Top Things to Do in Xiamen: 10 Local Favorites

You've seen the photos. You've booked the flight. But here's the thing — most tourist guides will send you straight to Gulangyu Island and call it a day. That's a mistake. I've been guiding travelers through Xiamen for over a decade, and the top things to do in Xiamen go far beyond the postcard shots. The city's real charm hides in its local markets, quiet alleys, and coastal trails. Here's my honest advice: skip the midday ferry to Gulangyu and go early, like 8 AM. And bring cash — many small vendors still don't accept cards.

What Are the Top Things to Do in Xiamen?

After years of showing visitors around, I've narrowed down the absolute must-dos. Each of these gives you a real taste of Xiamen's culture, history, and natural beauty.

1. Explore Gulangyu Island

This car-free island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its colonial architecture and piano music. Take the ferry from Xiamen International Cruise Center. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Book your ferry ticket online at least a day in advance, especially on weekends — you'll need your passport for registration.

Insider tip: The island gets packed by 10 AM. Take the first ferry at 7 AM and you'll have the winding alleys almost to yourself.

• Opening hours: 24/7 (ferry schedule may vary)
• Ticket: Island access is free, ferry round-trip is around 35 RMB
• Time needed: Half day

2. Walk Through Xiamen University

One of the most beautiful campuses in China, with ancient trees and seaside views. Since the pandemic, entry requires reservation via the university's official WeChat channel. If you can't get in, just walk along the beach next to the campus — the view from the white railings is equally stunning.

Pro tip: The university is right next to South Putuo Temple, so combine both in one morning.

• Opening hours: Usually 8 AM to 6 PM (check online)
• Ticket: Free
• Time needed: 1–2 hours

3. Find Peace at South Putuo Temple

This ancient Buddhist temple sits at the foot of Wulao Mountain. The complex is free to enter and offers a calm escape from the city buzz. Do as the locals do: climb the short hill behind the main hall for a panoramic view of Xiamen University and the sea.

Be aware that the temple is an active religious site, so dress modestly and avoid taking photos of monks without permission.

• Opening hours: 7:00–17:30
• Ticket: Free
• Time: 1 hour

4. Cycle the Xiamen Ring Road

The island ring road connects many of Xiamen's best viewpoints. Bike rentals are everywhere, starting from 15 RMB per hour. Start at Bailuzhou Park and ride towards Hulishan Fortress — you'll pass untouched beaches and locals flying kites.

Insider advice: Skip the heavy city bikes and look for the electric scooters shared via app, but check if your international phone can download the app. For simplicity, stick to manual bikes near the beach.

• Route length: About 20 km one way
• Time needed: 3–4 hours with stops

5. Eat and Wander in Zengcuo'an Village

Once a sleepy fishing village, now an artsy area packed with street food, hostels, and surf shops. I always tell my clients to come here for dinner, not lunch — the stalls get loud later but the atmosphere is electric. Try the local《土笋冻》(esculent worm jelly) if you dare, or stick to fresh oyster omelettes.

Pay attention: street food vendors usually only accept cash or mobile payments. Bring small bills.

• Opening hours: Most stalls open till midnight
• Price: Snacks from 5 RMB
• Time: 2 hours

6. Visit the Xiamen Botanical Garden

The garden is massive — wear good shoes. The highlight is the cactus greenhouse, a surreal desert in the middle of the city. Use the shuttle bus if you're short on time.

Don't miss: The sand flat area near the west gate. It's a quiet spot where you can see egrets, even in the middle of the day.

• Opening hours: 8:00–18:00
• Ticket: 40 RMB, half price for children
• Time: 2–3 hours

7. See History at Jimei School Village

This southern Fujian architecture complex is a tribute to patriotic businessman Tan Kah Kee. The main buildings, like the Nanxun Tower, have unique designs blending Western and Chinese styles. It's a bit further from the city center, but worth the trip.

Take the metro Line 1 to Jimei University station, then walk 10 minutes.

• Opening hours: 9:00–17:00
• Ticket: Free for the campus area
• Time: 2 hours

8. Discover the Hulishan Fortress

A historic military site with the world's oldest and largest coastal cannon from the 19th century. The cannon can rotate 360 degrees and is still in working condition. The daily rehearsal of the „defense show" is a bit cheesy, but kids love it.

It's right on the ring road, so you can combine this with your cycling trip.

• Opening hours: 8:30–17:30
• Ticket: 25 RMB
• Time: 1 hour

9. Shop for Local Seafood at Eighth Market (Bashi)

Not many foreign guides mention this, but Bashi is the beating heart of Xiamen's food scene. It's a wet market where locals shop for fresh fish, crabs, and exotic vegetables. In the surrounding streets, tiny stalls serve some of the best snacks in town — look for the queue in front of Ah Jie's small stall.

Here's the catch: this is not a tourist-friendly area. Prepare for crowded aisles and cold stares from busy vendors. But the experience is pure authenticity.

• Opening hours: 5:00 AM – late afternoon
• Price: Snacks from 3 RMB
• Time: 1–2 hours

10. Stroll Down Zhongshan Road

The city's main shopping street, lined with arcade buildings from the 1920s. Be prepared for heavy crowds — it's better to come around 9 PM after the tour groups have left. You'll find local snacks, tea shops, and maybe a live street performance.

For the best photo spot, cross the road to Lujiang Hotel and head to its top-floor bar for a panoramic view of the street and the sea.

• Opening hours: 24/7 (shops close by 10 PM)
• Ticket: Free
• Time: 1 hour

How to Beat the Crowds at Xiamen's Top Attractions?

The number one problem I see with tourists is they follow the classic schedule. Everything starts at 10 AM, and you end up baking in the sun with thousands of others. Here's a system that works:

• Start your day at 7 AM — Breakfast at a local diner, then hit the busiest attraction first.
• Use the „reverse plan" — Most tour buses go to Gulangyu in the late morning. Take the early ferry, but also leave the island by 1 PM just as the crowds pour in.
• Check for local holidays — Chinese national holidays (like National Day and Spring Festival) are a nightmare. Check the Chinese lunar calendar before booking.

Insider advice: If you want peace and nice weather, plan your Xiamen trip for late September or October. The sea breeze keeps the temperature pleasant, and the sky is usually clear.

How to Get Around Xiamen for the Top Sights?

Getting around Xiamen is easy, but Google Maps will betray you. It's notoriously inaccurate in mainland China. Instead, use Apple Maps (which works) or download AMap Global. For taxi or ride-hailing, show the driver your destination in Chinese characters.

For tourists, the metro is your best friend. It's fast, clean, and announcements are in both Chinese and English. To get to Gulangyu, take the metro to Lujiang Road station, then walk 10 minutes to the pier. If you're heading to Jimei, the metro takes you right there.

What to Eat in Xiamen: Local Food Must-Tries

Xiamen is a food paradise. I always tell visitors to skip the fancy restaurants and eat where the locals eat. Here are three dishes you absolutely cannot miss:

Sand Worm Jelly (土笋冻)

Sounds scary, but it's actually a savory jelly made from sea worm (not a sand worm technically). Served cold with soy sauce, garlic, and mustard. The texture is like a firm jello. You'll find it everywhere in Bashi market. Start with a small portion — I've seen brave foodies fall in love with it.

Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)

Fresh oysters mixed into a starchy egg batter, then fried until crispy. It's a bit oily but super savory. The best version I've had is at a small stall in Zengcuo'an. Ask for extra chili if you like spice.

Peanut Soup (花生汤)

A sweet breakfast soup made from slowly boiled peanuts. It's surprisingly refreshing. Try it at a traditional breakfast shop called "Huang Zehe Peanut Soup" on Zhongshan Road. It also has the signature salt-baked duck.

Personal confession: I've been living here for 15 years, and I still don't understand why locals put chili sauce on everything. But when in Xiamen, just go with the flow — it's part of the adventure.

How Many Days Do You Need to See Top Things in Xiamen?

You can see the main highlights in 2 full days, but I strongly recommend 3 days to enjoy without rushing. Here's a realistic plan:

• Day 1: Historical Xiamen — South Putuo Temple, Xiamen University, and Zhongshan Road. Finish with sunset at Yanwu Bridge.
• Day 2: Island Escape — Spend the morning on Gulangyu Island, then continue to Jimei School Village in the afternoon.
• Day 3: Nature and Local Life — Xiamen Botanical Garden, cycling the ring road, and a final dinner in Zengcuo'an.

If you only have 24 hours, pick the top 2 things that interest you most. Half of your time could be eaten up by transport and ticket queues, so don't try to do everything.

FAQ: Common Questions About Xiamen Travel

Final Thoughts

Xiamen is a city that rewards those who slow down. Yes, the famous spots are worth seeing, but the real charm hides in the moments between — the old men playing chess in the shade, the smell of peanut soup in the morning, the wind in your face as you cycle the ring road. Don't rush. Make time for random exploration, and let the city surprise you.

This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.