Xiamen, the Charm Between Mountains and Sea

Xiamen Leisure Travel Guide｜4 Days 3 Nights Pure Play Itinerary, Exploring Minnan Culture Between Mountains and Sea

As a travel blogger who has traveled all over Fujian, I must say: Xiamen is not just about the romance of Gulangyu Island, but also the warm humanity hidden in its streets and alleys. With 4 days, take your time to explore at a relaxed pace, following a geographically logical route—no rushing, no detours—to experience the mountain and sea grandeur and the gracious customs of this island city.

📍Day 1: Zhongshan Road & Nanputuo Temple (City Center)
Start your journey at Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, lined with arcade buildings full of Minnan charm. Focus on visiting the old market at Bajie (best before 8 AM) to experience local life—try the satay noodles (recommended “Yousheng Flavor” ¥15) and local delicacy “tusundong” (try with caution!). A 10-minute walk takes you to Nanputuo Temple (free entrance), an ancient temple beneath Wulao Peak, famous for its vegetarian buffet (¥20 self-service), offering a serene Zen atmosphere. ⚠️Beware: Don’t trust fortune-telling or divination outside the temple; always ask prices before buying fruit by weight at Bajie Market.

📍Day 2: Xiamen University & Gulangyu Island (Advance Booking Required)
In the morning, visit one of China’s most beautiful campuses—Xiamen University (currently limited entry, book through official channels), with picturesque Furong Lake and Jiannan Auditorium. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Gulangyu Island (¥35, buy tickets in advance via the “Xiamen Ferry” WeChat official account!). The island is car-free, so explore on foot. Highlights include Shuzhuang Garden (¥30), the Piano Museum, and visiting old villas like Lin Yutang’s former residence and Huang Rongyuan Hall, to feel the patriotic spirit of overseas Chinese and the island’s musical heritage.

📍Day 3: Sunlight Rock & Longtou Road (Gulangyu Island)
Early morning climb Sunlight Rock (¥50, recommended before 7:30 AM to avoid crowds) for panoramic views of the island and Lujiang River. Stroll through alleys listening to street piano melodies. In the afternoon, explore Longtou Road snack street—try Ye’s Mochi (mobile stall) and Zhang Sanfeng Milk Tea (popular but worth a try). Stay overnight in a century-old guesthouse on the island (around ¥200/night), where the night is as poetic as the day.

📍Day 4: Jimei School Village (30-minute subway ride)
Your final stop is Jimei. Visit the former residence of Tan Kah Kee, Guilai Hall, and Aoyuan Garden (all free), admiring the unique Jimei architectural style—a blend of Chinese and Western elements with red tiles and flying eaves—reflecting the heartfelt dedication of the “Overseas Chinese Banner” to education. Take a walk by the Dragon Boat Pond, immersed in cultural atmosphere.

💰 Budget Control (4 Days 3 Nights):
- Accommodation: Budget hotels + guesthouses ¥150/night × 3 = ¥450
- Food: ¥80/day × 4 = ¥320
- Transportation + Tickets ≈ ¥150 (including ferry and subway)
👉 Total per person around ¥900, very affordable for most travelers!

💡 Tips:
- Not recommended to drive: heavy traffic on Xiamen Island, attractions are concentrated; subway + bus + walking is more efficient;
- Ferry tickets to Gulangyu must be booked 3 days in advance, no tickets sold on site!
- Bring sun protection in summer; winter can be windy by the sea, bring a jacket.

In Xiamen,
the most beautiful scenery is not the sea,
but the bell tolls of Nanputuo,
the piano melodies around Gulangyu’s corners,
and the passionate cultural ambition when Tan Kah Kee wrote “Education is the foundation of a nation.”
Walk slowly, listen carefully, and you will understand what “Garden on the Sea” truly means.