooming flowers, perfect for hiking and attending the Gulangyu International Piano Festival in April. Summer (June–September) is hot and rainy, so pack sunscreen and check weather updates via Xiamen Weather to avoid typhoon disruptions. Autumn (October–November) offers cool, dry conditions ideal for the Xiamen Marathon and beach activities, while winter (December–February) is chilly but sunny, requiring a light jacket for evening walks along the coast.
 

5. Essential Contacts & Resources

• Xiamen Tourism Administration: 6th Floor, Xingye Mansion, 78 Hubin North Road | Tel: +86 592-5318985
• Emergency Services: Police – 110 | Medical – 120 | Tourism Complaints – +86 592-12345
• Useful Apps: "iXiamen" for English-friendly maps and event listings; "Trip.com" for hotel bookings and travel arrangements.
   

 
Xiamen Tourist Information Center

Xiamen Tourism Administration 

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