The Most Asked 3-Day 2-Night Xiamen Guide! Explore Gulangyu + Shapowei for Just 500 RMB per Person

Just returned from Xiamen and compiled this budget-friendly guide that's been personally tested and proven effective. Perfect for students and budget travelers—just follow this plan! Avoid 90% of the pitfalls and enjoy the trip even more than the locals do~

🌊 Must-Visit Highlights Route (No Backtracking)

- Day 1: In-Depth Gulangyu Island Tour
Arrive at Sanqiutian Pier before 7 AM (avoid the crowds! Book the 35 RMB one-way ferry ticket one day in advance via "Xiamen Ferry").
✅ Must-visit spots:
• The Most Beautiful Corner (photograph before 9 AM for no crowds)
• Shuzhuang Garden (a piano museum hidden by the sea)
• Longtou Road Snack Street (Linji Fish Balls at 15 RMB/bowl; choose oyster omelets with freshly shucked oysters)
Leave the island by 5 PM and head to Zhongshan Road for Lianhuan Oyster Omelet (locals' favorite, 25 RMB for a huge portion).

- Day 2: Island Ring Road + Shapowei
Rent an e-bike for a seaside ride (30 RMB/day, from Zengcuoan to Huangcuo Beach).
Lunch at Liangfang in Shapowei (curry chicken rice + traditional shaved ice for 45 RMB; reserve online 1 hour ahead).
Explore the West District Art Zone—a creative park transformed from old factories, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos (free!).

- Day 3: Jimei School Village + Departure
Take Metro Line 1 to Jimei School Village (the sea-crossing section is stunning; the best free view is in the last train car).
Try the Jiangmu Duck at Shigu Road (half duck for 50 RMB, pairs perfectly with rice).
Visit Aoyuan in the afternoon for Minnan stone carvings (student ticket: 10 RMB), then watch the sunset at Dragon Boat Pool.

💰 Money-Saving Tips

• Stay in Zengcuoan homestays (100-150 RMB/night in low season, just a 5-minute walk to the beach).
• Use the "Xiamen Bus" APP for 10% off metro and bus fares; choose ride-sharing for cross-island taxis to save 20 RMB.
• Avoid buying snacks on Gulangyu! The same satay noodles are 8 RMB cheaper on Zhongshan Road.

Final Pro Tip: Skip the Gulangyu combo ticket! Just buy separate tickets for Shuzhuang Garden + Sunlight Rock—exploring the free old villas is more charming.

Would you rather stay by the beach or in the city center in Xiamen? Comment below, and we'll pick 3 lucky winners to receive a hand-drawn Gulangyu map!