Xiamen blends leafy coastal boulevards, colonial-era streets, and island views with a relaxed, maritime feel. You find a modern city that still moves at an easy, walkable pace.
Discover Xiamen
Discover Xiamen
Why visit Xiamen?
What to expect
Expect tree-lined promenades, a compact historic quarter, and the car-free charm of nearby Gulangyu Island. The city feels liveable and human-scale, with the sea never far away.
Plan your trip
Use Xiamen as a base to explore Fujian, from coastal villages to famous tulou earthen dwellings inland. Its efficient transport links make it an easy gateway to the wider region.
Top sights in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
Take a short ferry to this car-free island of mansion-lined lanes, hilltop viewpoints, and restored villas overlooking the harbour.
Nanputuo Temple and Wulao Peaks
Wander through historic halls at the foot of rocky hills, then hike up to the Wulao Peaks for wide views over Xiamen and the sea.
Zhongshan Road pedestrian street
Stroll beneath old arcades along this lively shopping and eating street, where restored façades glow after dark.
Xiamen University and coastal boardwalk
Enjoy leafy campus avenues before continuing to the seaside boardwalk, where you can walk or cycle with open views of the bay.
Huandao Road coastal drive
Circle much of the island by following Huandao Road, stopping at beaches, lookouts, and parks along the waterfront.
Overseas Chinese Museum
Learn how migrants from this region shaped communities across Southeast Asia through artefacts, photos, and personal stories.
Day trip to Fujian tulou
Join an organised excursion inland to see the circular earthen buildings of Fujian, set among rice terraces and hills.
Experience Xiamen's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use the metro and buses for longer journeys between neighbourhoods, then switch to taxis or ride-hailing for the last stretch. On Gulangyu and along the waterfront, walking is the most enjoyable way to explore.
Local life & culture
Xiamen moves at a gentle pace, with residents gathering in parks, along the seafront, and in university precincts. You see older streets and new districts side by side, with a strong connection to the sea shaping local habits.
Where to unwind
Head to seaside parks and beaches along Huandao Road for fresh air and open views, especially in the late afternoon. Early mornings are calm around Xiamen University and the lakes, ideal for a quiet walk.
A taste of Xiamen
Street food & local specialties
Look for peanut soup, seafood noodles, and oyster omelettes in streets off Zhongshan Road and on Gulangyu Island. Small stalls and traditional eateries give you an easy introduction to local Fujian flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Find convenient choices in central malls and around the university district, where cafés and contemporary restaurants serve regional dishes alongside pan-Asian and Western options, with sharing plates that make it simple to sample more.
Signature & scenic dining
Seek out restaurants overlooking the harbour, beaches, or city skyline for a memorable evening, pairing fresh seafood with wide coastal views.
Retail therapy in Xiamen
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central shopping centres near the harbour and in newer districts bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and casual dining, making them easy places to spend an afternoon.
Markets & local crafts
Explore streets off Zhongshan Road, parts of Gulangyu Island, and smaller neighbourhood markets for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local snacks to take home.
Evening retail scene
After dark, Zhongshan Road and nearby lanes light up with shops and stalls, creating a relaxed evening stroll. Buses, metro services, and taxis keep these areas within easy reach.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather, around 18–24°C (64–75°F), with comfortable humidity. Summer peak season (June to September) is hot and humid, often 26–32°C (79–90°F), with occasional rain showers. Autumn and winter low season (October to February) are cooler and drier, about 12–20°C (54–68°F), making city walks and day trips feel crisp and pleasant.