Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Xiamen (XMN)

About Xiamen

Discover Xiamen

Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen is a coastal city known for its leafy streets, seaside promenades, and historic architecture on nearby islands. You can expect a relaxed, liveable atmosphere that combines university-town energy with a strong seafaring heritage.

What to expect
The compact city centre is easy to explore, with waterfront parks, low-rise districts, and lively café streets. Across the water, Gulangyu Island offers grand mansions and scenic viewpoints, while newer districts add modern skylines and cultural venues.

Plan your trip
Xiamen works well as a standalone city break or as part of a wider journey through southern China. Its port and rail links make it a convenient gateway to Fujian province, coastal towns, and the inland tea-growing hills.

Top sights in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Stroll car-free streets lined with historic villas, coastal viewpoints, and small museums on this UNESCO-listed island just off Xiamen.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Walk this busy shopping street to see traditional façades, sample local snacks, and experience Xiamen after dark.

Xiamen University

Explore one of China’s most attractive university campuses, framed by hills and sea, with leafy avenues and lakeside paths.

Hulishan Fortress

Discover coastal defences from the late 19th century, with sea views and preserved artillery overlooking the shoreline.

Baicheng Beach

Relax on the sand near Xiamen University, watching local life unfold along the waterfront and boardwalks.

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Wander landscaped gardens and rocky hillsides dotted with viewpoints over the city and harbour.

Shapowei Art Zone

Visit converted warehouses and backstreets filled with small galleries, cafés, and creative studios near the waterfront.

Experience Xiamen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Xiamen’s bus and metro network covers most main districts, with taxis and ride-hailing services useful for shorter hops or late evenings. Walking is enjoyable along the waterfront and in older neighbourhoods, while short ferry rides link the city with Gulangyu Island.

Local life & culture
Life in Xiamen tends to flow at an easy pace, with residents gathering along seafront promenades, campus parks, and small squares. Creative districts and university areas add a youthful feel, and you will often see people practising music, dance, or exercise in public spaces.

Where to unwind
Seaside paths, beaches, and hillside parks offer plenty of calm corners to pause during the day. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly pleasant for a gentle walk, when temperatures ease and the light softens over the harbour and islands.

A taste of Xiamen

Street food & local specialties
You will find many local snacks and seafood dishes in the streets around Zhongshan Road and older harbour areas. Small stalls and family-run eateries serve noodles, fresh catches, and classic Fujian flavours throughout the day and late into the evening.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and newer commercial districts offer casual restaurants, cafés, and bakeries with both regional and international menus. Many venues serve smaller plates or sharing dishes, making it easy to try a variety of flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable settings, consider restaurants overlooking the waterfront, beaches, or Xiamen’s modern skyline. Some hotels and high-floor venues offer wide harbour views, so you can enjoy local cuisine while watching ships and ferries move across the bay.

Retail therapy in Xiamen

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Xiamen has several modern malls where you can find international fashion, lifestyle brands, cinemas, and indoor family activities. These complexes often combine shopping with dining and leisure, making them convenient meeting points in the city.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and independent designers, explore streets branching off Zhongshan Road, parts of Shapowei, and older neighbourhood lanes. Here you can look for simple souvenirs, accessories, and locally inspired crafts in a more relaxed setting.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, illuminated shopfronts and pedestrian streets give Xiamen a lively but unhurried evening atmosphere. Many malls and main shopping areas stay open into the night, and public transport and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel when you are ready.

Best time to visit Xiamen

Spring breeze (March to May, shoulder season): Average temperatures range from 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F), with mild air and fresh greenery in parks and hillsides. It is a comfortable time for walking tours, coastal views, and exploring Gulangyu Island at a relaxed pace.

Summer coast (June to September, peak season): Temperatures typically sit between 26°C and 32°C (79°F to 90°F), with warm, humid days and occasional showers. This season suits travellers who enjoy beach visits, evening strolls by the sea, and the lively summer atmosphere along the waterfront.

Autumn and mild winter (October to February, low season): Expect 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F), with generally dry, clear days and softer sunshine. It is a good period for hill walks, city sightseeing, and enjoying quieter streets and viewpoints while still experiencing Xiamen’s coastal charm.

Frequently Asked Questions