The wind blows on Gulangyu Island, the city is just right!

I stayed in Xiamen for a day. Though only a brief 24 hours, this coastal city, with its languid pace and balmy air, offered me a perfect little journey.

Early in the morning, my cousin and I departed from our hotel and headed straight to the Xiamen-Gulangyu Pier to catch a ferry to Gulangyu Island. This small island across from Xiamen has been mentioned countless times in travel guides, but when I actually set foot on its cobblestone streets, I found it quieter than I'd imagined.

Avoiding the tourist-heavy crowds, I didn't rush to check out Sunlight Rock. Instead, I casually wandered through the winding alleys, past old villas, small corner gardens, and cafes nestled in the shade of trees. The houses here breathe, with traces of plants on the walls and the scent of the sea emanating from the open windows.

I stopped into a bookstore, ordered a cup of hand-poured coffee, and watched the people passing by the window for a while. For lunch, I had a simple seafood noodle dish and bought a box of Gulangyu handmade pineapple cakes to take home.

Returning to the main island in the afternoon, I chose to wander around Zengcuo'an. This place is a mix of hipsters and tourists. Despite its commercialization, moments of tenderness can still be found in certain corners.

I ate a bowl of peanut tofu pudding on the street and browsed a few designer shops. I also saw young, student-looking people playing guitar and singing their own songs in the alleyway.

As we reached Hulishan Fort, the weather cleared and the wind picked up. I stood on the edge of the fort and looked out. The sea was gray-blue, and the outline of Kinmen Island was faintly visible on the other side. This place was once a key border defense point, but now only history remains, quietly sitting in the sea breeze.

In the evening, I visited Shapowei and Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. Shapowei, near the old shipyard, has been transformed into a small cultural and creative community. It's bustling with young people, but the atmosphere is not noisy.

The setting sun shone through the gaps between the buildings. Some people were drinking beer, others were painting. At a small stall, I ordered a bowl of shacha noodles and fried five-spice noodles. Simple and unpretentious, but perfectly flavorful.

Finally, I bought some souvenirs on Zhongshan Road: peanut candy, taro cakes, and a few tea bags. The arcades, streetlights, and food stalls here reminded me of parts of old Taiwan.

The streets were bustling with people, yet not crowded, a reflection of the city's personality: it knows how to entertain and when to offer quiet time.

I didn't have a planned itinerary for the day, but each walk felt natural. Xiamen doesn't demand you fall in love with it; instead, upon leaving, you'll suddenly remember the wind, the sea, and that bowl of steaming hot shacha noodles on the street corner.

🚌 Transportation Recommendations

Gulangyu Island
• Take a ferry from downtown Xiamen to Gulangyu Island. The journey takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately RMB 40, including the return trip. It's recommended to book online 3–7 days in advance to avoid long lines.

Shapowei West Art District
• Take bus No. 71, 86, B5, or J101 to Shapowei Station. From there, walk to the art district, about 5–10 minutes. Alternatively, take Metro Line 1 to Zhenhai Road Station. From there, walk about 1.5 kilometers to the district. Alternatively, you can transfer to a shuttle bus.

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
• Located in the city center, it offers convenient transportation. Direct bus and subway access is available, and many attractions are within walking distance.

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