China-Xiamen

The best time to visit Xiamen is from September to April of the next year.

Autumn is the best season for tea farmers to harvest tea and tea enthusiasts to taste tea. It is also the time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions and the lively tradition of “bo bing” (a gambling game during the Mid-Autumn Festival).
In addition, the city flower, the phoenix tree, blooms in autumn, adorning the entire city with red flowers. In winter, Xiamen is warm and suitable for leisure activities such as strolling along the seashore and tasting seafood. Visitors can enjoy the gentle sea breeze and leisurely time here.

Day 1: Gulangyu Island Adventure 🏝️

🔺First Destination: Gulangyu Island – A Full-Day Exploration ⏱
🛳️ Take a ferry from Xiamen International Cruise Center, and in just about 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at Gulangyu Island, known as the “Garden on the Sea.” There’s no entrance fee for the island, but for the paid attractions like Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden, it’s recommended to buy a combined ticket for better value! 🌄 Sunlight Rock is a must-visit, where you can overlook the breathtaking scenery of the entire island.

🏰 Architectural Wonders and Performances
On the island, the architectural styles vary, and No. 42 of the “Sea Heaven Architecture” old villa complex is a highlight. Here, you can admire exquisite architecture and watch puppet shows and Nanyin performances, which are not to be missed! 📸 There’s also a popular photo spot – “Internet-famous Corner,” located at No. 44, Guxin Road, near Sanqiutian Dock. Remember to bring your camera and capture some wonderful memories!

🍴Lunch Recommendations
Try Zhao Xiaojie’s Shop and Zhang Sanfeng Milk Tea Shop. Although tastes differ, since you’re here, you might as well try them! Zhao Xiaojie’s Shop specializes in Xiamen local pastries, while Zhang Sanfeng’s European-style milk tea and Ceylon black tea are also excellent! 😋

🍜Longtou Road Food Street
This is a paradise for snacks. Ye’s Glutinous Rice Balls, Old Lady’s Grass Jelly, Shen’s Southern Fujian Rice Noodles, Malasang Fresh Juice, Lin’s Fish Balls, etc., are all authentic Southern Fujian snacks that will make your mouth water!

🌃Nightfall on Gulangyu Island
The night view of Gulangyu Island is equally charming. If time permits, stay on the island a little longer and feel the tranquility and beauty of the night. However, considering that accommodation on the island is expensive and transportation is inconvenient, it’s recommended to return to Xiamen for accommodation at night.

Day 2: Xiamen Botanical Garden → Nanputuo Temple → Xiamen University → Zengcuoan

🌿First Stop: Xiamen Botanical Garden ⏱ 3 hours
🚌 Take Bus No. 57 or 87 directly to the Botanical Garden Stop and embark on a green journey! Here, you’ll find a variety of rare plants, with the Tropical Rainforest Zone and Succulent Plant Zone being perfect spots for photos. Remember to bring your camera and capture every beautiful moment! 🌈

🧗‍♂️Challenge the Zhonggu Ropeway
If your energy permits, why not challenge the Zhonggu Ropeway and overlook the beautiful scenery of the botanical garden and the panoramic view of Gulangyu Island from a different perspective!

🙏Second Stop: Nanputuo Temple ⏱ 2 hours
🚶‍♀️ Walk or take a bus from the botanical garden to Xiamen Daxivillage Stop to reach Nanputuo Temple. This is a sacred place of Buddhism in Southern Fujian, with ancient and elegant temple buildings worth visiting. If you have enough time, you can also climb Wulao Peak to overlook the beautiful scenery of Xiamen University and Gulangyu Island!

🍽️Lunch Recommendation: Vegetarian Cuisine at Nanputuo Temple
The vegetarian cuisine here is very famous, with a light taste yet delicious. Don’t forget to bring back some vegetarian cakes as souvenirs for family and friends!

🏫Third Stop: Xiamen University ⏱ 3 hours
🚶‍♂️ Walk from Nanputuo Temple to Xiamen University, which is known as “one of the most beautiful universities in China.” Jiannan Auditorium, Song’en Building, Furong Lake, Lover’s Valley, and other attractions are all memorable. Don’t forget to visit Furong Tunnel and feel the creative graffiti by students!

🍴Dinner Recommendation
Try authentic Xiamen snacks at Furong Canteen within Xiamen University, which is affordable and delicious! Or enjoy a seafood feast at Zengcuoan, which is also a great choice!

🏝️Fourth Stop: Zengcuoan ⏱ 2 hours
🚌 Take a bus or taxi to Zengcuoan, a small fishing village filled with a literary atmosphere. Walk through the streets and alleys and feel the unique charm of Southern Fujian culture. If time permits, you can also go to the seaside to watch a sunrise or sunset and enjoy your own peaceful moment!

Day 3: Huli Hill Fort → Baicheng Beach → Shapowei → Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street → Lukiang River Night Cruise

🏰First Stop: Huli Hill Fort & Baicheng Beach ⏱ 3 hours
🚌 Take a bus or taxi to Huli Hill Fort, where you can see the ancient 19th-century coastal cannons and fort groups and learn about Xiamen’s historical stories. After the visit, head to Baicheng Beach nearby to feel the gentle sea breeze and the softness of the sand!

🏖️Relaxation at Baicheng Beach
Rent a lounger to bask in the sun or a bicycle to ride around the island and enjoy your leisure time!

🎨Second Stop: Shapowei ⏱ 1 hour
🚌 Take a bus or taxi from Baicheng Beach to Shapowei, an emerging literary spot with a trendy overall plan. Stroll through the creative market and feel the vitality and creativity of young people!

🛍️Third Stop: Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street ⏱ 2 hours
🚌 Take a bus or taxi from Shapowei to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, which is a well-preserved old town district in Xiamen that showcases modern historical features. Shop around, taste snacks, and feel the commercial atmosphere and cultural heritage of Xiamen!

🌃Fourth Stop: Lukiang River Night Cruise ⏱ 1 hour
🚌 Take a bus or taxi from Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street to the ferry terminal and take a ferry to enjoy the night view of Lukiang River. It’s fun to admire the beautiful scenery of Xiamen from the sea, and there are also various traditional performances to enjoy on the ferry! Remember to wear more clothes because the wind on the boat is stronger at night!