After being a "special forces traveler" in Xiamen for 3 days, I finally understand why it's the dream city for artsy youth!

Where there's sea, there's Xiamen - it's truly a city absolutely worth visiting! 😭

✅ Preparations

Documents: Bring valid IDs like ID card and student card.

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable outfits for summer with sun protection (UV jackets, sunscreen, sunglasses); long sleeves for spring/autumn; thick coats for winter.

Medicines: Common medications (cold, stomachache, motion sickness, mosquito repellent).

Other essentials: Phones, cameras, chargers, power banks. Download Xiamen Metro/Bus apps in advance.

✅ Transportation Guide

External: Prioritize Xiamen Railway Station (downtown location for easier access to attractions).

Internal: Take Metro Line 1's "Spirited Away" ocean-view section (Jimei School Village-Gaoqi). Also consider BRT, taxis, or ride-hailing. Walk on Gulangyu Island; rent e-bikes/bicycles for Island Ring Road.

✅ Accommodation Tips

Gulangyu: Artistic B&Bs (luggage difficult on cobblestones). Recommend Lee Family Hotel.

Zhongshan Road: Convenient transport with abundant food options (~200 CNY B&Bs).

Zengcuoan: Budget-friendly but noisy. For quiet stays near beaches, choose Huangcuo or Xitouxia.

✅ Food Recommendations

Shacha Noodles: Silisha Shacha Noodles - rich broth with customizable toppings.

Oyster Omelet: Lianhuan Oyster Omelet (Zhongshan Road alleys) - crispy yet light.

Ginger Duck: Winter delicacy with aromatic ginger and tender duck.

Sea Worm Jelly: Made with sandworms, served with sauce/wasabi - smooth and bouncy texture.

Peanut Soup: Huangzehe's signature - creamy sweet soup with melt-in-mouth peanuts.

✅ Itinerary & Attractions

😊 3-Day Route

Day 1: Gulangyu Island-Shuzhuang Garden-Piano Museum-Longtou Food Street-Zhongshan Pedestrian Street. Book ferry via "Xiamen Ferry+" (Neicuoao Pier). Must-sees: Bishan Tunnel murals, Gangzaihou Beach, Sunlight Rock panoramic view.

Day 2: Shapowei Art Zone-Cat Street-Island Ring Road cycling-Huangcuo Beach. Photograph rainbow walls with Twin Towers at Shapowei, explore feline-themed Cat Street, enjoy coastal cycling, sunset at Huangcuo.

Day 3: Nanputuo Temple-Xiamen Botanical Garden-Zhongshan Road-Ba Seafood Market. Pray at Nanputuo, visit Botanical Garden's misty rainforest and succulent zones, end with local delicacies at Zhongshan/Ba Market.

❤️ Other highlights: Xiamen University (book ahead for Furong Tunnel/Lake), Zhonggu Cableway (aerial city views), Jimei School Village (unique architecture, Dragon Boat Pool, Tan Kah Kee Residence).