Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Xiamen travel guide

Xiamen Tourism | Xiamen Guide

You're Going to Love Xiamen

The coastal city of Xiamen (or Amoy) in southern China's Fujian province is a tourist wonderland. Galleries, cafes, bars and beaches all jostle for attention in this island city which is emerging as one of modern China's premier destinations.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Xiamen

1. Its Cultural Attractions

Xiamen is a sophisticated place with endless cultural attractions. Some standouts include the jade exhibits at the Xiamen Shinegood Gallery and the street painters on Gulang Yu Island.

2. Historic Attractions and Stunning Parks

From the Hulishan Fortress overlooking the strategic harbor, to the hillside Nanputuo Temple complex, Xiamen is rich in history. It also boasts green spaces like Bailuzhou Park, where every evening sees dancers take to the grass.

3. Sandy Beaches and Exciting Activities

Xiamen has a long, sandy accessible beach (and great sunbathing weather). You can lounge around or try kite surfing - a local obsession.

4. Lively Nightclubs and Music Events

Xiamen is a party town, with pulsating discos like Dushang, a cluster of clubs around Haiwan Park and a student scene around Zhengcuoan.

5. Gulang Yu

Xiamen's sister island Gulang Yu can be reached by boat and is a wonderful place to explore, with its painters, bohemian cafes and old European architecture.

1. Its Cultural Attractions

Xiamen is a sophisticated place with endless cultural attractions. Some standouts include the jade exhibits at the Xiamen Shinegood Gallery and the street painters on Gulang Yu Island.

2. Historic Attractions and Stunning Parks

From the Hulishan Fortress overlooking the strategic harbor, to the hillside Nanputuo Temple complex, Xiamen is rich in history. It also boasts green spaces like Bailuzhou Park, where every evening sees dancers take to the grass.

3. Sandy Beaches and Exciting Activities

Xiamen has a long, sandy accessible beach (and great sunbathing weather). You can lounge around or try kite surfing - a local obsession.

4. Lively Nightclubs and Music Events

Xiamen is a party town, with pulsating discos like Dushang, a cluster of clubs around Haiwan Park and a student scene around Zhengcuoan.

5. Gulang Yu

Xiamen's sister island Gulang Yu can be reached by boat and is a wonderful place to explore, with its painters, bohemian cafes and old European architecture.

What to do in Xiamen

1. The Cannon Extremes

Located in a classic defensive position atop a hill, this military fort designed to protect the waterfront of Xiamen was built in 1894. China has undergone significant changes throughout its history, and this time period is one that's not always discussed as frequently, which is what makes visiting the Huli Mountain Fort such a unique experience. The fort holds some of the largest cannons in the world, but its museum also presents the smallest.

2. History Enshrined In Buildings

Also known as the Nanputuo Temple, this is a famous Buddhist temple dating from the Tang Dynasty and one of the most well known in Xiamen. Nestled among the mountains that tower around the port city, this temple is not just artistically beautiful, but gives all visitors the opportunity to savor its serenity. The temple underwent some restoration in the 1980s, which is great news because now you can really see it in its full splendor, just as the Tang Dynasty Buddhists would have wanted.

3. Artistic Graffiti

While street art may be frowned upon in some places, it's celebrated in the Furong Tunnel in Xiamen. The tunnel is around 1,000 feet long and was originally built to connect the Xiamen University campus with the dorms, but has now become a sort of urban museum for budding artists of all ages. Because there aren't many places where graffiti is so welcome, it's a unique opportunity to admire these works of art rather than scorn them.

4. Just Say Om

In many Chinese cities it can be hard to get away from the hustle and bustle to just enjoy the day and take a breather. The Xiamen Botanical Garden is the perfect place to do that, however, as it boasts hundreds of native flora and fauna specimens and more than 6,000 tropical and sub-tropical species covering nearly five square kilometers. In these quiet, magical gardens, you'll completely forget you're near a big city and not in the middle of a fairy tale.

5. The Museum Of The Obscure

China is a country where high end luxury lives alongside the quirky and sometimes downright odd. That's no bad thing, though, because this quirkiness is what brings us some of the most ingenious products and, in this case, the most interesting museums. Huaijiu Gulangyu Museum is located on Gulangyu island and it may be small, but you'll find an incredibly fascinating history and get a glimpse of what life was like in China's past. The two main focuses of this museum are pianos and old furniture, two subjects that don't sound like they would make for a particularly intriguing museum. However, the rich history of these 70-odd pianos is anything but boring. You'll also find over 100 pieces of old furniture preserved from different periods of Chinese history.

1. The Cannon Extremes

Located in a classic defensive position atop a hill, this military fort designed to protect the waterfront of Xiamen was built in 1894. China has undergone significant changes throughout its history, and this time period is one that's not always discussed as frequently, which is what makes visiting the Huli Mountain Fort such a unique experience. The fort holds some of the largest cannons in the world, but its museum also presents the smallest.

2. History Enshrined In Buildings

Also known as the Nanputuo Temple, this is a famous Buddhist temple dating from the Tang Dynasty and one of the most well known in Xiamen. Nestled among the mountains that tower around the port city, this temple is not just artistically beautiful, but gives all visitors the opportunity to savor its serenity. The temple underwent some restoration in the 1980s, which is great news because now you can really see it in its full splendor, just as the Tang Dynasty Buddhists would have wanted.

3. Artistic Graffiti

While street art may be frowned upon in some places, it's celebrated in the Furong Tunnel in Xiamen. The tunnel is around 1,000 feet long and was originally built to connect the Xiamen University campus with the dorms, but has now become a sort of urban museum for budding artists of all ages. Because there aren't many places where graffiti is so welcome, it's a unique opportunity to admire these works of art rather than scorn them.

4. Just Say Om

In many Chinese cities it can be hard to get away from the hustle and bustle to just enjoy the day and take a breather. The Xiamen Botanical Garden is the perfect place to do that, however, as it boasts hundreds of native flora and fauna specimens and more than 6,000 tropical and sub-tropical species covering nearly five square kilometers. In these quiet, magical gardens, you'll completely forget you're near a big city and not in the middle of a fairy tale.

5. The Museum Of The Obscure

China is a country where high end luxury lives alongside the quirky and sometimes downright odd. That's no bad thing, though, because this quirkiness is what brings us some of the most ingenious products and, in this case, the most interesting museums. Huaijiu Gulangyu Museum is located on Gulangyu island and it may be small, but you'll find an incredibly fascinating history and get a glimpse of what life was like in China's past. The two main focuses of this museum are pianos and old furniture, two subjects that don't sound like they would make for a particularly intriguing museum. However, the rich history of these 70-odd pianos is anything but boring. You'll also find over 100 pieces of old furniture preserved from different periods of Chinese history.

1. The Cannon Extremes

Located in a classic defensive position atop a hill, this military fort designed to protect the waterfront of Xiamen was built in 1894. China has undergone significant changes throughout its history, and this time period is one that's not always discussed as frequently, which is what makes visiting the Huli Mountain Fort such a unique experience. The fort holds some of the largest cannons in the world, but its museum also presents the smallest.

2. History Enshrined In Buildings

Also known as the Nanputuo Temple, this is a famous Buddhist temple dating from the Tang Dynasty and one of the most well known in Xiamen. Nestled among the mountains that tower around the port city, this temple is not just artistically beautiful, but gives all visitors the opportunity to savor its serenity. The temple underwent some restoration in the 1980s, which is great news because now you can really see it in its full splendor, just as the Tang Dynasty Buddhists would have wanted.

3. Artistic Graffiti

While street art may be frowned upon in some places, it's celebrated in the Furong Tunnel in Xiamen. The tunnel is around 1,000 feet long and was originally built to connect the Xiamen University campus with the dorms, but has now become a sort of urban museum for budding artists of all ages. Because there aren't many places where graffiti is so welcome, it's a unique opportunity to admire these works of art rather than scorn them.

4. Just Say Om

In many Chinese cities it can be hard to get away from the hustle and bustle to just enjoy the day and take a breather. The Xiamen Botanical Garden is the perfect place to do that, however, as it boasts hundreds of native flora and fauna specimens and more than 6,000 tropical and sub-tropical species covering nearly five square kilometers. In these quiet, magical gardens, you'll completely forget you're near a big city and not in the middle of a fairy tale.

5. The Museum Of The Obscure

China is a country where high end luxury lives alongside the quirky and sometimes downright odd. That's no bad thing, though, because this quirkiness is what brings us some of the most ingenious products and, in this case, the most interesting museums. Huaijiu Gulangyu Museum is located on Gulangyu island and it may be small, but you'll find an incredibly fascinating history and get a glimpse of what life was like in China's past. The two main focuses of this museum are pianos and old furniture, two subjects that don't sound like they would make for a particularly intriguing museum. However, the rich history of these 70-odd pianos is anything but boring. You'll also find over 100 pieces of old furniture preserved from different periods of Chinese history.

Where to Eat in Xiamen

Xiamen is a proud culinary center, with local delicacies like Xiamen fish balls and braised duck with ginger. Explore what's on offer at excellent restaurants like Zen5es, Jacky Angela Steakhouse and XiaoYan Jing DaPai Dang, or just check out the noodle shops on Zhongshan Road. Good meals will only cost around CNY80-CNY100.

When to visit Xiamen

Xiamen in September
Estimated hotel price
S$ 69
1 night at 3-star hotel
Xiamen in September
Estimated hotel price
S$ 69
1 night at 3-star hotel

Travel between April and November to enjoy the best weather - preferably early or late in the season to avoid the crowds.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Xiamen

Plane

Gaoqi International Airport has links to other Chinese cities (and Seoul). Bus lines 2 and 3 run from the airport to the city center and charge CNY10 and 15 respectively. Taxis cost around CNY35.

Train

Superfast bullet-style trains serve Xiamen. The journey from Shanghai costs CNY330 and takes about 8 hours.

Car

Take the G25 from Shanghai, then the G72 at Yong'An, or take the G15 northbound from Hong Kong.

Bus

Buses run into Xiamen from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Fuzhou and are an excellent budget alternative to trains and flights.

Plane

Gaoqi International Airport has links to other Chinese cities (and Seoul). Bus lines 2 and 3 run from the airport to the city center and charge CNY10 and 15 respectively. Taxis cost around CNY35.

Train

Superfast bullet-style trains serve Xiamen. The journey from Shanghai costs CNY330 and takes about 8 hours.

Car

Take the G25 from Shanghai, then the G72 at Yong'An, or take the G15 northbound from Hong Kong.

Bus

Buses run into Xiamen from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Fuzhou and are an excellent budget alternative to trains and flights.

Airports near Xiamen

XMNXiamen Gaoqi Intl
JJNQuanzhou Jinjiang

Airlines serving Xiamen

Lufthansa
Good (7,187 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,363 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,969 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,844 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,588 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,659 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,318 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (921 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (265 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (151 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,100 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,503 reviews)
Air China
Good (91 reviews)
China Southern
Good (100 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (868 reviews)
Philippine Airlines
Good (886 reviews)
Vietnam Airlines
Good (194 reviews)
XiamenAir
Good (41 reviews)
Garuda Indonesia
Excellent (77 reviews)
Batik Air
Okay (72 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Xiamen

Where to stay in Xiamen

Siming - Occupying the southern half of Xiamen island, Siming features attractions like Hulishan Fortress and is an excellent jumping off point for ferries to Gulang Yu.

Popular Neighborhoods in Xiamen

Jimei - Located across the water from Xiamen island, Jimei is green and prosperous, with beautiful hiking paths around the Yuewain Mountain.

Huli - The commercial center of Xiamen, Huli features mega-malls like Wanda Plaza, and it borders on the huge expanse of Xianyue Park.

Jimei - Located across the water from Xiamen island, Jimei is green and prosperous, with beautiful hiking paths around the Yuewain Mountain.
Huli - The commercial center of Xiamen, Huli features mega-malls like Wanda Plaza, and it borders on the huge expanse of Xianyue Park.

Where to stay in popular areas of Xiamen

Most booked hotels in Xiamen

See all
Swiss Grand Xiamen
5 stars
Excellent (9.2, Excellent reviews)
S$ 102+
View
Langham Place, Xiamen
5 stars
Excellent (9.2, Excellent reviews)
S$ 91+
View
Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 76+
View
Pan Pacific Xiamen
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 79+
View
Marco Polo Xiamen
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
S$ 83+
View
Ibis Styles Xiamen Zhongshan Rd
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
S$ 45+
View

How to Get Around Xiamen

Public Transportation

Buses cover every neighborhood in Xiamen and fares start at CNY1 per ride. Ferries to Gulang Yu cost CNY30 and are well worth the journey.

Taxi

Taxis usually charge around CNY3 for the first two miles, then the rate increases (measured in kilometers) the further you travel, but still remaining affordable.

Car

Car rental companies in the city include Li'an Car Rental, EHi Car Service and Sukeda, and you'll find packages for around CNY80 per day.

Public Transportation

Buses cover every neighborhood in Xiamen and fares start at CNY1 per ride. Ferries to Gulang Yu cost CNY30 and are well worth the journey.

Taxi

Taxis usually charge around CNY3 for the first two miles, then the rate increases (measured in kilometers) the further you travel, but still remaining affordable.

Car

Car rental companies in the city include Li'an Car Rental, EHi Car Service and Sukeda, and you'll find packages for around CNY80 per day.

The Cost of Living in Xiamen

Shopping Streets

The most enjoyable place to shop is pedestrianized Zhongshan Road, where you'll encounter apparel boutiques and jewelry stores. There are malls to visit as well, including SM City Plaza and Wanda Plaza, where you'll find plenty of major international brands.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets in Xiamen include Sanzhen and Carrefour. To give an idea of prices, a gallon of milk will cost around CNY40.

Cheap meal
S$ 2.78
A pair of jeans
S$ 78.36
Single public transport ticket
S$ 0.20
Cappuccino
S$ 4.72

Everything you need to know for your stay in Xiamen

Other popular cities in Fujian

Fuzhou

Xiamen Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Xiamen city guide for the best Xiamen travel tips. To help you organise your Xiamen trip ideas, this Xiamen visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.