Xiamen Travel Guide: 4 Days & 3 Nights Exploring the "Garden on the Sea"

Xiamen, this romantic city hailed as the "Garden on the Sea," has become a dream destination for countless travelers with its enchanting island scenery, artistic atmosphere, and rich culinary culture. This guide presents the essence of Xiamen, covering must-visit spots like Gulangyu Island, Island Ring Road, and Nanputuo Temple, along with authentic food recommendations and accommodation tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip!

🌊 Pre-Trip Prep: Weather, Transport & Essentials

🌟 Best Time to Visit 🌟: Xiamen is great year-round, but June-August is the most beautiful season with blooming flame trees and blue skies. Though temperatures reach 30-35°C, sea breezes keep it comfortable. October-November's crisp autumn weather is also ideal.

🚴 Transport Guide:
- ✈️ Flight: Xiamen Gaoqi Airport is on the island with convenient bus/taxi options
- 🚄 Train: Choose Xiamen Station (Siming District) near attractions; Xiamen North Station (Jimei District) is farther (1hr+ by metro)
- 🚌 Local Transport: Buses cover all attractions (use Alipay's "Xiamen Bus e-Card"). Metro Line 1 (sea-view section) and shared bikes are convenient

🌊 Must-Pack:
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing (strong sunlight!)
- Mosquito repellent (especially for Botanical Garden & Gulangyu)
- Comfortable sneakers (Gulangyu requires lots of walking)
- Compact umbrella

🌊 4D3N Itinerary

✨DAY1: Gulangyu In-Depth → Bashi Seafood Market → Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

**Gulangyu** (Full day):
- Book ferry tickets (¥35 round-trip) 3 days early via "Xiamen Ferry" WeChat
- Take 7:30am ferry for fewer crowds
- Must-see: Most Beautiful Corner, Sunny Day Wall, Stefanie Sun "Encounter" Wall
- Key spots: Sunlight Rock (panoramic views), Shuzhuang Garden (Piano Museum), Haoyue Garden (Koxinga Statue), Organ Museum
- Food: Shen's Minnan Rice Rolls, Ye's Mochi (cash only)

🌊 Bashi Seafood Market (Evening):
- Xiamen's liveliest seafood market (best selection in morning)
- Try wild prawns & lobsters at A Yu or Shangqing Seafood (38-year veteran)
- Snacks: Zhong Lijun's Manjian Cake, Huiyuan Bakery's fried bread

🌊 Zhongshan Road (Night):
- Charming arcade architecture with iconic snacks
- Must-tries: Huangzehe Peanut Soup, Lianhuan Oyster Omelet, Jukou Mixed Noodles, Sixi Egg Burger

✨DAY2: Zhonggu Cableway → Botanical Garden → XMU → Nanputuo Temple → White Beach

🌊 Zhonggu Cableway (Morning):
- 40-min glass-bottom ride with city & Taiwan views (¥80)
- Best at sunset (opens 8:30-17:30)

🌊 Botanical Garden (Morning):
- ¥30 ticket; focus on Cactus Zone & Rainforest (fog effects 9:30-11:00/14:30-16:00)
- Take shuttle bus (¥10) to save energy

🌊 Xiamen University (Noon):
- Book 1-3 days ahead via "XMU Visitor System"
- Highlights: Furong Tunnel graffiti, Shangxian Field

🌊 Nanputuo Temple (Afternoon):
- Free entry with complimentary incense
- Famous vegetarian dishes like "Lotus Root Delicacy"
- Wulao Peak overlooks XMU

🌊 White Beach (Dusk):
- Sunset views and seaside strolls
- Connects to Island Ring Road for cycling

✨DAY3: Island Ring Road Cycling → Zengcuoan → Shapowei → Cat Street

🌊 Island Ring Road (Morning):
- Scenic coastal ride from White Beach to Huangcuo Beach
- Pitstops: Music Square, Coconut Wind Village
- Use shared bikes/e-bikes (plenty of docks)

🌊 Zengcuoan (Noon):
- Artsy fishing village (somewhat commercialized)
- Food: Ashin Toast, Mushroom Legend

🌊 Shapowei (Afternoon):
- Converted fishing port with vintage shops
- Magical golden hour photos

🌊 Cat Street (Evening):
- Feline-themed alley (cat cafes require purchase)

✨DAY4: Sea-View Metro → Jimei School Village → Dashe → Jiageng Park → Ten-Mile Long Dam

🌊 Sea-View Metro (Morning):
- Metro Line 1 (Gaoqi to Jimei segment) resembles Spirited Away scenes

🌊 Jimei School Village (Morning):
- Sino-Western architecture by Tan Kah Kee
- See Dragon Boat Pool, Tan's Former Residence, Aoyuan

🌊 Dashe (Noon):
- Traditional Minnan village with artsy shops

🌊 Jiageng Park (Afternoon):
- Memorial park overlooking sea

🌊 Ten-Mile Long Dam (Dusk):
- 4.7-rated spot for sea sunsets

🌇 Accommodation: Luxury to Budget

🌊 Luxury:
- Waldorf Astoria Xiamen: Colonial elegance (¥1500/night)
- Andaz Xiamen: Jaya-designed "Nanyang dream" (¥1300/night)

🌊 Family-Friendly:
- Haiyue Resort: Free train + kids' pool + beach access
- Portman Seven Stars: French-style castle with private coastline

🌊 Budget:
- Zhongshan Road/Sibei: Chain hotels near food streets
- Zengcuoan/Huangcuo: Affordable seaside B&Bs

🌊 Gulangyu Stays:
- Historic buildings (pricier)
- Try Lee Family Inn or Lingle Hotel

✨ Food Guide

🌊 Must-Eat:
- Satay Noodles: Silisatay (add tofu!), Yuehua Satay
- Worm Jelly: Tianhe Ximen (Zhongshan Park West Gate)
- Ginger Duck: Xinshutang, Haodelai
- Peanut Soup: Huangzehe (sweet) or Aunt She's (late-night)
- Oyster Omelet: Lianhuan (Zhongshan Road)

🌊 Food Streets:
- Bashi Market: Try Yousheng Snacks, Huiyuan Bakery
- Zhongshan Road: Jukou Noodles (open late), Sibei Peanut Soup (add egg)
- Zengcuoan: Tourist-heavy (sample lightly)

🌊 Seafood:
- Bashi Market fresh picks (compare prices)
- Little Eyeglass Seafood: Reliable quality
- 202 Seafood: Must-order shrimp salad & seafood pancakes

✨ Pro Tips

1. Book Early:
- Gulangyu ferries: 3+ days ahead (10+ for holidays)
- XMU: 3-day advance booking
- Nanputuo: Holiday reservations needed

2. Transport:
- Avoid taxi drivers' "seafood restaurant" recommendations
- Shared bikes > local rentals (more return points)

3. Shopping:
- Gulangyu souvenirs are cheaper online
- Gifts: Ajiki Pastries, Huang Yuantang Pineapple Cakes

4. Unique Experiences:
- Wuyuan Bay Sailing: 60-min voyage (possible dolphin sightings)
- Private Mudflat Foraging: Hunt clams/crabs with fishermen

5. Photography:
- Gulangyu: Vintage outfits
- Beaches: White/red dresses
- Pizza Hut at 24F Haibin Building: Highest in the world with Gulangyu views

Xiamen rewards slow travel - whether beach lounging, Gulangyu strolls, or temple visits. May this guide help you uncover its magic!

> "Xiamen's beauty lives in details - morning piano notes on Gulangyu, wok steam rising at Bashi Market, sea breezes along Island Ring Road..."