Flights from Manila (MNL) to Xiamen (XMN)

About Xiamen

Discover Xiamen

Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is a coastal city known for its tree-lined streets, waterfront promenades, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. You will find a blend of historic architecture, university energy, and modern creative spaces that makes the city feel both welcoming and distinctive.

What to expect
The compact city centre stretches along the harbour, with leafy Xiamen University, the cafés of Zengcuo’an, and the ferry to nearby islands all within easy reach. Wide pavements, coastal cycle paths, and a mild climate make it pleasant to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Plan your trip
Xiamen works well as a short city break or as part of a wider journey through southern China. From here, you can connect to nearby islands, visit Fujian’s inland landscapes, or simply slow down and enjoy the city’s waterfront parks and coastal views.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Take the ferry to this car-free island to wander among historic villas, leafy lanes, and sea-view promenades.

Xiamen University

Stroll through one of China’s most picturesque campuses, with lakes, gardens, and views towards the sea.

Huandao Road Coastal Walk

Follow the long seaside road and boardwalk that curve around Xiamen’s coastline, ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling.

Zengcuo’an Village

Explore this lively neighbourhood of narrow alleys, cafés, and small guesthouses close to the beach.

Nanputuo Temple Area

Visit the historic complex and then climb the nearby hill for panoramic views over the city and coastline.

Botanical Garden of Xiamen

Escape into a vast hillside garden with themed plant collections, ponds, and shaded walking trails.

Xiamen Island Ring Road Beaches

Relax on sandy stretches along the island’s ring road, popular for kite flying, beach games, and sunset views.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Enjoy an evening walk along this historic shopping street lined with arcaded buildings and bright signage.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Xiamen is easy to navigate using its modern bus network and convenient metro lines for longer journeys across the island. Taxis and app-based rides are widely available for direct trips, while coastal cycle paths and wide pavements make walking or cycling ideal for short distances.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Xiamen often centres on the waterfront, university areas, and leafy neighbourhood parks. You will notice an active outdoor culture, with residents walking, dancing, or exercising in the open air. Creative districts and compact side streets reveal independent cafés, galleries, and small cultural venues.

Where to unwind
For a quiet break, head to the city’s coastal parks, the botanical garden, or the breezy promenades along Huandao Road. Mornings are calm and ideal for gentle walks, while late afternoons and early evenings offer soft light and cooler temperatures, perfect for enjoying sea views and open spaces.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
Xiamen is known for its coastal flavours, with snacks and noodle dishes found in busy streets around Zhongshan Road and older residential lanes. Small stalls serve seafood-rich broths, dumplings, and local snacks that are easy to try as you explore the city on foot.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find convenient casual dining in shopping centres and modern districts across the island, where restaurants serve a mix of regional Chinese dishes and international favourites. Many places offer smaller plates or sharing portions, making it easy to sample several flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose restaurants that overlook the harbour, coastal roads, or city skyline. Seafront venues and higher-floor dining rooms make the most of Xiamen’s island setting, turning a relaxed lunch or dinner into a scenic highlight of your trip.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Xiamen offers modern malls with international brands, local labels, and entertainment all under one roof. These lifestyle centres often include cinemas, restaurants, and family-friendly facilities, making them convenient places to spend a few hours in comfort.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local feel, visit streets around Zhongshan Road, Zengcuo’an, and neighbourhood lanes near the university. Here you can look for small boutiques, creative studios, and shops selling crafts, accessories, and design-focused souvenirs that reflect the city’s coastal character.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and commercial districts light up with signs, music, and a steady flow of pedestrians. Smaller markets and side streets feel more atmospheric in the evening, when the air is cooler. Well-connected public transport and taxis make it easy to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring season (Chun)
From March to May, Xiamen enjoys mild spring weather with average temperatures around 18–23°C (64–73°F). This shoulder season offers comfortable conditions for walking, coastal cycling, and exploring parks, with greener landscapes and generally pleasant humidity.

Summer season (Xia)
June to September brings warm, humid weather, with temperatures often between 26–31°C (79–88°F). This peak season suits travellers who enjoy lively evenings by the waterfront, longer daylight hours, and the city’s beaches and coastal promenades at their most vibrant.

Autumn and winter season (Qiu and Dong)
From October to February, temperatures are typically 13–20°C (55–68°F) and the air feels fresher. This low season can be calmer, ideal if you prefer quieter streets, relaxed sightseeing, and spending time in parks, gardens, and historic neighbourhoods without the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions