Best Xiamen Itinerary: 3 Days of Culture, Food & Coastal Views

I've been leading tours in Xiamen for over a decade, and I've seen travelers make the same mistakes over and over—showing up without ferry tickets, eating at overpriced tourist traps, or missing the best sunset spots. This 3-day itinerary is the result of hundreds of happy guests. It's designed to give you a genuine taste of Xiamen without rushing like a madman. Let's dive in.

Day 1: Gulangyu Island & Zhongshan Road

Start your day early. I mean 7:30 AM early. Why? Because the ferry to Gulangyu gets packed after 9 AM, and you'll be queuing with hundreds of tourists. Head to the Dongdu International Cruise Terminal (Xiamen's only passenger ferry for visitors). Take metro Line 2 to Dongdu Station, exit from Gate 2, and walk 5 minutes. Buy your round-trip ticket online through the Xiamen Ferry WeChat mini-program (about 35 RMB per person). Choose the route to Sanqiutian Pier—it drops you right in the heart of the old town.

Morning: Exploring Gulangyu's Colonial Streets

Once you step off the ferry, you're hit with that unique mix of European architecture and tropical greenery. Gulangyu is a car-free island, so you walk everywhere. I always tell my groups: ignore the touts selling guided tours. You don't need one. Just wander. Must-see spots:

• Sunlight Rock – The highest point on the island. Climb 200 steps for a 360° view of Xiamen skyline. Admission is 50 RMB (or you can buy a combo ticket for 90 RMB that includes five attractions). Go before 10 AM to avoid heat and crowds.
• Piano Museum – Housed in a stunning colonial villa, it displays over 100 antique pianos. Free with combo ticket. Don't touch anything—the docents get nervous.
• Shuzhuang Garden – A beautiful seaside garden with hidden pathways. The skywalk along the cliff offers killer photo ops.

Lunch tip: Skip the seafood restaurants near the pier (they're expensive and watery). Instead, walk 10 minutes inland to Lin's Fish Ball on Longtou Road. Their fish ball soup (15 RMB) is the real deal. I always order an extra bowl.

Afternoon: Beaches & Back Streets

After lunch, head to Gangzaihou Beach – less crowded than the main beaches. Kick off your shoes and walk on the soft sand. Then explore the tangled alleys behind the commercial strip. You'll find local grannies selling xiān cǎo dòng (herbal jelly) for 5 RMB. Grab one. It's refreshing.

Take the ferry back to Xiamen around 4 PM (the last ferry is around 5:30 PM, but check the schedule). Once back, walk straight to Zhongshan Road, a pedestrian shopping street that lights up beautifully at dusk.

Evening: Street Food Crawl on Zhongshan Road

Zhongshan Road is a paradise for food lovers. Start at the Huangzehe Peanut Soup shop (near the intersection with Siming Road). Their sweet peanut soup with youtiao (fried dough) is iconic – 8 RMB. Then walk south and look for Lotus Haisan (Oyster Omelet) stall at the corner. The oysters are plump and the egg is crispy. Expect to wait 10–15 minutes. For dinner, I recommend Ah Jie Five Spice Rolls (15 RMB for three rolls) – a local favorite. End with a bowl of Sha Cha Noodles at Yuehua (just follow the queue). Total dinner cost: under 50 RMB.

Day 2: Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University & Huandao Road

Today is culture and coast. Start at Nanputuo Temple – a bustling Buddhist complex at the base of Wulao Mountain. Admission is free, but you need to reserve a time slot via the temple's WeChat mini-program (search 南普陀寺预约). I usually book the 8:30–9:30 slot. Take metro Line 1 to Xiamen University Station, exit from Gate 3, and walk 10 minutes uphill.

Morning: Inside Nanputuo

The temple is more than just a tourist spot. Watch devotees light incense and pray. Climb up to the Guanyin statue – the view over the sea is gorgeous. Stay about 1.5 hours. Before you leave, try the vegetarian lunch at the temple's restaurant (普照楼, near the main hall). The 'fake meat' dishes are surprisingly good. A set meal costs around 60 RMB per person.

Late Morning: Xiamen University

Right next door is Xiamen University – one of China's most beautiful campuses. It's also free but requires a reservation on the university's official WeChat account (search 厦门大学访客预约). Slots open at 3 PM the day before for the following day. Enter through the main gate (opposite Nanputuo). Stroll through Furong Lake and the Shangxian Pavilion. The architecture blends traditional Chinese style with Western influences. Give it 1 hour.

Afternoon: Cycling Huandao Road

Exit the university from the south gate (near the seaside). Rent a bicycle from one of the many shops – about 30 RMB for the whole day. Ride south along Huandao Road, a scenic coastal path. Must-stop points:

• Music Square (Yinyue Square) – A huge lawn overlooking the sea. Great for photos.
• Zeng Cuo An – A former fishing village turned hipster enclave. Full of boutique hostels, cafes, and souvenir shops. Don't spend too long here; it's become a bit commercial.
• Yefengzhai Fort – A historic fort with cannons and great views. Admission 25 RMB.

Cycle all the way to the International Conference Center area, then turn back. Total cycling distance is about 15 km – manageable in 2–3 hours with breaks.

Evening: Dinner at Zeng Cuo An

Return the bike and have dinner at Lin's Seafood (the one with the blue sign, 20 meters from the main gate). Order the steamed fish and stir-fried clams. Price per person around 80 RMB. Pay with WeChat or Alipay – they don't take international credit cards.

Day 3: Jimei School Village & Local Food Crawl

Last day – let's go off the beaten path. Take metro Line 1 to Jimei Station (about 25 minutes from downtown). Exit and walk 15 minutes to Jimei School Village, a complex of schools and buildings founded by the patriotic philanthropist Tan Kah Kee. The architecture is unique: a fusion of Chinese palace style and Western columns. Highlights:

• Longzhou Pool – A huge swimming pool with a pavilion in the middle. It's now a carp pond. Feed the fish for 5 RMB.
• Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall – Learn about the man who built modern Xiamen. Free admission.
• Ao Yuan – A seaside park with a enormous turtle statue. Climb the turtle for a great photo.

Spend 3 hours here. Then head back to the Jimei subway station area for lunch – try Jimei Sashimi (a local specialty: raw fish salad). Look for Jimei Fish Port restaurant (Google Maps it). A plate of sashimi costs around 60 RMB.

Afternoon: Foodie Finale – a Local Food Crawl

Return to the city center and embark on a self-guided food tour. I mapped out 5 stops that will blow your taste buds:

1. Babao Soup at Sisai Sha Cha (near Zhongshan Road) – 12 RMB
2. Fried Oyster Cake at the corner of Kaihe Road – 5 RMB
3. Satay Noodles at Wuzhu Noodles (Siming South Road) – 18 RMB
4. Mango Shaved Ice at Yang Xiao Gu (Daxue Road) – 25 RMB
5. Taro Balls at Lian's Dessert (near the cathedral) – 10 RMB

This crawl takes about 3 hours. Walk between stops – it's only 2 km total.

If you have energy left, catch the sunset from Haivan Park (free, take metro Line 2 to Haivan Park Station). The view of the island from the boardwalk is magical.

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