Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Xiamen (XMN)

About Xiamen

Discover Xiamen

Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is a coastal city known for its leafy streets, waterfront promenades, and a relaxed maritime atmosphere. Historic architecture, island views, and modern districts blend to create a destination that feels both scenic and contemporary.

What to expect
You can explore elegant streets on Gulangyu Island, wander university boulevards, and enjoy long seafront walks along landscaped bays. Neighbourhoods mix restored heritage buildings with sleek towers, while parks and pedestrian areas make the city feel open and easy to navigate.

Plan your trip
Xiamen is a comfortable base for discovering the wider Fujian coastline and nearby islands. With a well-connected airport and reliable transport, it works well for both short getaways and longer journeys through the region.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Stroll car-free streets lined with historic villas, leafy gardens, and viewpoints looking back to Xiamen’s skyline.

Xiamen University

Walk through one of China’s most scenic campuses, with lakes, lawns, and sea views framed by traditional-style buildings.

Huandao Road Coastal Belt

Cycle or walk along this long seaside road, with sandy beaches, sculptures, and rest spots overlooking the water.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Explore a lively avenue of restored shophouses, boutiques, and snack stalls that comes alive after dark.

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Escape into a large hillside garden featuring themed plant areas, ponds, and shaded walking paths.

Shapowei Art Zone

Discover colourful street-facing studios, small galleries, and cafes in a regenerated harbour neighbourhood.

Jimei School Village

Visit an education district known for its distinctive architecture, lakeside setting, and landscaped promenades.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Xiamen’s bus and metro network connects the airport, city centre, and ferry terminals efficiently. Taxis and app-based rides are easy to find for shorter hops, while rental bikes along Huandao Road offer a scenic way to cover the coastline and reach beaches and viewpoints.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Xiamen centres on tree-lined streets, waterfront promenades, and compact neighbourhoods with a strong community feel. University districts, creative quarters, and older residential lanes sit side by side, offering a gentle introduction to local routines and a relaxed city pace.

Where to unwind
You can unwind on sandy stretches along the island’s coast, or find quiet corners in parks and gardens dotted through the city. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant times for seaside walks, when the light softens and the temperature is more comfortable.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
Xiamen is known for seafood-focused snacks, warming soups, and small bites sold from casual eateries and counters. Around Zhongshan Road and older neighbourhood streets, you will find many simple spots where you can sample local flavours in a laid-back setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and newer developments offer convenient dining with a mix of regional Chinese kitchens and international options. Food courts and mid-range restaurants often serve smaller sharing plates, making it easy to try several dishes in one meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, consider restaurants with views towards Gulangyu Island or along the Huandao coastal belt. High-floor venues and waterfront terraces let you pair your meal with city lights or sea breezes, creating a relaxed setting for an evening out.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Xiamen’s main malls combine international brands, cinemas, and dining, creating easy all-weather stops during your stay. These centres often include lifestyle stores and family-friendly entertainment, making them convenient meeting points for mixed groups.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and local labels, explore streets branching off Zhongshan Road and creative districts such as Shapowei. Here you will find independent shops, design studios, and stalls selling crafts, accessories, and small homeware pieces to take home as keepsakes.

Evening retail scene
After dark, busy shopping streets glow with signs and window displays, and many stores stay open into the evening. Night-time strolls through the central districts let you browse at a slower pace, with public transport and taxis making it simple to return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring season (chun ji, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Xiamen is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures around 18–23°C (64–73°F). Flowers bloom in parks and on campus grounds, and light layers are usually enough for exploring coastal paths and city streets.

Summer season (xia ji, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with temperatures typically between 26–32°C (79–90°F). This is an inviting time for beach visits, island trips, and evening walks along the waterfront, when sea breezes help keep you comfortable outdoors.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong ji, October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter are generally cool to mild, with averages from 12–20°C (54–68°F). Clearer days and softer light make sightseeing pleasant, and lighter visitor numbers mean popular spots and coastal promenades can feel especially relaxed.

Frequently Asked Questions