Classic Xiamen Itinerary: 3 Days for First-Timers

Day 1: Gulangyu Island & Colonial Streets

Morning: Ferry to Gulangyu

Most people start with Gulangyu, and for good reason. The car-free island is a Unesco World Heritage site packed with colonial villas, tiny alleys, and unexpected gardens. Buy your ferry ticket online via the official Xiamen Ferry WeChat mini-program — don't rely on walk-up tickets, especially during holidays. The standard round-trip from the downtown ferry terminal costs about ¥35 per person. Ferries run every 20 minutes, and the ride takes around 20 minutes.

Pro tip: Take the 8:30 AM ferry. By 10 AM, the island gets flooded with tour groups. Once you're off the boat, avoid the main commercial street (Longtou Road) and head straight for the quieter residential area around Sunlight Rock. Climb the rock (ticket ¥50) for a panoramic view — but go before 9:30 AM to skip the line.

Afternoon: Hidden Gardens & Piano Museum

After Sunlight Rock, wander toward Shuzhuang Garden (¥30) – it's a seaside garden with a cleverly designed Nine-Bend Bridge. Right next to it is the Piano Museum (included in the same ticket), housing over 100 antique pianos. I personally find the collection fascinating, though the air-conditioning is weak in summer — bring a fan.

For lunch, skip the overpriced seafood restaurants along the main strip. Instead, walk to Lin's Family Fishballs behind the stadium — it's a hole-in-the-wall with handmade fishballs for ¥15. Their soup is light, with a hint of pepper. Grab a stool and watch the locals play chess.

Evening: Return to Xiamen & Zhongshan Road

Take the 5 PM ferry back (last ferry around 6:30 PM, check current schedule). From the ferry terminal, walk to Zhongshan Road — a pedestrian street with colonial arcades. It's touristy, yes, but the architecture is legit, and it's perfect for an evening stroll. Try the local snack “ah-jian” at a stall near the corner of Xiahua Road — it's a crispy oyster omelette, though some find it too greasy. I recommend sharing one order.

Day 2: Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University & Ring Road

Morning: Nanputuo Temple

Start early at Nanputuo Temple (free entry). It's one of the most important Buddhist temples in Fujian, and the incense smoke never stops. Arrive before 8 AM to see the monks chanting. The temple complex includes rocky hills behind it — climb up for a view of the harbor. Watch out for monkeys — they've been known to snatch plastic bags. Don't carry food openly.

After the temple, walk to the South Putuo Hill next door (free) — it's a quiet park with ancient carvings. Most tourists skip this, so you'll have the place almost to yourself.

Lunch: Near Xiamen University

Exit through the temple's west gate and you're right at Xiamen University (XMU). The campus is open to visitors (bring your passport, and expect a line on weekends). The student canteen is not open to outsiders, but the small restaurants on the east side of campus (on Siming South Road) are cheap and good. I always take my groups to Wu Zai Ji for their braised pork rice (¥25) — the pork belly melts in your mouth.

Afternoon: Huandao Road Bike Ride

Rent a bicycle from one of the many shops outside XMU (around ¥20 per hour) and ride along Huandao Road (Ring Road). The 11-km stretch from XMU to the International Exhibition Center is stunning — you'll pass beaches (like Hulishan Fortress, ticket ¥25 if you want to stop) and the Music Square where locals dance in the evenings. Bring sunscreen; the Xiamen sun is no joke even in winter.

Evening: Zengcuoan Village

Around 5 PM, bike to Zengcuoan — a former fishing village turned hipster enclave. It's packed with food stalls and souvenir shops. I find it overcrowded, but it's worth a quick walk-through for the vibes. Grab a fresh coconut (¥15) and watch the sunset from the beach right behind the village.

Day 3: Tulou Day Trip or Local Markets

Your third day depends on your energy. Option A is a full-day trip to the Fujian Tulou (earth buildings) — it's a 3-hour drive from Xiamen. Option B stays in the city for a relaxed immersion into local life.

Option A: Fujian Tulou Day Trip (Recommended)

I honestly think no trip to Xiamen is complete without seeing the Tulou — they're the iconic circular earthen structures built by the Hakka people. Join a small group tour (book through Trip.com or a local agency; prices start around ¥300 per person including transport and entrance). The most famous cluster is Chuxi Tulou Cluster (¥90 entry) — it's less crowded than the Shecheng set. Leave by 7 AM, and you'll be back by 6 PM.

Important: Many tours stop at a tourism center for lunch — avoid that and ask to be dropped at a local restaurant in the village. My pick is Grandma Tu's Family Restaurant — their clay-pot chicken (¥68) is phenomenal.

Option B: Local Market & Tea Culture

If you prefer to stay in town, spend the morning at Bajie Market — Xiamen's largest traditional wet market. It's chaotic, smelly, and absolutely authentic. Try a “Run Bing” — a thin rice crepe filled with shredded veggies and seafood. The best stall is Zhang's Spring Rolls near the north gate, ¥6 each. In the afternoon, visit a tea house in Wuyuan Bay for a Tieguanyin tasting. Book a session at Yan Tea House — a 90-minute session costs ¥120 and includes four types of oolong. The owner, Ms. Chen, speaks decent English and explains the gongfu ceremony.

Where to Eat: My Go-To Spots

Let's be real — Xiamen's food scene is as important as its sights. Here are my personal picks after years of trial and error:

One more thing: Xiamen's signature dish is sandworm jelly — a jelly made from a kind of marine worm. Sounds gross, tastes surprisingly good with soy sauce and garlic. You'll find it at street stalls in Bajie Market. Start with one portion before committing.

Practical Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions