Top Things to do in Xiamen: Best Activities & Must-Sees
By Tina
October 1, 2026
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
Best for | Recommendation |
2-day getaway | Gulangyu, South Putuo Temple, Zhongshan Road and Shapowei |
3-day trip | Add the Botanical Garden, the Zhonggu Cable Car and Huandao Road |
Couples' trip | Gulangyu, coastal walk and Lujiang night cruise |
Family trip | Botanical Garden, Hulishan Fortress and Jimei School Village |
Solo trip | Zhongshan Road, South Putuo, Shapowei and Gulangyu |
Cultural trip | Gulangyu, South Putuo, Hulishan and the Jimei district |
Attractions and Tours in Xiamen
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![[Spa + buffet] Xiamen Huangjia Water Resort: Massage + spa + star-rated buffet](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0355b12000t0bl2xbD5BC_C_568_320.png)
🏙️ 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.
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Top Hotels in Xiamen
5 star
Very Good2687 Reviews
Bailuzhou Scenic Area Xiamen|0.74km from city centre
The hotel is right next to the subway station, making it incredibly convenient for transportation. Sandy at the front desk was very welcoming and provided excellent service. The room was quite spacious, well-equipped, with comfortable bedding and a beautiful view. Our private butler and cleaning attendant, Auntie Ye, was incredibly thoughtful. She provided a complimentary bubble bath, thoroughly disinfected all the bathroom fixtures, supplied almost every toiletry imaginable, and even offered a selection of different pillows. She also promptly reported any facility issues for repair. Additionally, she gave us Xiamen souvenirs, offered bedtime drinks like hot milk and chrysanthemum tea, and thoughtfully turned down our bed with lavender aromatherapy. The executive lounge was refined and had a great atmosphere, with a wide variety of food and drinks. The bartender at the lobby bar on the first floor was very approachable, and they also offered a range of beverages and snacks. A complimentary laundry service was provided once a day. Breakfast was extensive and unique. Overall, a fantastic stay!FromSGD 69
Outstanding2917 Reviews
Bailuzhou Scenic Area Xiamen|0.7km from city centre
The service was absolutely fantastic, much better than Qishang. While the room facilities are a bit dated, it's acceptable given the price. I stayed for an extended period and even asked Ctrip to note with the hotel that I wanted a room close to the elevator. Unfortunately, I still ended up with a room far from the elevator, and since the hotel was fully booked, I couldn't switch.
The Shacha noodles for breakfast are the best I've had in Xiamen! I've tried so many places, but only here is the Shacha flavor just right – neither too strong nor too bland. The Napoleon cake is also genuinely delicious; I had two slices every day.
The location is truly excellent. It's right next to the 'Coffee Street,' just a 2-minute walk away. Sitting there in the afternoon, sipping coffee and enjoying the lake breeze, was very pleasant.FromSGD 79
Very Good3022 Reviews
Bailuzhou Scenic Area Xiamen|1.4km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, right by the lake, making it convenient to get around, especially being close to MixC. The service is also good, and the lobby feels grand. We booked a lake view room, and the view from the window was lovely. As for the room itself, one word: spacious! The breakfast was quite abundant as well.
However, the hotel is definitely showing its age. The room facilities are outdated, and the room design is quite impractical – there's a painting awkwardly placed in the full-length mirror. The internet speed was also very slow, and there was no LAN cable provided. When I asked the front desk for one at night, they said the engineering staff had already left for the day.
Overall, the hotel still offers decent value for money.FromSGD 111
Very Good9741 Reviews
Zhongshan Road and Ferry Area Xiamen|3.51km from city centre
Before we even checked in, the front desk called to confirm our details. They also noticed our request for children's amenities and had them placed in the room beforehand. When we arrived, a greeter met us at the car to help with our luggage and take it to the front desk. While checking in, my child was crying, and the front desk staff kindly offered a small toy to appease them. After check-in, they guided us and even helped bring our luggage to the room. They have bed rails! It's very child-friendly. The room was spacious, and the facilities weren't outdated. The service was excellent! We stayed for four nights, and since it was Mid-Autumn Festival, they gave us mooncakes and a pudding bunny, and even folded a paper bunny for our child. I'll definitely recommend this hotel to any friends visiting Xiamen. The hotel lobby offers strollers, and there's also a free children's play area!FromSGD 107
Very Good3663 Reviews
Bailuzhou Scenic Area Xiamen|0.89km from city centre
I have to give a big shout-out to the front desk staff at Pullman Xiamen Powerlong for this stay! The staff were warm and generous, handled the check-in process skillfully and efficiently, and proactively informed us about breakfast times and important notes. Their attention to detail was excellent. Good service is the best business card for a hotel, and the outstanding service from the front desk added so much warmth to our trip. I'll definitely prioritize this hotel next time I visit Xiamen.FromSGD 68
Family friendly
Good2892 Reviews
IslandRingBlvd/Huangcuo Beach/Convention Center Xiamen|8.53km from city centre
The Garden Balcony View Hotel boasts a beautiful environment and a bright lobby. The rooms are clean and tidy, with spacious bathrooms featuring bathtubs. There's a clean and refreshing outdoor pool on-site. The hotel's location is excellent, right across the street from Huangcuo Beach. As someone who enjoys swimming when staying at hotels, I found it very comfortable and had a great experience. They even allowed for a late check-out. This hotel is a must-recommend for anyone vacationing in Xiamen!FromSGD 101
Outstanding8779 Reviews
IslandRingBlvd/Huangcuo Beach/Convention Center Xiamen|7.72km from city centre
Traveling to Xiamen with kids during the off-peak season, the Hualuxe Hotel perfectly met our needs. We even caught their double holiday event, which offered tons of parent-child activities!
**Location:** The hotel is located on Huandao South Road, with decent proximity to various attractions. A small hotel gate provides direct access to Huangcuo Sunrise Square beach, but it's currently under construction. You can head to Coconut Wind Village, Music Square, or Baicheng Beach for a better beach experience.
**Service:** We stayed in the Aqua Court area, and the hotel even upgraded us to a water-view room, making it super convenient to play in the water every day! To get to the main building's pool, you need to call for a shuttle. A butler checks in daily to ask about room service, and the shuttle can even deliver takeout to your room. The service is meticulous and thoughtful. A big thank you to Butler Miaomiao for her excellent service these past few days!
**Family Fun:** Upon check-in, we received sand-digging tools. We participated in the plant-finding activity at Aqua Court and won a small train toy. We also took part in the Bo Bing (dice rolling) game and got a train ticket, which we used to ride the small train around the resort area with our new toy! The hotel also offers morning and afternoon parent-child activities, but we were so engrossed in playing in the water that we only managed to join one crown-making craft session 👑.
**Dining:** Hotel breakfast is served until 11 AM. If you miss breakfast while staying at Aqua Court, you can even upgrade to brunch, which is perfect for late risers! The main building's breakfast area gets very crowded, so Aqua Court's breakfast was much smoother.
My child absolutely loved this hotel, and we'll definitely choose it again if we come back to Xiamen!FromSGD 120
Excellent4676 Reviews
Aluohai Plaza/Songyu Ferry Xiamen|3.46km from city centre
Overall, I'm extremely satisfied! I stayed here for 3 days during my trip to Xiamen, and they upgraded us to a sea-view room. The hotel isn't located on the island, so transportation isn't the most convenient. However, compared to hotels of similar quality on the island, the price is very advantageous, making the transportation costs worthwhile. The hotel staff are incredibly friendly and warm. Whenever we encountered housekeeping staff in the hallway, they always greeted us proactively. On our departure day, when they learned we were checking out and heading home, they even asked if we needed two bottles of mineral water for the road. On a daily basis, when taking a taxi, staff at the hotel entrance would always help open and close the car doors, and their attitude was excellent. On Mid-Autumn Festival, we returned to our room to find a mooncake, which was a very thoughtful touch! When they found out I wanted to take a bath, they brought me a disposable bathtub liner, and also provided disposable toilet seat covers. In short, it felt like a home away from home – a truly wonderful stay.FromSGD 82
Very Good802 Reviews
Huli Industrial Park Xiamen|2.33km from city centre
Le Méridien Xiamen Garden View Balcony King Room Stay Review: A Healing Retreat Amidst a Full House
The sky had already darkened upon arrival. Winding our way up the tree-lined paths of Xian'gueshan Mountain, the air gradually became moist and cool. It felt like a magical escape from the bustling, humid city, into a 'city oasis' nestled in the mountains. The moment I opened the room door after checking in, the fatigue from the journey instantly melted away.
Room | A Mountain Holiday Opened by a Courtyard
The room felt very spacious, with a layout of about 40 square meters that was just right. What surprised me the most, naturally, was the exquisite private balcony. Le Méridien's room types each offer different views, and I chose the garden view balcony room specifically for a quiet, relaxing stay. After all, in a mountain setting surrounded by dense vegetation, a few insects are perfectly normal, and the garden view neatly sidestepped that issue. Opening the window in the morning, the lush green central courtyard came into view. Instead of the city's hustle and bustle, I heard the crisp, pleasant chirping of morning birds and the sweet, fresh air blowing from the mountains. I couldn't help but close my eyes and take several deep breaths. Returning to the room in the evening, I lay on the balcony chair, clearing my mind, sipping an iced cola while enjoying the mountain breeze—this is exactly what a vacation should be like.
The room's hardware can be summed up in two words: solid and reliable. Beyond being clean and tidy, the 'rainforest' shower's stable water pressure and temperature were truly impressive. The hotel also thoughtfully implemented a dry-wet separation in the bathroom, completely eliminating the awkwardness of worrying about splashing the toilet while showering. The experience was very comfortable and smooth. The bedding, as always, maintained Le Méridien's high standards, soft, fluffy, and supportive, allowing me to sleep soundly until I woke up naturally.
Environment | French Romance Hidden in the Mountains
If the guest room brought surprise, then the entire hotel environment was stunning. Le Méridien Xiamen's location is meticulously chosen, nestled charmingly on the mountainside of Xian'gueshan. The overall architectural style leans towards a resort villa, so secluded and tranquil that it doesn't feel like it's in the bustling downtown area of the island. Compared to many coastal hotels that face the humidity and noise of sea winds, the mountain landscape here truly provides another level of spiritual enjoyment. The hotel's artistic atmosphere, from the corridors to the public spaces, everywhere you can feel the unique imprint of French aesthetics. Whether it's the artistic flair of the chandeliers or the fragrance in the lobby, everything constantly reminds me that I'm staying in a stylish Le Méridien. The dense vegetation surrounding the hotel makes it feel like living in a natural oxygen bar. A morning jog in Xian'gueshan Park, enjoying the pleasure of sweating freely in the mountains, is a unique experience that you can never feel in a hotel gym.
Service and Details | Thoughtfulness Hidden in Every Detail
The staff, from the front desk to the concierge, maintained a perfectly measured, welcoming smile. During check-in, the front desk lady patiently asked about my preferences. Knowing that I valued privacy and quiet, she specifically helped arrange a room set apart from other guests on the same floor, handling everything gently and efficiently, which was truly heartwarming. The hotel also provides a free shuttle bus service down the mountain, making it convenient to travel to the Seaworld shopping center and Dongdu Ferry Terminal. On weekends and holidays, there's even a free shuttle bus connecting to popular attractions like Zhongshan Road and Baicheng Beach. One evening, a guest was inconsiderately skipping rope upstairs; after calling the front desk, they responded immediately and resolved the issue quickly! Truly commendable!
Conclusion
On the day of check-out, the morning sun still gently warmed the garden view balcony, as if possessing a magic that made me reluctant to close the door and leave. To be honest, I've stayed in many hotels, but rarely have I felt such a pang of reluctance upon departure as this time. It embodies the entire mountain forest, yet never strays from the human world, truly interpreting the beautiful realm of 'hidden in the bustling city, yet nestled in the mountains.' If you long for a tranquil vacation experience, listening to the wind on the mountainside, then Le Méridien Xiamen's Garden View Balcony King Room is definitely worth unlocking!FromSGD 91
Very Good847 Reviews
Huandonghaiyu Scenic Area Xiamen|15.38km from city centre
Overall, it was a good stay. The facilities are a bit old but well-maintained. The hairdryer isn't a Dyson, so if you need one, you'll have to bring your own. The toilet isn't a smart one. The room lighting was very dim, not bright at all. We were given a corner room, which had a strange layout and made it feel much smaller. If this is a concern, you should mention it during check-in.
The welcome snack basket was nice; the kids loved it, and the fruit was fresh.
The environment was pleasant and comfortable.
The hygiene was good: the pool was clean, and there were no small pebbles outdoors. Staff were regularly cleaning up fallen leaves.
The service: Our butler was great. However, other staff members weren't very enthusiastic and seemed unfamiliar with their duties. The restaurant service was very slow. We also tried the buffet, and the lobster serving times kept changing. The food was quite ordinary.FromSGD 120
Swimming pool
Excellent6544 Reviews
Jimei School Village/Xinglin Bay/Yuanbo Garden Xiamen|9.14km from city centre
A wonderful stay with exceptional service
We had a very enjoyable stay at Crowne Plaza Xiamen Jimei Seaview. The hotel is modern, beautifully designed and very comfortable, with lovely sea views and excellent facilities.
Our room was fantastic, and we were very grateful for the generous upgrade. The hotel also prepared a lovely anniversary surprise for us, which was a genuinely thoughtful touch. We particularly enjoyed the evening turndown service, something we do not encounter very often and which added a nice five-star touch to the stay.
The dinner buffet was another highlight. We were impressed by both the quality and variety of the food.
The 22nd-floor Executive Lounge also deserves a special mention. It is a beautiful space with wonderful views and a very relaxing atmosphere. We took quite a few photos because we enjoyed the setting so much, and it is definitely somewhere we would recommend other guests experience.
Most importantly, we would like to specifically recognise Merry. She was exceptional throughout our stay — warm, professional, patient and genuinely attentive. From helping with our room arrangements to checking on us throughout the stay, we always felt that she sincerely cared about our experience. Service like this makes a significant difference and is one of the main things we will remember about this hotel.
The only area that fell short for us was the Level 5 swimming pool and health club. During our stay, the pool was extremely crowded due to external swimming activities, which unfortunately made it difficult for us to use. This was particularly disappointing as the swimming pool, gym and sauna were among the reasons we specifically chose this hotel for a stay during several rainy days.
However, after we shared our experience with the hotel, our feedback was received with genuine concern and handled extremely professionally. We appreciated that very much and hope management can improve this aspect, because the quality of the leisure facilities should match the otherwise excellent standard of the hotel.
Overall, despite this one area for improvement, we leave with very positive memories of our stay. The modern rooms, sea views, excellent food, beautiful Executive Lounge and, above all, the outstanding hospitality we received made this a hotel we would happily consider returning to.
Thank you especially to Merry and the team for taking such good care of us.FromSGD 97
Excellent6940 Reviews
Bailuzhou Scenic Area Xiamen|1.17km from city centre
This is an established five-star hotel in Xiamen. When I used to work in Xiamen, our company often booked meetings here. This was my first time staying here as a tourist, and the experience was excellent! I also recommended this hotel to a colleague in Hangzhou, and her experience was also very positive, surpassing many resort hotels outside the island. I always tell my Hangzhou colleagues that if you come to Xiamen, you must stay in the old downtown area on the island! That's the real Xiamen.
The hotel's decor and facilities are still very new, the space is large, and the service is exceptionally good. My husband thought the staff at this hotel were like flight attendants, very friendly and comfortable. It's convenient to go anywhere, and there are more good restaurants nearby. Next time I'm in Xiamen, I will definitely choose the Golden Egret Hotel again, as long as the price doesn't increase too much. The price increase during the National Day holiday was very reasonable!FromSGD 74
Outstanding7833 Reviews
IslandRingBlvd/Huangcuo Beach/Convention Center Xiamen|10.81km from city centre
Overall, I'm very satisfied. The hotel's frontline sea view is absolutely stunning, with the sea breeze, blue sky, and sandy beach, making it feel like a perfect vacation. The location is also convenient, close to the subway station, so staying here is a great choice when visiting Xiamen. However, it's a bit far from the core scenic spots. Coinciding with the double holidays, the hotel offered a lot of activities, including parent-child crafts, festive photo booths, and interactive games. Our butler, Yulia, contacted us in advance to arrange the room for our arrival. The kids' club has a rich variety of activities, and the children loved the swimming pool. The most convenient part is its proximity to the beach, allowing us to take the kids digging for sand anytime. Yunia, a guest service agent in the lobby, directed us to the closest route to the beach, which was very helpful.FromSGD 140
Outstanding1991 Reviews
Wanda Commercial Area/Wuyuanwan Xiamen|9.47km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, right next to Wanda Plaza. Alan and the duty manager at the front desk were very nice, polite, and professional, deserving a five-star rating! We stayed on the executive floor, and the daily Happy Hour menu was always different, offering hot dishes, salads, soup of the day, fruits, and various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It was very abundant and tasted great. Breakfast was also very extensive, featuring local delicacies like satay noodles and southern Fujian five-spice rolls, which were delicious. The staff in the restaurant, guest rooms, recreational facilities, and executive lounge were all wonderful, greeting us every time we saw them. Every day when we returned to the lobby, the lobby manager would politely greet us, making us feel right at home. We were very satisfied with our trip to Xiamen.FromSGD 90
Outstanding2826 Reviews
Jimei School Village/Xinglin Bay/Yuanbo Garden Xiamen|10.62km from city centre
The hotel's location is super convenient, right by the beach promenade. The service was fantastic; they saw I had a child and proactively upgraded us to a family room. The hotel pool was very clean, and I even saw them cleaning the hot spring pool first thing in the morning. Breakfast was extensive, with local specialties like Shacha noodles and freshly fried sesame balls which were delicious. I'll definitely choose this hotel again for my next stay.FromSGD 91
⭐ 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
Season | What it's like | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
March and April | Mild temperatures and blooming vegetation | Great time for outdoor visits |
May to September | Heat, humidity and frequent rain | Check the weather and any potential typhoon alerts |
October and November | Drier and more pleasant weather | The best time to visit |
December to February | Moderate temperatures and fewer visitors | A great option for a cultural trip |
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.
Cheap flights to Xiamen
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🥢 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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❓ FAQ – Things to Do in Xiamen
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