Xiamen is a coastal city known for leafy boulevards, waterfront promenades, and the historic island of Gulangyu just offshore. You will find a relaxed pace, sea views, and architecture that blends old villas with modern towers.
Discover Xiamen
Discover Xiamen
Why visit Xiamen?
What to expect
Expect a compact city framed by hills and harbour, with walkable streets, seaside paths, and ferry links to nearby islands. Neighbourhoods range from lively university districts to quieter historic quarters lined with well-preserved buildings.
Plan your trip
Xiamen works well as a short coastal city escape or as a starting point to explore Fujian, from tulou earthen villages to nearby islands. With good air, rail, and ferry links, it is a practical base for wider regional travel.
Top sights in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
Take the short ferry to Gulangyu to wander car-free lanes, visit historic villas, and enjoy harbour views from hilltop lookouts.
Xiamen University and Furong Tunnel
Stroll through leafy Xiamen University and walk the Furong Tunnel, where colourful murals and street art brighten the walls.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Explore Zhongshan Road for historic facades, local snacks, and evening lights along one of the citys busiest promenades.
Huandao Road Coastal Walkway
Cycle or walk along Huandao Road to enjoy long sea views, beaches, and landscaped paths that curve around Xiamens coastline.
Nanputuo Temple Area
Visit the Nanputuo Temple area for traditional architecture and then hike the nearby hill paths for sweeping views over the city and sea.
Experience Xiamens everyday rhythm
Getting around
Move easily around Xiamen using the metro, buses, and affordable taxis or ride-hailing for shorter hops. For a scenic perspective, hire a bicycle along Huandao Road or the seafront, then explore compact neighbourhoods on foot for the last stretch.
Local life & culture
You will notice a laid-back coastal lifestyle, with residents gathering in parks, dancing in public squares, and practising tai chi along the water. University areas and creative districts add a younger energy with galleries, studios, and small live-music venues.
Where to unwind
Head to the seaside parks and beaches along the ring road for sea breeze and sunset views, or find shaded spots in campus gardens and neighbourhood squares. Early mornings and late afternoons are the calmest times for walks, jogs, or quiet reading outdoors.
A taste of Xiamen
Street food & local specialties
Sample local staples such as peanut soup, oyster omelettes, and satay noodles at small eateries and snack stalls around Zhongshan Road, neighbourhood lanes near the ferry piers, and the streets of Gulangyu.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Find convenient casual dining in city malls and around university districts, where you can choose from local Fujian flavours, pan-Chinese favourites, and international options, with modest portions that make it easy to try several dishes.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants with harbour views, rooftop terraces, or locations on Gulangyu offering glimpses of the city skyline while you dine on fresh seafood and regional specialities.
Retail therapy in Xiamen
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central shopping centres in Xiamen bring together international labels, local brands, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment, making them easy places to spend an afternoon or evening in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Explore streets off Zhongshan Road, creative clusters near the university, and smaller neighbourhood markets for handmade crafts, local snacks packaged as gifts, and independent designers.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets glow with signs and late-opening stores, while small markets and snack lanes grow livelier. Convenient metro and bus links make it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel at night.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F) and lower humidity, ideal for walking and coastal views. Summer (June to September, peak season) is hot and humid, with averages around 26–32°C (79–90°F) and occasional heavy showers, but long daylight hours for beach and outdoor activities. Autumn and early winter (October to February, low season) are cooler and drier, with temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F), fewer crowds, and clearer air, though evenings can feel chilly by the sea.