Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Xiamen (XMN)

About Xiamen

Discover Xiamen

Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is a breezy coastal city known for its waterfront promenades, leafy streets, and historic architecture on nearby Gulangyu Island. You can expect a relaxed maritime feel, sea views at every turn, and a blend of traditional streets and contemporary skyline.

What to expect
The city stretches along the water, with ferry links to offshore islands and a modern core of shopping streets and cafés. Popular areas such as Gulangyu and Zhongshan Road invite you to wander past restored mansions, lively promenades, and viewpoints that showcase the bay.

Plan your trip
Xiamen is an easy-going base for exploring the wider Fujian coastline and nearby inland landscapes. With a well-connected airport, rail links, and ferry services to islands and neighbouring cities, it works well as both a standalone break and the starting point for a longer journey in the region.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Take the short ferry ride to this car-free island of historic villas, hilltop viewpoints, and waterfront paths.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Stroll along this lively shopping street lined with historic façades, local snacks, and after-dark lights.

Xiamen University and surroundings

Explore one of China’s most scenic campuses, with leafy avenues, lakes, and easy access to nearby seaside walks.

Hulishan Fortress

Visit this coastal fortress for sea views, old military structures, and a glimpse of Xiamen’s maritime history.

Island Ring Road

Cycle or walk stretches of this coastal route to enjoy long beaches, sea breezes, and wide-open views of the bay.

Botanical Garden of Xiamen

Wander through themed gardens and rocky hillsides with city and harbour vistas along the walking trails.

Bailuzhou Park

Relax in this central waterfront park, popular for evening strolls, skyline views, and quiet corners by the water.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily around Xiamen using buses, metro lines, and readily available taxis for longer hops. For coastal views, hire a bicycle along the Island Ring Road or enjoy a ferry ride to Gulangyu. Walking works well in the central districts for your final stretch.

Local life & culture
Life in Xiamen often centres on the waterfront, green parks, and lively streets where people gather to stroll and socialise. Around Zhongshan Road and the older neighbourhoods, you will see a mix of historic buildings and modern cafés, reflecting the city’s long-standing maritime links.

Where to unwind
For quiet moments, head to the botanical garden, hillside parks, or beaches that frame the island. Early mornings offer fresh sea air and calmer paths, while evenings bring cooler temperatures and gentle breezes along the promenades, ideal for a relaxed end to your day.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
You will find local snacks and seafood dishes along Zhongshan Road and in lanes near the ferry terminals. Small eateries and stalls serve quick bites that reflect Xiamen’s coastal character, making it easy to sample different flavours in a single walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern malls and commercial districts across Xiamen offer a mix of local and international restaurants, cafés, and bakeries. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller portions, so you can try several dishes with your travel companions in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose restaurants with views of the harbour, beaches, or city skyline. Waterfront venues and higher floors of select hotels provide a sense of occasion, where you can enjoy carefully prepared dishes framed by wide windows and evening lights.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Xiamen’s modern shopping centres bring together international brands, local boutiques, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These malls are comfortable places to spend a few hours, with air-conditioned walkways and plenty of cafés for a break between stores.

Markets & local crafts
In older neighbourhoods and streets around Zhongshan Road and Gulangyu, you can browse small shops for souvenirs, crafts, and locally inspired designs. Neighbourhood districts combine everyday shops with independent stores, giving you a sense of how residents shop and socialise.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, central shopping streets and some markets stay bright and lively, with illuminated façades and extended opening hours. You can easily reach these areas by metro, bus, or taxi, allowing you to make the most of Xiamen’s relaxed evening atmosphere.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring season (chun tian, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Xiamen is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F). Flowers brighten the city’s parks, humidity is manageable, and coastal walks are particularly pleasant in the mornings and late afternoons.

Summer season (xia tian, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with temperatures typically between 26–32°C (79–90°F). This is a lively period for beach visits and evening strolls along the waterfront, when sea breezes help keep outdoor activities enjoyable.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong ji, October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter are generally mild, with average temperatures from 13–22°C (55–72°F). Clearer skies and comfortable daytime conditions make it a good time for city walks, park visits, and exploring Gulangyu without strong heat.

Frequently Asked Questions