Xiamen is the Chinese city that surprises people most. It is consistently ranked as China’s most liveable city and has the country’s best urban air quality. It has a car-free colonial island that fills with piano music. It has a university campus that was deliberately built to be one of China’s most beautiful. And it has a cuisine that shares more with Southeast Asian cooking than with the food of Beijing or Chengdu.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gulangyu Island alone makes Xiamen worth the flight. For the island guide: Gulangyu Island Guide.
At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
| Best months | October to December. March to May. Avoid August to September typhoon peak. |
| Getting there | Fly from Shanghai (1.5h), Beijing (2.5h), Guangzhou (50 min). |
| Essential | Gulangyu Island (half day minimum). Book ferry in advance. |
| Eat | Oyster vermicelli (海蛎煎), satay noodles (沙茶面), peanut soup rice (花生汤). |
| Unique feature | Fujian cuisine is completely different from most Chinese food you have tried. |
| Base yourself | Siming district near Zhongshan Road for central access. |
Gulangyu Island
A 1.87 square kilometre island off the southwest coast of Xiamen. No cars. No motorbikes. Narrow lanes between 19th and early 20th century colonial buildings in Chinese, European, and Southeast Asian architectural styles. Piano music from the various music schools and the Piano Museum.
The UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2017 described it as an outstanding example of cultural integration. Book ferry tickets in advance on the Xia Gu Ferry app (¥35 round trip). Arrive early: most sights close by 5pm. Full island guide: Gulangyu Island Guide.
Xiamen University
Xiamen University (厦门大学) is consistently ranked among the most beautiful campuses in China. Built in 1921 by the overseas Chinese businessman Tan Kah Kee, who funded it as a gift to his homeland. The campus faces the sea and is backed by Wulao Hill.
The combination of traditional Chinese architecture, colonial-influenced buildings, and seaside setting is unique. Entry requires passport registration at the gate. The south gate near Baicheng Beach is the most photographed approach. Avoid school hours on weekdays when access may be restricted.
Nanputuo Temple
A large Buddhist temple complex on the south shore of Xiamen Island, built in the Tang dynasty and substantially expanded in the 20th century. Connected to Xiamen University: the two are separated only by a wall. Free entry. The vegetarian restaurant behind the temple serves one of the best value temple meals in Fujian: ¥30 to ¥60 for a full vegetarian spread using local Fujian ingredients. The hilltop above the temple (accessible by trail, 30 minutes) gives a panoramic view over the campus, the temple, and the sea.
Zhongshan Road
The main pedestrian shopping street in Siming district. An arched colonnade of early 20th century buildings runs the full length of the street. The architectural style (Minnan Qilou) reflects the overseas Chinese influence: European colonnades adapted to tropical climate with shaded walkways below. The same style appears in Singapore and Penang because the builders came from the same region. At night the street fills with locals. The street food stalls at the north end near Zeng Cuo An village are the best option for Fujian snacks.
What to Eat in Xiamen
| Dish | Chinese | What It Is | Where |
| Oyster vermicelli | 海蛎煎 (hai li jian) | Oysters and egg fried in starch batter. Crispy exterior, soft center. Served with sweet chili sauce. | Night market stalls, Zhongshan Road area. |
| Satay noodles | 沙茶面 (sha cha mian) | Thin noodles in a broth made from satay paste, peanuts, and seafood. Unique to Fujian. | Wu Lan Sha Cha Mian restaurant and similar local shops. |
| Peanut soup rice | 花生汤 (hua sheng tang) | Whole peanuts simmered until soft in a light sweet broth. Eaten with glutinous rice balls. | Breakfast and dessert shops throughout the city. |
| Fish ball soup | 鱼丸汤 (yu wan tang) | Springy fish balls with pork filling in clear broth. A Fujian staple. | Any local noodle shop. |
| Oyster vermicelli (dry) | 蚵仔面线 (o-ah mi-sua) | Thin rice noodles tangled with oysters in a thick starchy sauce. | Zhongshan Road and Zeng Cuo An night market. |
Getting Around Xiamen
Xiamen city has a metro system (5 lines). Line 1 connects the ferry terminal area to Xiamen University and main attractions. The bus network is comprehensive. DiDi works normally. The Huandao Road coastal cycling path runs 43 km around the island’s east shore and is one of the most scenic urban cycling routes in China. Rental bikes available from HelloBike or Meituan throughout the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Gulangyu Island: Gulangyu Island Guide. For Xiamen food: Xiamen Food Guide. For how many days: How Many Days in Xiamen.