Xiamen Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Things to do & Itinerary | Trip.com | May 2026

About Xiamen

Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

23°C

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Xiamen Local Travel Guide 2026

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Xiamen Brief Guide

Xiamen whispers with island calm and Fujian flair. Wander Gulangyu’s car-free lanes past beautiful villas, bike coastal paths fringed with palms, and sip tieguanyin tea in century-old teahouses. Feast on peanut soup and oyster omelets at dawn markets, then ferry to hidden beaches on Xiamen Bay. Unwind in China’s graceful port city, where slow living meets subtropical beauty.

Xiamen Must-try local experiences

1. Explore the Captivating Gulangyu Island Take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its special architecture, beautiful beaches, and winding streets. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and visit the Piano Museum. 2. Find Tranquility at South Putuo Temple Visit the historic South Putuo Temple, a Buddhist site with intricate architecture and serene gardens. Admire the impressive Buddha statues. 3. Watch a Nanyin Performance Nanyin is a traditional form of Chinese music from the Minnan region. Watching a live performance provides a unique cultural experience. 4. Savor the Flavors of Xiamen Cuisine Indulge in Xiamen's diverse cuisine, known for fresh seafood, flavorful soups, and unique snacks like Shacha Noodles and Oyster Omelette. 5. Discover Local Treasures at Zhongshan Road Explore Zhongshan Road, a bustling pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. Find unique souvenirs and sample local snacks. 6. Cycle Along the Huandao Road Rent a bike and cycle along the Huandao Road, a scenic coastal route with stunning views of the sea and city. It's also a popular spot for sunset photography. Capture the stunning colors as the sun sets over the ocean.

Xiamen Must-see Attractions

Xiamen is a vibrant coastal city in China known for its rich cultural tapestry, featuring attractions like the UNESCO-listed Kulangsu Island with its musical heritage, the lush Xiamen Botanical Garden, the panoramic Zhonggu Cableway, the picturesque and historic Xiamen University, and the educational Xiamen Science and Technology Museum.

Xiamen Food Guide

Xiamen's cuisine is based on its unique local characteristics and rich seafood resources, ranging from classic dishes such as Satay Noodles, Tusu Bing, Shrimp Noodles, and Oyster Omelette to everyday Mianxian Hu, not only showcasing the essence of traditional Minnan cuisine but also integrating health and culture, becoming a must-try delicacy for locals and tourists.

Xiamen Transportation

By Air Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN): Located about 12 km (7 miles) northeast of downtown on Xiamen Island, it serves many domestic and some international routes. To City Center (Zhongshan Road): Metro (Optimal): Direct service via Line 1 from Airport Station (Terminals 3/4). Alight at Zhenhai Road Station for Zhongshan Road (25–30 minutes, ¥4). Operates 6:30 AM–11:00 PM. Pay via Alipay, WeChat, or cash at the machines for a single-ride ticket. Airport Shuttle Bus: Routes to Zhongshan Road, Xiamen Railway Station, and ferry terminals. Costs ¥10–20, takes ~30–40 minutes. Operates 5:20 AM–10:30 PM. Pay via cash, Xiamen eKatong card, or Alipay/WeChat. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Line 1 connects via a covered walkway from the airport. Travel time ~40–60 minutes, fare ¥1–4 (distance-based). Operates 6:10 AM–10:30 PM. Taxis: ¥40–55 (20–30 minutes, metered; higher during rush hour). By Train Xiamen Railway Station: Located at Xiahe and Hudong Roads, Siming District, it serves primarily regular trains and some high-speed trains. Ideal for central access. Xiamen North Railway Station: In Jimei District, 28 km (12 miles) from downtown, it’s the main hub for high-speed trains (G-series) on the Hangzhou-Fuzhou-Shenzhen corridor, connecting to Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Fuzhou, and many other locations. Metro Line 1 connects both stations with the city. By Bus Wucun Long-Distance Bus Station: Near Xiamen Railway Station, convenient for regional destinations like Quanzhou. Fanghu Long-Distance Bus Station: Serving routes across Fujian and beyond. Trains are much faster for most destinations; buses are suitable for nearby cities like Quanzhou. By Ferry Dongdu Port (international cruises) and Wutong Port (Kinmen Island, Taiwan). Ferries to Kinmen Island depart from Wutong, 11 km from downtown. Limited seasonal international cruises (e.g., Xiamen–Japan, 4–5 days) are available from Dongdu. To City Center: From Wutong, take Bus 6 (20 minutes) or a taxi (¥20–30, 15 minutes). From Dongdu, take Bus 87 or 436 (~10 minutes).

Xiamen Where to Stay

Xiamen offers a diverse range of accommodation options for travelers, with its primary lodging areas spread across different districts and islands, each presenting unique characteristics and advantages. The city's accommodation scene caters to a variety of preferences, whether one is seeking the bustling city center, serene island stays, or beachside relaxation.

Xiamen Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are Xiamen’s ideal seasons, offering mild coastal weather, blooming landscapes, and vibrant cultural events. Avoid summer’s intense heat and typhoons, as well as winter’s damp chill, for optimal exploration. Spring: 15–25°C (59–77°F); rising humidity, frequent light rain. Azaleas and bougainvillea bloom across Hulishan Fortress; Gulangyu Island fills with piano melodies amid historic architecture; May sees dragon boat races on the Huwei River. Summer: Hot, humid 25–35°C (77–95°F); monsoon rains and typhoon risks (July–Sept). Busy beaches at Baicheng and Zengcuoan; night markets thrive with seafood grills; indoor retreats like Xiamen Piano Museum offer respite. Autumn: Sunny, breezy 18–28°C (64–82°F); low rainfall. Perfect for golden-hour views from Sunlight Rock; cycling Huandao Road’s coastal trail; Mid-Autumn lantern displays at Nanputuo Temple; seafood festivals at Shapowei (Oct–Nov). Winter: Mild, damp 10–17°C (50–63°F); rare frost. Chinese New Year fireworks (Jan/Feb).