Flights from Barcelona (BCN) to Xiamen (XMN)

About Xiamen

Discover Xiamen

Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is a relaxed coastal city known for its leafy streets, seaside promenades, and historic architecture. You will find a calm atmosphere, gentle sea breezes, and a mix of traditional streets and modern waterfront areas that invite you to slow down and explore on foot.

What to expect
The city centres around Xiamen Island, with the scenic Gulangyu Island just offshore and a busy harbour in between. Modern districts offer wide boulevards, cafes, and shopping streets, while older neighbourhoods feature narrow lanes and low-rise buildings with distinctive southern Chinese facades.

Plan your trip
Xiamen works well as both a short city break and a starting point for exploring the wider Fujian coast. With its efficient transport links, you can combine your stay with nearby tea-growing regions, coastal towns, and other major cities in the region.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Wander car-free streets lined with historic villas, gardens, and waterfront paths on this charming island reached by ferry.

Xiamen University

Stroll through one of China’s most picturesque campuses, with lakes, traditional-style buildings, and views towards the sea.

Huandao Road Coastal Walk

Cycle or walk along this scenic coastal ring road, enjoying beaches, sea views, and landscaped promenades.

Nanputuo Area and Wulao Peak

Explore the historic Nanputuo area, then hike up nearby Wulao Peak for sweeping views over Xiamen Island and the coastline.

Zengcuo’an Village

Discover narrow lanes filled with small cafes, guesthouses, and boutiques in this lively coastal neighbourhood.

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Escape into a large hillside garden featuring themed plant areas, rock formations, and peaceful walking paths.

Xiamen Harbour Night Views

Head to the waterfront after dark to watch illuminated ships and skyline reflections across the busy harbour.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Buses and the expanding metro network make it easy to move between Xiamen’s main districts and ferry terminals. Taxis and app-based ride services are widely available for shorter hops, while cycling along the coastal paths offers a slower, scenic way to cover shorter distances.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Xiamen often revolves around the waterfront, university districts, and older residential streets. You will see people walking along seaside promenades, relaxing in small neighbourhood parks, and gathering in lively side streets lined with small shops and tea houses.

Where to unwind
You can unwind on the city’s beaches, in tree-shaded parks, or along the quieter stretches of Huandao Road. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly pleasant, with softer light and cooler temperatures ideal for relaxed walks or simply sitting and watching the shoreline.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
Xiamen is known for seafood-focused snacks and hearty bowls of noodles, which you will find in small local eateries and street-side stalls. Areas around older neighbourhoods and ferry terminals are especially good for trying long-standing favourites popular with residents.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and modern commercial districts offer a mix of local and international options, from simple noodle shops to contemporary cafes and family-friendly restaurants. Many places have compact menus and moderate portions, making it easy to sample several different dishes during your stay.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant with harbour or coastline views, especially around the waterfront and higher floors of modern buildings. Dining by large windows or on terraces lets you enjoy the night lights of the city and the movement of ships across the water.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Xiamen offers modern shopping malls with international brands, cinemas, and food courts under one roof. These air-conditioned centres double as social spaces, where you can browse, meet friends, and pause for a drink or a snack between shops.

Markets & local crafts
Compact streets in older districts and near the waterfront are ideal for browsing smaller shops that sell everyday items and local crafts. Areas around Zengcuo’an and historic quarters are good places to look for souvenirs that reflect local design and coastal character.

Evening retail scene
After dark, busy shopping streets and commercial areas stay lively with bright signs, open-fronted stores, and plenty of places to pause for a drink or dessert. Well-used public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these districts in the evening and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring season (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Xiamen is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures around 18–23°C (64–73°F). You can expect fresh greenery, blossoming trees, and pleasant conditions for walking around the city, taking coastal strolls, and exploring nearby islands without strong heat.

Summer season (June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with typical temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). This is an inviting time for beach visits, evening waterfront walks, and enjoying long daylight hours. Occasional showers help cool the air, and sea breezes make seaside areas particularly appealing.

Autumn and winter season (October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter are generally mild, with temperatures around 13–20°C (55–68°F). Clearer skies and more stable weather make it a good period for city sightseeing and inland excursions, with comfortable conditions for hiking, park visits, and exploring the streets at a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions