Discover the vibrant charm of Xiamen with this 3-day itinerary that blends historical landmarks, scenic coastlines, and cultural hotspots. Begin your journey exploring the serene temples and stunning beaches, then immerse yourself in the city’s artistic side with a visit to local markets and bustling streets. Sample the rich flavors of Xiamen’s cuisine, from award-winning vegetarian dishes to authentic street food, while taking in breathtaking views on a night cruise. With a mix of iconic sights, local experiences, and hidden gems, this itinerary offers the perfect balance for an unforgettable Xiamen adventure.
Day 1: Gulangyu Island
Transportation: Out-of-town visitors can take a ferry from Xiamen International Cruise Center to either Sanqiutian Pier or Neicuo’ao Pier on Gulangyu Island, a ride of about 20 minutes.
Introduction: Your first stop in Xiamen is Gulangyu, often called the “Garden on the Sea.” After dropping off your luggage, hop on a ferry to this beautiful island. Entry to the island is free, but certain attractions such as Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, Haoyue Garden, the Organ Museum, and the International Lettering Museum require tickets. You can buy them individually or get a combined ticket. Sunlight Rock is a must-see for a panoramic view of the island.
Gulangyu is home to many fascinating buildings. Be sure to visit No. 42 Haitangkou Villa, where you can enjoy puppet shows and Nanyin music performances. Don’t miss the popular “Instagram-worthy corner” near No. 44 Guxin Road, close to Sanqiutian Pier, a favorite for photos.
Dining: For lunch and dinner on Gulangyu, check out these spots:
- Miss Zhao’s Shop (赵小姐的店) and Zhang Sanfeng Milk Tea (张三疯奶茶店) are well-known, long-standing popular shops. Opinions on the food vary, but since you’re here, it’s worth giving them a try. Miss Zhao’s Shop has a British-style décor and offers traditional Xiamen pastries, while Zhang Sanfeng is famous for its European-style milk tea and Ceylon black tea. They also sell many souvenirs.
- On Longtou Road Food Street (龙头路美食街), try these recommended spots:
- Ye’s Mochi (叶氏麻糍), a small mobile stall that attracts many tourists with its sweet and chewy handmade mochi.
- Popo Herbal Jelly (婆婆烧仙草), packed with rich ingredients and delicious at a budget price.
- Shen’s Min Nan Rice Rolls (沈家闽南肠粉), fresh and steamed on-site, featuring flavorful broth and plenty of fillings.
- Malasang Fresh Juice (马拉桑品味果汁), offering thick, tasty juices at affordable prices.
- Lin’s Fish Balls (林氏鱼丸), known for their real fish meat and bouncy texture, with no starch added. Other traditional Minnan snacks are also highly recommended.
- Jinlan Pastry Shop (金兰饼店) offers very affordable pastries that are delicious, but the location can be hard to find, so food lovers may need to search a bit.
To stay or not: If you visit Gulangyu during the peak season, staying overnight is worth it to experience the island’s peaceful charm after the crowds leave. However, if it’s not peak season, you may choose not to stay overnight as accommodation can be expensive, and the restrictions on transportation make carrying luggage a bit of a hassle.
Tips
- Be sure to book your Gulangyu ferry tickets in advance.
- Many shops on Gulangyu offer free stamps, so bring a notebook to collect them!
Day 2: Xiamen Botanical Garden → Nanputuo Temple → Xiamen University → Zengcuo’an
First Stop: Xiamen Botanical Garden (⏱ 3 hours)
Transportation: Take Bus No. 57 or 87 to the Botanical Garden (植物园) stop, or take the Tourist Line 2 to the Botanical Garden East Gate (植物园东门) stop.
Introducation: The Xiamen Botanical Garden surrounds the Wanshiyan Reservoir and features various rare plant landscapes. It’s a large park, so a full tour can take a whole day. If time is limited, focus on the tropical rainforest area and the succulent plant zone. The tropical rainforest zone has mist spray times twice daily, in the morning and afternoon, creating a dreamy, ethereal effect. The succulent plant zone is a photographer’s paradise. However, there are many beautiful spots throughout the garden, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty.
Tips:
- On the west side of the garden, there is the Zhonggu Cableway (钟鼓索道), which is over 1,000 meters long. It offers an aerial view of the garden and a panoramic view of Gulangyu and, in the distance, Taiwan. It’s worth a visit. If you take the one-way ride, it conveniently drops you off near Nanputuo Temple for your next stop.
- It’s recommended to enter through the west gate, which is closer to the two main areas of interest. If you enter from the east gate, the walk to the attractions is longer and involves a climb.
- Mist spray times for the Tropical Rainforest Zone:
- Spring and Summer (May 1 to October 7): 8:30-10:30 AM, 5:00-7:00 PM.
- Autumn and Winter (October 8 to April 30): 9:00-11:00 AM, 4:00-6:00 PM.
- Electric shuttles are available for easy touring.
- Remember to bring insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
Second Stop: Nanputuo Temple (⏱ 2 hours)
Transportation: From Xiamen Botanical Garden to Nanputuo Temple, either take the one-way cable car or Bus No. 87 to Xiamen University West Village (厦大西村), a 20-minute ride.
Introduction: Nanputuo Temple is a sacred site for Minnan Buddhism. Those who practice Buddhism can pray and offer incense, while others can enjoy the architecture. The temple is small and can be visited quickly if you skip climbing Wulao Peak. The hike to the top of Wulao Peak takes about 30 minutes, and the summit offers a stunning view of Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, and Gulangyu Island. The temple is also famous for its vegetarian dishes, and its vegetarian pastries are a local specialty worth trying.
Tips:
- Opening hours: Outer gate from 3:00 AM to 8:00 PM, inner gate from 3:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Do not feed animals or release any into the temple’s ponds.
- Dress modestly; improper attire may prevent you from entering the temple.
Third Stop: Xiamen University (⏱ 3 hours)
Transportation: Xiamen University is within walking distance from Nanputuo Temple.
Introduction: Known as one of the most beautiful universities in China, Xiamen University boasts grand buildings like Jiannan Auditorium and Song’en Building, as well as scenic spots like Furong Lake and Lovers’ Valley. The Furong Tunnel, filled with student graffiti, is also a unique feature. Additionally, the university’s Anthropology Museum and the Lu Xun Memorial Hall are worth visiting. Afternoon visits to Xiamen University are only allowed after 5:30 PM. If you have extra time, you can also visit Cat Street (猫街) nearby, which features a Cat Museum, cat-themed murals, and various cat-themed decorations – ideal for cat lovers.
Tips:
- Visiting Xiamen University requires a reservation at least three days in advance.
- Enter through the Danan Gate (大南校门) or Qunxian Gate (群贤校门); all other gates are closed to visitors.
- Open hours for visitors: 12:00-2:00 PM and 5:30-9:00 PM. Only 1,000 visitors are allowed during the midday period, but there’s no limit in the evening. Make sure to check the visiting times.
Fourth Stop: Zengcuo’an (⏱ 2 hours)
Overview: Zengcuo’an was once a small fishing village and is now a trendy, artsy destination. Stroll through the charming streets lined with unique guesthouses and local Minnan snacks. Take a walk along the beach, enjoy the sea breeze, and send a postcard to your future self. It’s a place to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
Tips:
- If you’re an early riser, catching the sunrise by the sea is an unforgettable experience.
- In addition to buses, cycling along Huandao Road (环岛路) is a great option to enjoy the scenic views.
Dining Recommendations:
- Lunch (Nanputuo Temple): For lunch, try the vegetarian meal (素斋) at Nanputuo Temple, which is famous and award-winning. The signature dish “Yuni Cangzhen” (芋泥藏珍) is a must-try – it’s incredibly delicious! Before leaving, don’t forget to grab some vegetarian pastries (素饼) as a souvenir. Nanputuo’s vegetarian pastries have won the Golden Ding Award for “China Famous Snacks” (中国名点金鼎奖) and are a well-known Xiamen specialty. These pastries come in both sweet and savory flavors, and they cost around 10 yuan per box. Popular flavors include coconut, pumpkin, and mung bean—perfect if you’re having trouble deciding.
- Dinner (Xiamen University): For dinner, you can dine at Furong Cafeteria (芙蓉餐厅), located near the Furong Tunnel. It’s easy to find and offers a variety of Xiamen snacks on the third floor, with affordable prices. If you’re still exploring Zengcuo’an (曾厝垵) in the evening, the area also has a lot of street food to try. Highly recommended snacks include Oyster Omelette (海蛎煎), Mango Desserts (芒果), Axin Thick Toast (阿信厚吐司), Mochi (麻糍), and Rice Noodles (肠粉).
Accommodation: It’s recommended to stay near Xiamen University to experience the vibrant, youthful atmosphere of the campus. The area offers affordable lodging options, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers.
Day 3: Hulishan Fortress → Baicheng Beach → Shapowei → Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street → Lujiang Night Cruise
First Stop: Hulishan Fortress & Baicheng Beach ⏱3H
Transportation: Since Hulishan Fortress and Baicheng Beach are adjacent to each other, they can be visited together.
Introduction: Hulishan Fortress, a product of the late 19th-century Self-Strengthening Movement, features ancient coastal cannons and fortifications. Visitors can also explore the historical exhibition halls to learn about Xiamen’s history in the late 1800s. After the tour, stroll over to Baicheng Beach. Although popular with tourists and less pristine, the views are still beautiful and worth visiting.
Tips:
- Welcoming Ceremony Performance Times: Summer: 8:30, Winter: 9:00 (12 minutes).
- Red Cannon Drill Performance Times: Daily at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (16 minutes). Performers offer free photo opportunities afterward.
Second Stop: Shapowei Wharf ⏱1H
Transport: From Hulishan Fortress & Baicheng Beach: Take bus No. 86 from Xiamen University Baicheng to Shapowei, approximately 25 minutes.
Introduction: Shapowei, though lesser-known than Zengcuo’an, is a rising art district with a trendy, creative atmosphere. It hosts numerous artisan markets and frequent themed events, perfect for young visitors seeking Instagram-worthy spots.
Third Stop: Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street ⏱2H
Transport: From Shapowei: About 30 minutes by bus.
Introduction: Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is one of Xiamen’s oldest and most well-preserved areas showcasing modern history. Known as the “Living Fossil of Xiamen Commerce,” it features a variety of shops, local snacks, and winding alleys. After exploring, relax and enjoy dinner at one of its many restaurants.
Fourth Stop: Lujiang Night Cruise ⏱1H
Transport: From Zhongshan Road: Take a bus to Lundu Post Office station, about 20 minutes.
Overview: After exploring Zhongshan Road, head to the ferry terminal for a night cruise along Lujiang. Sailing on the water gives you a fresh perspective of Xiamen’s night skyline, with commentary on the landmarks and traditional performances to enjoy on board. Choose from a range of ticket options.
Tips:
- Arrive early for the best upper deck views.
- Wear warm clothing as it can get windy at night.
Dining:
- Lunch (near Shapowei): Shapowei offers several chic eateries where you can enjoy creative dishes.
- Liangfang (凉房): A trendy semi-fusion restaurant known for its beautiful presentation and delicious meals. Both the afternoon tea and regular meals are highly rated.
- Pretend in Korea (假装在韩国): A stylish Korean restaurant with great fried chicken, tteokbokki, and drinks. Portions are on the smaller side.
- Drunken No. 1 Seafood Diner (醉壹号海鲜大排档): A well-known local seafood restaurant that’s been featured on CCTV. Recommended dishes include satay lobster, crispy taro duck, and Xiamen fried crabs.
- Dinner (Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street):
- Tianhe West Gate Tusu Jelly (天河西门土笋冻): Famous for its refreshing, gelatinous tusu jelly made from sandworms, a unique local snack.
- Nanwangzhai Satay Noodles (南望斋沙茶面): Offering authentic satay noodles and oyster omelets at reasonable prices. The satay sauce is savory with a hint of spice, a must-try for adventurous eaters.
Accommodation:
For the night, consider staying in one of the charming homestays in Zengcuoan. These unique, well-designed accommodations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also affordable.
