Flights from Paris (CDG) 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 island districts. You will find a blend of waterfront scenery, heritage architecture, and modern urban comforts that make it easy to explore at an unhurried pace.

What to expect
The city stretches along the shoreline, with views across the harbour and a compact centre that feels walkable and welcoming. Neighbourhoods range from restored historic quarters to contemporary business districts, linked by scenic roads, parks, and a network of pedestrian-friendly areas.

Plan your trip
Xiamen works well as a stand-alone city break or as a starting point for exploring the wider Fujian coast. With good transport links to nearby towns and islands, you can combine urban sightseeing with short excursions, while enjoying the convenience of a modern, well-organised city.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Wander car-free lanes lined with historic mansions, gardens, and coastal viewpoints on this charming offshore island.

Xiamen University

Stroll through one of China’s most picturesque campuses, set between green hills and the sea, with tranquil lakes and leafy paths.

Zengcuoan Village

Explore a maze of narrow streets filled with small cafés, creative studios, and colourful guesthouses near the shoreline.

Huandao Road Coastal Belt

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

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Discover diverse plant collections, rock formations, and shaded walking trails in a large garden set against a hillside backdrop.

Nanputuo Temple Area

Visit this historic complex area for its impressive halls, stone carvings, and hillside viewpoints over Xiamen and the bay.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Walk down a lively shopping street lined with traditional-style façades, local snack stalls, and bright evening lights.

Bailuzhou Park

Relax around the lakes and open lawns of this central park, popular for gentle evening walks and skyline views.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Xiamen’s bus and rapid transit systems are the most efficient ways to move between key districts, with clear routes linking the island and mainland. For a slower, scenic perspective, try cycling sections of the coastal road. Taxis and app-based rides are useful for the final leg of your journey.

Local life & culture
Life in Xiamen often centres on the waterfront, leafy campuses, and sociable public spaces. You will see residents enjoying outdoor music, leisurely strolls, and gatherings in parks and along promenades. Historic streets and regenerated neighbourhoods add a creative, small-scale feel to many parts of the city.

Where to unwind
The city offers many places to slow down, from tree-lined university grounds to hillside gardens and sea-facing parks. Early mornings bring calmer paths and softer light along the coast, while late afternoons are ideal for watching the sun sink over the water from promenades and viewpoints.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
Xiamen is known for its seafood and coastal snacks, often found in busy alleys and small local eateries. Areas near Zhongshan Road and older neighbourhoods offer compact streets where you can sample small plates and sweet or savoury bites as you walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts and shopping centres, you will find a wide mix of casual restaurants serving regional, pan-Asian, and international flavours. Many venues focus on sharing dishes, which makes it easy to try different tastes across a single meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants overlooking the harbour or elevated spots facing the city skyline. Some hotels and stand-alone venues offer refined dining rooms with wide windows, where you can enjoy carefully prepared menus alongside sweeping coastal views.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Xiamen features modern malls that combine international brands, local labels, and lifestyle facilities under one roof. These centres often include cinemas, casual dining, and family-friendly entertainment, making them convenient places to spend a few relaxed hours.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the malls, older shopping streets host small boutiques, crafts, and souvenir shops. Districts around Zhongshan Road, Zengcuoan, and neighbourhood lanes near the waterfront are good areas to browse for locally inspired designs, accessories, and decorative pieces.

Evening retail scene
As night falls, many shopping streets light up with bright signs and an easy-going atmosphere. Small stalls and late-opening shops add to the sense of activity, especially in central districts. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel after shopping.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring season (chunji)
From March to May, Xiamen enjoys mild, comfortable weather, with average temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F). This shoulder season brings blossoming greenery and pleasant conditions for walking and cycling along the coast.

Summer season (xiajì)
June to September is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 26–32°C (79–90°F). It is peak season, ideal if you enjoy lively beaches, extended daylight, and the city’s full programme of outdoor activities.

Autumn and winter season (qiujì and dongji)
From October to February, weather is cooler and drier, with typical temperatures of 12–22°C (54–72°F). This low season offers clearer air, gentler sunshine, and quieter attractions, making sightseeing and day trips feel calm and unhurried.

Frequently Asked Questions