Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Xiamen (XMN)

About Xiamen

Discover Xiamen

Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is a relaxed coastal city known for its leafy streets, seafront promenades, and historic islands. You will find a blend of maritime heritage, modern creativity, and a mild climate that makes exploring its bays and boulevards feel unhurried.

What to expect
The city centres around Xiamen Island, with Gulangyu Island, beachside parks, and university districts adding character. Wide waterfront paths, café-lined streets, and restored colonial-era buildings create a walkable environment, while nearby hills offer views over the harbour and out to sea.

Plan your trip
Xiamen works well as a standalone coastal escape or as part of a wider journey through Fujian. It is a convenient base for visiting nearby tulou villages, coastal fishing towns, and inland tea-growing areas, with efficient rail links making onward travel straightforward.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Stroll car-free lanes, admire historic villas, and enjoy sea views on this heritage island just off Xiamen Island.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Explore a lively shopping street lined with traditional arcades, snack stalls, and restored façades after sunset.

Xiamen University and Furong Tunnel

Walk through one of China’s most scenic campuses, then see colourful murals along the nearby Furong Tunnel.

Hulishan Fortress

Discover coastal military history and enjoy sweeping views of the sea from the fortress ramparts and gun batteries.

Huandao Road Coastal Greenway

Cycle or walk along this long seafront route that links beaches, parks, and viewpoints around Xiamen Island.

Jimei School Village

Visit a distinctive educational district with elegant architecture, lakeside paths, and waterside promenades.

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Escape into landscaped gardens and rock formations set on a hillside above the city for a peaceful morning or evening walk.

Zengcuoan Village

Wander through compact lanes near the beach filled with small cafés, guesthouses, and creative boutiques.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Buses and the metro are the most efficient ways to move between Xiamen’s main districts and the ferry terminals. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well for shorter hops or late-night returns. Along the coast, consider renting a bicycle for relaxed rides between beaches and parks.

Local life & culture
Xiamen’s pace is unhurried, with residents spending time on seafront promenades, in university quarters, and around creative neighbourhoods. You will notice a strong maritime character, from harbourside scenes to island life, alongside a growing arts community that uses former warehouses and older streets as exhibition and performance spaces.

Where to unwind
The city’s beaches and coastal greenways are ideal for sunrise walks, quiet daytime breaks, and evening sea breezes. Hillside parks and botanical gardens offer shaded trails and viewpoints above the harbour. As the temperature softens in late afternoon, waterfront squares and open-air seating areas become calm places to pause and watch the city unwind.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
Xiamen is known for snacks such as seafood-based soups, peanut-flavoured treats, and noodle dishes, often enjoyed around Zhongshan Road and older residential streets. Small stalls and simple eateries make it easy to try several local bites in one walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts and shopping centres you will find a mix of Fujian flavours, wider Chinese cuisines, and international options. Malls and integrated lifestyle complexes bring together cafés, dessert shops, and restaurants, so you can sample different dishes in one convenient stop.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose venues overlooking the harbour, beaches, or leafy university areas. Some restaurants on higher floors or by the waterfront offer broad views of the coastline and city lights, turning dinner into a relaxed way to take in Xiamen’s skyline and sea.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping malls across Xiamen bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These centres act as social spaces, where you can combine shopping with dining, coffee breaks, and indoor activities in a comfortable environment.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main malls, you will find streets and small markets that focus on regional snacks, souvenirs, and creative products. Areas around Zhongshan Road, Zengcuoan Village, and older neighbourhoods are good for browsing independent shops and stalls for gifts to take home.

Evening retail scene
After dark, Xiamen’s shopping streets and waterfront areas become pleasantly illuminated, with many stores and snack stalls staying open into the evening. Night-time promenades pair well with browsing smaller shops, and public transport and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel when you are finished.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring warmth (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Xiamen is mild, with average temperatures around 18–23°C (64–73°F). You can expect comfortable conditions for walking the seafront and visiting parks, with fresh greenery and softer light that is ideal for photography.

Summer by the sea (June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warmer weather, typically 26–31°C (79–88°F), and a more vibrant coastal atmosphere. Longer daylight hours make it easy to enjoy beaches, evening strolls, and island excursions, with sea breezes helping to keep outdoor activities pleasant.

Autumn and winter breezes (October to February, low season)
From autumn into winter, temperatures generally range from 13–21°C (55–70°F). Cooler, clearer days create good conditions for sightseeing and cycling, while the city feels a little calmer, making it appealing if you prefer a quieter coastal escape.

Frequently Asked Questions