Xiamen (厦门) situated on the coastal line of Southeast China is the most popular travel destination in Fujian Province. Enjoying most convenient transportation access to all places in Fujian, Xiamen is the best start for a Fujian tour to get close to the famous Fujian Tulou, Mount Wuyi, Xiapu Mudflat, etc. Furthermore, boasting the pleasant weather like spring, fresh air for mental releasing, and lots of stunning and interesting places to go, Xiamen is becoming one of the top favored destinations for relaxing for international and domestic visitors.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in & Around Xiamen
The stunning and leisure Xiamen has quite a lot to see and do, such as islands, old streets, historical buildings, temple sites, local markets, gardens, etc. Also, the nearby Fujian Tulou buildings is not to be missed for a Xiamen vacation!
1. Fujian Tulou
Fujian Tulou is one of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. It is the must-see for both Fujian travel to Xiamen travel. Walk into the hidden mountain villages to appreciate the primitive scene of rice terraces, winding rivers, dense forests, etc. Surrounding the peaceful villages consisted with those round and quadrangle earthen buildings with black tiles and yellow walls. Visit some of the best representative ones to see the real union life of a big Hakka family.
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 days
Transfer from City Center: about 3 hours by car (driving 85km)
2. Gulangyu Island
This World Cultural Heritage is the No.1 attraction in Xiamen and is praised as Garden on the Sea. Take a ferry to reach Gulangyu Island to enjoy a real leisure and romantic roam. No matter hang along the crossing alleys and lanes with various literal cafes or book stores, or savor the bright colored exhibition of dozens of international buildings constructed over 100 years ago.
Recommended Visiting Time: half to 1 day
Transfer from City Center: 7-20 minutes by ferry
3. Nanputuo Temple
Pay a holy visit to the popular South Putuo Temple originated from Tang Dynasty and admire the ancient and exquisite Buddhist halls standing layer by layer among the peaceful surrounding of pavilion, garden, corridors, etc. You can climb on Wulao peak to have a bird’s eye view of Xiamen University.
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-3 hours
Transfer from City Center: 15 minutes from Zhongshan Road by car (driving 3 km)
4. Zhongshan Road
Walk along the famous Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street from Zhongshan Park to Lundu Port, which leads to the sea. Take you time to soak in the featured historical buildings with South Asian arcades, Western pillars, Chinese engraves, etc. And then satisfy your tongues with the local authentic flavors of Fujian snacks.
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Right in Xiamen downtown; 25-30 minutes by car (driving 15-17km) from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport
5. Huandao Road (Island Ring Road)
Ride a bike, get on a sightseeing bus or just walk along the beautiful Huandao Road to enjoy the enchanting sea view, coconut trees, soft beaches, verdant mountain background, clean road with some bright colors. That’s your idyllic thing for holiday fun!
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-3 hours
Transfer from City Center: 10 minutes by car
6. The Eighth Seafood Market
Discover the interesting the Eighth Seafood Market to recognize diverse fresh seafood and see locals seeking their favorites. Besides, Xiamen citizens after work loves buying materials for their dinner and fruits in the afternoon. Get there if you want to get close to local life!
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hour
Transfer from City Center: 8 minutes walking from Zhongshan Road
7. Hulishan Fortress
This historic site is where to see the defeating to foreign invaders during late Qing Dynasty. Visit this place to see the “Oldest and Biggest Coastal Fortress from 19th century” by Guinness World of Shanghai.
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour
Transfer from City Center: 10 minutes by car (5km)
8. Xiamen University
Take a stroll at Xiamen University to see such a “Most Beautiful University in China” Against mountains and besides sea. Enjoy your nice walk under the old trees to feel the young vitality and appreciate the graceful buildings.
Recommended Visiting Time: half day
Transfer from City Center: 15 minutes by car (6km)
9. Wanshi Botanical Garden
Explore Xiamen Botanical Garden to see thousands of plants in red, rosy, pink, green, etc. for a great and fun dating with nature.
Recommended Visiting Time: 3-5 hours
Transfer from City Center: 30 minutes by car (8km)
10. Jimei School Village
Enjoy a closer look at those outstanding and exquisite architectures of Jiageng style with traditional Chinese roofs and exotic Western buildings at Jimei School Village, which is the typical of Fujian hometown of oversea Chinese.
Recommended Visiting Time: half to 1 day
Transfer from City Center: 40 minutes by car (17-22km); 30 minutes by Metro.