Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Xiamen (XMN)

About Xiamen

Discover Xiamen

Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is a coastal city known for its leafy streets, waterfront promenades, and well-preserved heritage districts. You will find a relaxed atmosphere, fresh sea breezes, and a blend of traditional architecture and modern café culture.

What to expect
Set across the water from Gulangyu Island, Xiamen offers scenic harbour views, compact neighbourhoods, and an easygoing pace. Wide boulevards, university districts, and a lively seafront make it simple to combine sightseeing with quiet moments in parks and along the shore.

Plan your trip
Xiamen is a convenient base for exploring the wider Fujian coastline and nearby islands. With efficient transport connections, you can pair time in the city with excursions to coastal viewpoints, tea-growing hills, and other destinations across southern China.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Stroll car-free lanes, historic villas, and seaside paths on this island known for its architecture and coastal views.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Walk this bustling shopping street lined with historic façades, local snacks, and evening lights.

Xiamen University

Explore one of China’s most picturesque campuses, with scenic lakes, traditional-style buildings, and ocean views.

Hulishan Fortress

Visit this hilltop fort for coastal panoramas, old military installations, and a glimpse into Xiamen’s maritime history.

Huandao Road Coastal Scenic Belt

Cycle or walk along this coastal road, enjoying beaches, sea views, and landscaped parks.

Nanputuo Scenic Area

Climb the nearby hills for walking trails, viewpoints over the city, and tranquil gardens.

Shapowei Art Zone

Discover a revitalised harbour district filled with small galleries, cafés, and colourful street art-style façades.

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Wander themed gardens and rocky hillsides with viewpoints overlooking the urban skyline and harbour.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Xiamen’s public buses and metro lines are the most efficient way to move between the ferry terminal, university area, and newer districts. For shorter hops, taxis and app-based rides are easy to find. Walking along the waterfront and compact central streets is ideal for your last mile.

Local life & culture
The city’s pace is relaxed, with residents gathering in parks, along seafront promenades, and in university neighbourhoods. You will notice people enjoying music, dancing, and simple outdoor activities in the evenings, especially around popular squares and open spaces.

Where to unwind
Head to the coastal parks and beaches along Huandao Road for sea air and open views. In the cooler parts of the day, early morning and late afternoon, these areas are ideal for gentle walks, cycling, or simply sitting on a bench to watch the changing light over the water.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
Xiamen is known for seafood and comforting noodle dishes, often enjoyed in small eateries tucked into side streets. Around Zhongshan Road and the older neighbourhoods, you will find stalls and simple shops serving snacks that reflect the city’s coastal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In commercial districts and shopping malls, you can choose from contemporary cafés, international chains, and relaxed restaurants. Menus often feature sharing plates and modest portions, so you can sample several dishes with friends or family in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable setting, look for restaurants with harbour or skyline views, particularly along the waterfront and in higher-floor venues. Dining near the sea lets you combine local flavours with the atmosphere of the bay, especially as the city lights come on in the evening.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Xiamen’s central malls bring together international brands, local designers, and entertainment options under one roof. These lifestyle centres are popular meeting places where you can shop, dine, and pause for coffee between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
For something more distinctive, explore streets around Zhongshan Road, Shapowei, and older residential districts, where small boutiques and workshops showcase regional crafts and creative labels. Here you can discover keepsakes, accessories, and design items that reflect the city’s coastal character.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and selected malls stay lively with illuminated façades and a relaxed evening crowd. Night-time browsing is a pleasant way to cool down after a day outdoors, and public transport and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel once you are finished.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring season (chunji)
From March to May, Xiamen enjoys mild, comfortable weather with average temperatures around 18–23°C (64–73°F). This shoulder season brings blooming parks and pleasant walking conditions, ideal for exploring Gulangyu Island and coastal promenades.

Summer season (shuji)
June to September is warm and humid, with temperatures typically 26–32°C (79–90°F). This peak season suits travellers who enjoy long daylight hours, lively evenings, and time by the sea, with the option to retreat to air-conditioned malls and cafés during the hotter hours.

Autumn and winter season (qiutian & dongji)
From October to February, conditions are cooler and generally dry, with averages around 13–20°C (55–68°F). This low season offers crisp days, quieter attractions, and clear views from hilltop viewpoints, making it a pleasant time for relaxed city walks and outdoor photography.

Frequently Asked Questions