Ling Wu
Jump to the Good Stuff
Hey, I’ve been guiding tours in Xiamen for nearly a decade. I’ve taken hundreds of travelers through this coastal city, and I can tell you right now — 5 days is the sweet spot. Not too rushed, not too slow. But if you don’t plan smart, you’ll end up queueing under the sun or missing the good stuff. That’s why I wrote this. Straight from my experience, no fluff.
Getting There & Getting Around
By air: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is well-connected. From the airport, take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 into the city (around 30 minutes to Zhongshan Road). Taxis cost about 40-60 RMB — avoid drivers who refuse to use the meter.
By train: Xiamen Railway Station and Xiamen North Station are both served by high-speed rail. From North Station, Metro Line 1 goes directly to the city center (45 minutes).
Getting around: The metro is your best friend. Lines 1, 2, and 3 cover most attractions. Buses are cheap (1 RMB) but can get crowded. For Gulangyu Island, ferries depart from Dongdu Ferry Terminal — book your ticket on WeChat mini-program “厦门轮渡” at least a day in advance (round-trip 35 RMB). My tip: avoid the 10 AM ferry slot; it’s tourist rush hour.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (with Backup Plans)
Day 1: Arrival & Zhongshan Road Evening Stroll
You land in the afternoon. Check into your hotel near Zhongshan Road or Siming District. Around 5 PM, head to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street — it’s a 1.2-km walking street packed with snack stalls and souvenir shops. Try the oyster omelette from the vendor at the corner near the Louis Vuitton building. I once brought a picky American family there; the mom ate three portions. If it rains, duck into the Xiamen Museum (free entry, closes at 5 PM but the building itself is cool).
Day 2: Gulangyu Island (Full Day)
Take the earliest ferry (7:10 AM) to avoid crowds. Gulangyu is a car-free island with colonial villas and narrow lanes. Must-see: Sunlight Rock (top view, 50 RMB entry), Shuzhuang Garden (30 RMB), and Haoyue Garden (10 RMB, but skip if short on time). Lunch at Zhao’s Kitchen (赵小姐的店) — their wonton soup is 15 RMB and perfect for a light meal. Don’t buy the “local” tea sets from random street vendors; they’re overpriced and often fake. Afternoon: explore the quiet backstreets near the beach. Ferry back before 6 PM to catch sunset at Lujiang Road.
Day 3: Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University & Huandao Road
Start at Nanputuo Temple (free, opens 4 AM – but I recommend 8 AM to see the monks chanting). Then walk next door to Xiamen University — campus is open to the public but you need to reserve via WeChat mini-program “U厦大”. If you can’t get in, head to Hulishan Fortress (25 RMB) for cannons and sea views. By noon, rent a bike and cycle along Huandao Road — 12 km of coastal scenery. Stop at Yefengzhai (Wild Strawberry Village) for a cold coconut (10 RMB).
Day 4: Jimei School Village & Haicang Bay
Take Bus 959 or Metro Line 1 to Jimei School Village — a collection of beautiful Minnan-style buildings built by Tan Kah Kee (free entry). I always tell my groups: this is where locals go on weekends, not tourists. After lunch, cross the bridge to Haicang Bay Park for a quiet afternoon. If you love photography, the sunset here is stunning. Alternative Plan B for rainy day: Xiamen Science & Technology Museum (80 RMB, kids love it).
Day 5: Local Market & Departure
Last morning: hit Babu Market — the oldest seafood market in Xiamen. Try shaomai from the stall near the entrance, and pick up dried squid as gifts (20 RMB per bag). Then pack up and head to the airport/train station. If your flight is after 3 PM, squeeze in Zhongshan Park for a chill walk.
Where to Stay: Top 3 Areas
| Area | Best For | Price Range (per night) | Nearest Metro | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhongshan Road / Siming | First-timers, walkability | 250–600 RMB | Line 1: Zhongshan Park | Busy, historic, lots of food |
| Gulangyu Island | Romantic couples | 400–1000 RMB | Ferry only | Quiet, old villas, car-free |
| Jimei / Haicang | Budget travelers | 150–300 RMB | Line 1: Jimei | Local, less touristy |
Pro tip: Book through Trip.com or Ctrip, and look for “free cancellation” in case your plans shift. Most hotels have stable Wi-Fi, but if you need to work, ask for a room away from the elevator.
Must-Eat Food & Local Tables
1. Oyster Omelette
Best at Lian Hua Hai Li Jian — a hole-in-the-wall on Lianhua Road. 15 RMB. I always order extra sweet chili sauce.
2. Satay Noodles
Try Wu Zai near Zhongshan Road. 25 RMB for a bowl with pork and tofu. Expect a 20-minute queue at lunch.
3. Peanut Soup
Huang Zehe Peanut Soup on Zhongshan Road. 10 RMB, sweet and silky. I once took a group of Swedes there; they couldn’t stop ordering refills.
4. Seafood
Head to Babu Market for street-side grilled seafood. Pick your fish, and they’ll cook it right there. A meal for two runs about 80-120 RMB. Avoid the seafood stalls near Gulangyu ferry; they charge triple.
Payment: WeChat Pay or Alipay is king. Some places accept cash, but credit cards are rare. Ask your hotel to set up WeChat Pay if you haven’t already.
Money-Saving Tips & Traps to Avoid
- Buy ferry tickets online. On-site tickets sell out by 9 AM. Use WeChat mini-program “厦门轮渡”.
- Skip the “bamboo raft” rides near Huandao Road. They’re 100 RMB for 10 minutes and not worth it.
- Bring a refillable water bottle. Tap water in Xiamen isn’t drinkable, but hotels often have filtered water stations.
- Use Didi (Chinese Uber) for short trips. Taxis sometimes refuse short rides; Didi costs about the same but no drama.
- Beware of tea ceremony scams. If a friendly stranger invites you for “free tea,” they’ll pressure you to buy overpriced leaves. Just smile and walk away.
One mistake I see often: tourists try to visit Gulangyu and Nanputuo on the same day. Don’t. You’ll rush both and enjoy neither. Spread them out as I’ve outlined.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision. Prices and schedules may change; always verify with official channels before your trip.
No comments yet.