Xiamen is a coastal city known for its leafy waterfront promenades, historic architecture, and relaxed pace. You can enjoy island scenery, creative neighbourhoods, and a pleasant subtropical climate almost all year.
Discover Xiamen
Discover Xiamen
Why visit Xiamen?
What to expect
You will find wide boulevards, clean beaches, and a compact city centre linked by an efficient bus and metro network. Historic Gulangyu Island sits just offshore, while university districts and creative parks bring a young, artistic energy.
Plan your trip
Xiamen works well as a standalone city break or as a gateway to Fujian, from the round earthen Tulou villages inland to coastal towns nearby. Plan time for both the city and one or two day trips into the surrounding countryside.
Top sights in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
Take the short ferry to this car-free island to wander winding lanes, colonial-era villas, and hilltop viewpoints overlooking Xiamen and the bay.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Stroll this lively historic street lined with arcaded shophouses, local snacks, and boutiques, especially atmospheric in the evening light.
Xiamen University and Huandaolu coastal walk
Walk through the leafy campus of Xiamen University, then follow the nearby Huandaolu coastal road for sea views and photo stops.
Nanputuo Temple and Wulao Peak
Explore the historic temple complex at the foot of the hills, then hike up the granite paths of Wulao Peak for panoramic city and sea views.
Zengcuoan Village
Discover this former fishing village turned artsy enclave, with narrow alleys filled with cafés, guesthouses, and small galleries by the beach.
Jimei School Village and Ao Garden
Visit this scenic educational district with traditional-style buildings, lakeside paths, and the waterfront Ao Garden promenade.
Xiamen Botanical Garden
Escape into this vast garden and park area of rocky hills, cactus zones, and shaded paths ideal for a quieter side of the city.
Day trip to Fujian Tulou
Join an organised excursion inland to see the distinctive round earthen Tulou complexes set among rice terraces and tea fields.
Experience Xiamen everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use the metro and buses for most journeys between the ferry terminal, university area, and city districts. Taxis and ride-hailing work well for late evenings or direct trips, while cycling or walking the seaside promenade gives you a more leisurely view of the coast.
Local life & culture
Daily life centres on the waterfront, campus districts, and older neighbourhoods where people gather to chat, play music, and exercise. You will notice a blend of Minnan heritage, overseas Chinese influences, and a strong student presence, especially around Xiamen University and creative villages.
Where to unwind
Head to the sandy beaches along the Huandao Road coastline for sea breezes and sunset walks. Parks such as Bailuzhou and the Botanical Garden offer lakes, trees, and quiet corners, best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler.
A taste of Xiamen
Street food & local specialties
Seek out peanut soup, satay noodles, and oyster omelettes in older streets near Zhongshan Road and in Zengcuoan. Small stalls and family-run eateries serve fresh seafood and snacks that reflect Xiamen coastal roots.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new districts around the city offer everything from noodle shops to contemporary cafés and hotpot spots. Menus often feature shareable plates, so you can try several different flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose a restaurant overlooking the bay, a rooftop terrace near the ferry, or a refined venue in a restored villa on Gulangyu for a memorable evening. Many places pair sea views with fresh seafood and carefully presented regional dishes.
Retail therapy in Xiamen
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls across Xiamen house international fashion brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. They double as social spaces where you can combine shopping with dining and a relaxed coffee break.
Markets & local crafts
Browse side streets off Zhongshan Road, creative enclaves like Zengcuoan, and small boutiques on Gulangyu for handicrafts, art prints, and design pieces. These districts are ideal for finding gifts that reflect the city character.
Evening retail scene
Many streets and shopping areas stay lively into the night, with illuminated façades and late-opening stores, especially at weekends. Buses, the metro, and taxis make it easy to reach these districts and return to your hotel after dark.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather around 18–24°C (64–75°F), with comfortable humidity and blooming parks. Summer peak season (June to September) is hot and humid, typically 26–32°C (79–90°F), with occasional heavy showers. Autumn and winter low season (October to February) are cooler and drier, around 12–20°C (54–68°F), with clearer skies and fewer crowds.