Xiamen is a coastal city known for its leafy streets, harbour views, and blend of historic lanes and modern waterfront. You will find relaxed seaside charm alongside lively neighbourhoods and cultural sites.
Discover Xiamen
Discover Xiamen
Why visit Xiamen?
What to expect
Expect a compact city with easy access to the sea, well-kept promenades, and islands linked by short ferry rides. Neighbourhoods range from old districts with narrow alleys to new areas with wide boulevards and glass-fronted towers.
Plan your trip
Xiamen works well for a short city break or as a starting point to explore the wider Fujian coast. With good rail and ferry links, you can easily combine the city with nearby towns and scenic islands.
Top sights in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
Take the ferry to car-free Gulangyu Island to wander historic villas, quiet lanes, and viewpoints over Xiamen Bay.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Stroll along Zhongshan Road, a lively pedestrian street lined with historic façades, shops, and local snacks.
Xiamen University and Hulishan Fortress
Walk through the lakes and tree-lined avenues of Xiamen University, then continue to Hulishan Fortress for coastal views.
Huandao Road Coastal Scenic Area
Cycle or walk along Huandao Road, a scenic coastal strip with beaches, viewing platforms, and sea breezes.
Nanputuo Temple Area
Explore the hillside around Nanputuo, with its pavilions, ponds, and steps leading to lookouts over the city and sea.
Yundang Lake and Bay Waterfront
Follow the paths around Yundang Lake and the bayfront for calm waterside walks and evening skylines.
Jimei School Village
Visit Jimei School Village to see distinctive architectural styles and a quieter side of the city by the water.
Experience Xiamen's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use the metro and buses for most journeys between the city centre, ferry terminals, and outer districts. Taxis and ride-hailing apps help with late-night trips or when travelling with luggage, while walking and cycling give you a slower look at the waterfront and older streets.
Local life & culture
You will see residents gathering in parks, waterfront squares, and university grounds for exercise and music, especially in the early morning and evening. Older neighbourhoods offer a glimpse of traditional shopfronts and everyday routines alongside contemporary galleries and street art.
Where to unwind
Head to the beaches and coastal paths along Huandao Road for sea air and open views, best enjoyed around sunrise or sunset. Lakeside promenades and hilltop parks in and around the university area offer shaded benches and quieter corners to slow down.
A taste of Xiamen
Street food & local specialties
Seek out areas around Zhongshan Road and Gulangyu Island for street-side stalls and small eateries serving local seafood, snacks, and traditional Fujian flavours. Busy alleys and side streets often hide some of the most characterful spots.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and newer waterfront developments gather cafés, dessert bars, and casual restaurants in one place, making it easy to try different dishes in a single outing. Many menus blend regional tastes with contemporary Chinese and international options.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, choose restaurants overlooking the bay, lakefront, or city skyline, where large windows and terraces frame the water and lights. Harbourfront venues are especially atmospheric in the evening when the shore is illuminated.
Retail therapy in Xiamen
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Xiamen has modern malls with international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions under one roof. These lifestyle complexes often double as social spaces, with wide atriums, cafés, and seasonal pop-up events.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets off Zhongshan Road, parts of Gulangyu, and neighbourhoods near the old port reveal shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and everyday goods. You can browse boutiques, bookstores, and stalls for items with a regional touch.
Evening retail scene
After dark, busy commercial streets and selected night-time shopping areas light up with signs and late-opening stores. Well-connected bus, metro, and taxi services make it simple to reach these zones and return to your hotel at the end of the evening.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Spring (March to May) is a shoulder season, with mild temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F) and comfortable humidity, ideal for walking and sightseeing. Summer (June to September) is peak season, bringing warmer weather of about 26–32°C (79–90°F) and a more humid, tropical feel. Autumn and early winter (October to February) form a shoulder-to-low season, with cooler conditions near 12–20°C (54–68°F), fewer crowds, and clearer air on many days.