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Xiamen, also known as Ludao (Lu Island) or simply Lu, is a sub-provincial city and Special Economic Zone in Fujian Province. It is a major central city, port, and scenic tourist destination on the southeast coast. Located at the southeastern tip of Fujian Province, Xiamen borders Zhangzhou to the west, Nan'an and Jinjiang to the north, and faces Kinmen, Kinmen, and Dadan Island across the sea to the southeast. The Minnan dialect is spoken in Xiamen, making it a major city in the Southern Fujian region. Together with Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, it is part of the Xiamen-Zhangzhou-Quanzhou Southern Fujian Golden Triangle Economic Zone.
Xiamen comprises the main island of Xiamen, the outlying island of Gulangyu, the Haicang Peninsula on the west coast, the Jimei Peninsula on the north coast, the Xiang'an Peninsula on the east coast, the Xiaodeng and Dadeng Islands, the inland Tong'an Islands, and the Jiulong River. It covers a land area of 1,699.39 square kilometers and over 390 square kilometers of sea area. In the 21st century, Xiamen has gradually become a modern international port city with scenic views. It boasts Gulangyu Island, a World Cultural Heritage site and one of the first national 5A-level tourist attractions.
Known as "the most popular travel destination in China", Xiamen offers a wide variety of travel experiences. It is an important city that preserves the culture of southern Fujian. From architecture to food, you can appreciate its charm.
Xiamen has a subtropical marine monsoon climate with mild and rainy weather. The average annual temperature is around 21°C, with no severe cold in winter and no extreme heat in summer.
Gulangyu Island
A must-see for anyone visiting Xiamen, Gulangyu Island is home to a vibrant collection of unique shops and cafes, a favorite for those seeking a refined and artistic experience. Located in the southwest corner of Xiamen Island, across the sea from Xiamen City, it boasts a unique blend of overseas Chinese charm, delicious Minnan snacks, and a diverse array of international architecture. Popular attractions include Shuzhuang Garden, Sunlight Rock, and Haoyue Garden, as well as numerous historic buildings of diverse styles, perfect for strolling, daydreaming, and simply enjoying a quiet moment.
All day, free
Xiamen University
Nestled between mountains and the sea, with a unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, it is recognized as China's most beautiful university campus. The quaint architecture of the Minnan overseas Chinese community, the lush southern flora, and the youthful Nanqiang students—everything has been preserved to its original state, transporting you back to an era of flowing white robes.
The cultural charm of Jiannan Auditorium and Song'en Building, the charming scenery of Furong Lake and Lover's Valley, watching the first quarter of the meteor shower together, and the graffiti wall of Furong Tunnel that carries the memories of youth are the corners of the campus that best reflect the beauty of Xiamen University.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 12:00-14:00, 17:00-23:59
Saturday-Sunday, holidays, winter and summer vacations: all day
free
Nanputuo Temple
It is a key Buddhist temple in the Han area of China. It is most famous for the vegetarian food on the two floors of the vegetarian restaurant and the vegetarian cakes of the temple. Wulao Mountain is the back mountain of Nanputuo Temple and is one of the eight scenic spots in Xiamen.
free
Opening hours: 03:00-20:00 all year round
Zengcuoan
Zengcuo'an, known as "China's Most Artistic Village," was once a simple fishing village, now a sought-after cultural and creative destination. Its streets blend modernity with the quaint, and boast numerous unique shops, offering a whole day of fun while you eat, shop, and take photos. Its food and art are its two main attractions.
All day, free
Xiamen, located in Fujian Province, is a historic port city known for its trade, colonial architecture, and cultural exchange. It played an important role as a treaty port in the 19th century and is now famous for tourism, education, and maritime economy.
Xiamen is on the southeast coast of China in Fujian Province. It can be reached via Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, high-speed trains to Xiamen Railway Station or Xiamen North Station, and intercity buses. Local transportation includes metro, buses, taxis, and ferries to nearby islands; walking is convenient in Gulangyu and city center areas.
Booking is recommended for Gulangyu Island ferries during weekends, holidays, or peak seasons, ideally 1–3 days in advance. Other attractions usually do not require advance booking.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and English at Gulangyu, Nanputuo Temple, and Hulishan Fortress. Audio guides are offered at some sites, mainly in Chinese.
Start with a ferry to Gulangyu Island in the morning, explore gardens and museums, return to Xiamen city for lunch, visit Nanputuo Temple and Xiamen University in the afternoon, then stroll and shop along Zhongshan Road in the evening.
Gulangyu closes in the early evening, but Zhongshan Road and nearby waterfront areas are lively at night. Special cultural performances or light displays may occur at major festivals.
Weekdays are less crowded; weekends, public holidays, and summer vacation periods are busy, especially at Gulangyu and Xiamen University.
All major attractions provide toilets, restaurants or cafes, drinking water, rest areas, and souvenir shops.
Most attractions are partially accessible. Gulangyu has pedestrian paths but some hills and steps. Ramps and assistance are available at major tourist sites.
Mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted; carrying some cash is recommended for small vendors or ferry tickets.
Xiamen offers seafood restaurants, local Fujian cuisine, cafes along Gulangyu and Zhongshan Road, and international chain options in city center.
Vegetarian options are widely available in local and temple eateries. Halal food is offered in select city restaurants; limited on Gulangyu Island.
Options include luxury hotels near Xiamen waterfront, boutique hotels on Gulangyu, mid-range hotels near Zhongshan Road, and guesthouses near Xiamen University.
High-speed trains and long-distance buses connect Xiamen to Fuzhou, Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, and other major cities. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and local buses are convenient for short distances within Xiamen.
