Top Things to do in Xiamen: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Xiamen combines seaside walks, Buddhist temples, tropical gardens, and neighbourhoods full of small cafés. Located opposite the Taiwan Strait, this city in Fujian province has a more relaxed atmosphere than other large Chinese cities and is a good option to include in a route through the south of the country.

At Trip.com, we'll tell you about the main places to see in Xiamen, the best areas to stay, recommendations based on the length of your trip, and several tips for organising each visit.

📍 What to Do in Xiamen Based on Your Stay

🏙️ Must-Visit Districts in Xiamen

Zhongshan Road: local atmosphere and historic architecture

Zhongshan Road is one of the most well-known streets in the centre of Xiamen. Its arcade buildings combine influences from southern China and Southeast Asia, while traditional shops sit alongside restaurants, boutiques, and food stalls.

The area really comes to life at sunset. It’s a great spot to try some local snacks, pick up a souvenir, and wind down after returning from Gulangyu.

Shapowei: Xiamen's creative side

This former fishing port has been transformed into one of the city's most creative neighbourhoods. In its streets, you'll find design studios, cafés, independent shops, and cultural spaces housed in old industrial buildings.

Shapowei is close to Xiamen University and the South Putuo Temple, making it easy to combine all three spots into the same day.

Zeng Cuo An: near the coast

Zeng Cuo An has transformed from a small fishing village into a lively area, known for its accommodation, restaurants, and food stalls. Its location next to Huandao Road provides easy access to the beaches and allows you to cycle along part of the coast.

It's an interesting alternative if you prefer to stay away from the centre.

Jimei: architecture, education and history

To the north of the main island lies Jimei, a district linked to the figure of Tan Kah Kee, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who championed numerous educational projects. The area is notable for its Jiageng-style buildings, which combine Western elements with traditional Chinese roofs.

Its points of interest include Jimei School Village, the Dragon Boat Pond and Ao Garden. You can get there by metro and spend about half a day there.

⭐ Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Xiamen

Gulangyu: a car-free island off the coast of Xiamen

Gulangyu, also known as Kulangsu, is Xiamen's absolute must-see. Its pedestrian streets wind through gardens, old residences, consulates, and buildings of various architectural styles.

Among its best-known spots are Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and the Piano Museum. It’s also worth walking without a rigid route: many of the most interesting façades, courtyards, and corners appear far from the main streets.

The island is fully pedestrianised and can only be reached by ferry. Visitors usually board during the day at the Xiamen international cruise terminal. It’s a good idea to book your ticket in advance, especially at weekends and on public holidays, and remember to bring the passport you used for the booking.

South Putuo Temple: spirituality by the mountain

The South Putuo or Nanputuo Temple is one of the most important Buddhist centres in southern Fujian. It is located at the foot of the Wulao Peaks and very close to Xiamen University.

The complex includes several pavilions, courtyards, ponds, and halls dedicated to worship. Its location means you can easily combine your visit with Shapowei and the coast in a single trip.

Admission is usually free, although pre-booking systems may be in place. Check the latest conditions before you visit and dress respectfully.

Xiamen Botanical Garden: tropical landscapes within the city

Xiamen Botanical Garden, also known as Wanshi Botanical Garden, stretches across a mountainous area close to the city centre.

Its most popular spaces are the succulent garden and the tropical forest area, where the vegetation, ponds, and mist effects create one of the most photographed landscapes in the grounds. As the distances are vast, it is worth selecting the areas you wish to visit in advance.

Zhonggu Cable Car: Xiamen from the heights

The Zhonggu Cable Car offers panoramic views of the city, the hills, and the coast. Its location, near the Botanical Garden, makes it easy to combine both activities in the same morning or afternoon.

The route is especially appealing on clear days. Weather conditions can affect the service, so it is advisable to check availability and book in advance.

Hulishan Fortress: military history by the sea

Hulishan Fortress was built during the Qing dynasty to protect the coastline. The site still preserves tunnels, ramparts, old barracks, and pieces of artillery.

Its seaside location allows you to combine your visit with Baicheng Beach and Huandao Road. It is a particularly interesting stop for those who want to discover a different facet of Xiamen's history.

🌊 More Places to See in Xiamen

Explore Huandao Road

Huandao Road skirts much of Xiamen's coastline. It features pedestrian zones and stretches perfect for cycling, with access to beaches, parks, and viewpoints.

The route between Baicheng Beach and Zeng Cuo An is one of the most comfortable for a first-time visit.

Take a night cruise along the Lujiang River

The Lujiang night cruise allows you to admire the illuminated skyline of Xiamen and views of Gulangyu from the water. It’s a great way to end the day after exploring Zhongshan Road.

You can also check out other things to do at night in Xiamen.

Discovering Nanyin music

Nanyin music is a tradition native to southern Fujian, considered one of the oldest musical forms in China. Some venues and cultural centres in Xiamen offer performances featuring traditional instruments.

☀️ Best Time to Visit Xiamen

Spring and autumn usually offer the most comfortable conditions. If you're travelling during the first week of October, which coincides with China's Golden Week, book your transport, hotels and tickets well in advance.

🥢 What to Eat in Xiamen

Xiamen's cuisine is part of the Minnan gastronomic tradition and is closely linked to the sea. Here are some dishes you can try:

• Shacha noodles: noodles served in an intense broth made with local satay sauce.
• Oyster omelette: a combination of oysters, egg, and starch with a smooth texture.
• Peanut soup: a sweet dish that's very popular as a breakfast or snack.
• Prawn noodles: seafood broth served with noodles and various ingredients.
• Xiamen spring rolls: filled with vegetables, meat and other local produce.

Zhongshan Road and its surrounding streets are home to numerous establishments, though you will also find interesting options in markets and less touristy neighbourhoods.

🚇 How to Get Around Xiamen

Xiamen has a modern metro network that connects the airport, train stations, the city centre, and districts like Jimei. It is one of the most convenient options for covering long distances, especially during peak traffic hours. City buses reach more areas, although the routes can be less intuitive if you don't know the city.

For occasional trips, you can also use taxis or local ride-hailing apps (such as DiDi). It's a good idea to have your destination written down in Chinese, as not all drivers speak English. The main map and payment apps will help you calculate routes and avoid communication issues.

Some tourist spots require special planning. To visit Gulangyu you will need to take a ferry intended for travellers, while areas like Zhongshan Road, Shapowei and South Putuo can easily be combined in the same day. On Huandao Road, walking or renting a bicycle is a good way to explore the coast without relying on public transport.

🚆 Day Trips from Xiamen

If you have an extra day, you can visit the Fujian Tulou, large communal earth buildings primarily linked to the Hakka people. Some of these complexes are World Heritage sites and are located a few hours from Xiamen.

Due to the distance and connections, it is advisable to book an organised excursion or hire private transport. If you're planning a wider route, check out our China itineraries and our guide to the best cities to visit in China.

📱 Xiamen Travel tips

• Book your ferry to Gulangyu in advance and don't forget to bring your passport.
• Download map, translation, and payment apps before you arrive.
• Check the opening times and access conditions for each attraction.
• Avoid major national holidays if you're looking for fewer crowds.
• Check the entry requirements for China.
• Consider getting an eSIM for China with a VPN.
• Check how to use Alipay in China safely.

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