Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Xiamen (XMN)

About Xiamen

Discover Xiamen

Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is a coastal city known for its leafy streets, elegant waterfront, and liveable pace of life. You will find a mix of historic architecture, sea views, and creative neighbourhoods that make it ideal for a relaxed city break.

What to expect
The city stretches around a sheltered bay, with a compact island core and a modern mainland district linked by bridges. You can stroll seaside promenades, explore narrow lanes lined with old villas, and discover cafes and galleries tucked into revitalised streets.

Plan your trip
Xiamen works well as a short getaway or as a base for exploring the wider Fujian coastline. With convenient links to nearby islands and inland towns, you can combine urban sightseeing with coastal walks and day trips into the surrounding countryside.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Take a short ferry to this car-free island to wander among colonial-era mansions, leafy lanes, and waterfront viewpoints.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Walk this lively shopping street in the old quarter, lined with arcaded buildings, snack stalls, and boutiques.

Huangcuo and Huandao Road Seaside

Cycle or stroll along Huandao Road by the beach, enjoying sea breezes, coastal parks, and photo stops at modern landmarks.

Xiamen University

Explore one of China’s most attractive campuses, with lakes, gardens, and a backdrop of green hills near the coast.

Nanputuo Temple Area

Climb the trails behind the historic complex for sweeping views over Xiamen’s skyline and harbour from the hillside pavilions.

Jimei School Village

Visit this educational district with distinctive buildings, waterfront promenades, and quiet streets ideal for an evening walk.

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Escape into a vast hillside garden filled with themed plant areas, rock formations, and peaceful walking paths.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Xiamen’s buses and metro lines connect the main ferry terminals, university area, and newer districts efficiently. Taxis and ride-hailing services are useful for shorter hops or late-night journeys, while cycling along designated seaside paths offers a scenic way to cover shorter distances.

Local life & culture
Life in Xiamen is closely tied to the sea, with residents gathering along promenades in the early morning and evening. Neighbourhoods blend restored historic buildings with contemporary cafes, galleries, and small performance spaces, giving you many chances to experience local creativity up close.

Where to unwind
Coastal parks and tree-lined lakes provide quiet spaces for walks, gentle exercise, or simply watching the city go by. Visit the seaside in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and soft light, or head to hilltop viewpoints at dusk to watch the city lights emerge below.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
Xiamen is known for its coastal flavours, with many small eateries serving noodle dishes, seafood snacks, and freshly made pastries. You will find clusters of traditional stalls and small shops around older neighbourhoods, busy in the mornings and evenings.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and new commercial areas bring together local and regional cuisines in one place, convenient if you want to try a variety of dishes. Many restaurants offer sharing portions, making it easy to sample several flavours in a single meal with family or friends.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant overlooking the waterfront, university district, or harbour skyline. Higher floors of select hotels and standalone venues near the coast provide wide views, especially striking at sunset or when the city is lit up at night.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls in Xiamen house international brands, cinemas, and lifestyle stores under one roof, often linked directly to metro or bus stops. These centres double as social spaces, with cafes and open atriums where people meet, shop, and spend an afternoon indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Older commercial streets and smaller markets are the best places to look for local snacks, handicrafts, and independent labels. Areas around Zhongshan Road, the ferry terminals, and creative districts on Gulangyu Island offer small shops ideal for picking up distinctive gifts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, pedestrian streets and waterfront promenades stay lively, with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening stores. Night-time strolls combine browsing, people-watching, and relaxed snacking, and frequent public transport services make it easy to return to your hotel when you are ready.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring breeze season (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Xiamen is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F). You can expect fresh greenery, blooming parks, and pleasant conditions for walking by the sea or exploring historic streets.

Summer coastal season (June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with typical temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). It is a lively time to enjoy the beachfront, evening walks along Huandao Road, and vibrant outdoor activities, especially near the water.

Autumn and winter calm (October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter are cooler and drier, with temperatures usually ranging from 12–20°C (54–68°F). Clear days and softer sunlight make this a good period for sightseeing, hill walks, and relaxed exploration without strong heat.

Frequently Asked Questions