Xiamen

📞 +86 592 206 7284 Get Directions →

🏛️ Top Attractions (50 places)

Discover the best attractions in Xiamen

Legend:

Attractions

Restaurants

Transport

Emergency

🗺️

Loading map...

Gulangyu Island

Cultural

A UNESCO World Heritage island known for its colonial architecture, piano museum, and car-free streets. Features over 1,000 historical buildings and stunning ocean views.

⏰Open 24 hours (ferry 7:10-17:30)

🎫Free (ferry 35-50¥ round trip, attractions separate)

⏱4-5 hours

Piano MuseumShuzhuang GardenSunlight RockColonial architecture

💡

Book ferry tickets in advance during holidays. Rent an audio guide at the pier. Best explored on foot - no cars allowed. Visit in early morning for fewer crowds.

📍 Gulangyu Island, Siming District

Nanputuo Temple

Cultural

One of the most important Buddhist temples in Fujian, set against the backdrop of Five Old Men Peak. Known for vegetarian restaurant and beautiful architecture.

⏰03:00-18:00 ( temple), 08:30-17:00 (mountain)

🎫Free (mountain 10¥)

⏱2-3 hours

Mahavira HallFive Old Men PeakBuddhist CollegeVegetarian restaurant

💡

Climb the mountain for panoramic city views. Don't miss the vegetarian noodles at the temple restaurant. Respect Buddhist customs - dress modestly.

📍 515 Siming Road, Siming District

📞 +86 592 208 7235 Get Directions →

Xiamen University

Cultural

Known as China's most beautiful university campus, featuring unique Minnan architecture, lakes, and palm-lined streets. Founded by Tan Kah Kee in 1921.

⏰Campus: Open 24 hours (ID required), Main Buildings: 08:00-17:00

🎫Free (advance booking required)

⏱2-3 hours

Furong LakeTan Kah Kee Memorial HallMinnan architectureBuddhist seminary

💡

Book through XMU service app. Visit Furong Lake and the tunnel with student murals. The campus is stunning at sunset. Nearby Zengcuo'an for snacks.

📍 422 Siming South Road, Siming District

📞 +86 059 2 5249 3341 Get Directions →

Huandao Road (Island Ring Road)

Natural

A scenic 31km coastal road offering beautiful sea views, beaches, and parks. Perfect for cycling, jogging, or leisurely drives with stops at various beach areas.

⏰Open 24 hours

🎫Free

⏱2-4 hours

Huli Mountain ParkJimei School VillageGulangyu viewSuning Bay

💡

Rent a bicycle at many rental points. Best visited at sunset. Combine with nearby attractions. Morning runs are popular with locals.

📍 Coastal road from Huli District to Xiang'an District

📞 +86 059 2 5356 3702 Get Directions →

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Modern

Xiamen's premier shopping street featuring arcade buildings with diverse architectural styles, local snacks, and international brands. The heart of downtown Xiamen.

⏰Open 24 hours (shops 09:00-22:00)

🎫Free

⏱2-3 hours

Arcade buildingsGuji arcadeFujian cuisineNight lighting

💡

Explore side alleys for hidden temples and old houses. Try local snacks along the street. Best evening visit when buildings are illuminated.

📍 Zhongshan Road, Siming District

📞 +86 059 2 2087 8793 Get Directions →

Showing 5 of 50 attractions

View All 50 attractions

✨ ChinaGuide AI Top Attractions

“Help me plan Top Attractions in Xiamen”

🚇 Getting Around

Getting to and around Xiamen

Getting to Xiamen

✈️ air

Major international airports (Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok)

Duration: 3-6 hours from Asia, 8-12 hours from Europe/Americas

Price: 800-5000¥

Frequency: Multiple daily international flights, extensive domestic network

💡 Gaoqi Airport is close to city center (15 minutes). Use official taxi queue or Didi. Metro Line 2 connects to city.

🚄 train

Fuzhou (1.5h), Quanzhou (1h), Zhangzhou (30min)

Duration: 30min-1.5 hours

Price: 50-150¥

Frequency: Multiple daily high-speed trains

💡 Xiamen North is for high-speed trains. Xiamen Station is closer to center. Book through 12306 app.

🚄 train

Shanghai (6h), Shenzhen (3h), Hangzhou (4h)

Duration: 3-6 hours

Price: 200-500¥

Frequency: Multiple daily departures

💡 High-speed trains are comfortable. scenic route along coast. Book seats on right side for ocean views.

Getting around

🚇 Metro

• Metro Line 1: Railway Station to Amphitheater (Coastal scenic route)
• Metro Line 2: Jiahe Road to Tianzhou Road (connects airport)
• Metro Line 3: Handan Road to Songbai Road (connects Xiang'an)
• Single ride: 2-8¥ depending on distance
• First train: 06:30, Last train: 23:00
• Peak hours: 07:00-09:00, 17:00-19:00 - expect crowds

Recommended Transport Apps

🚗

DiDiEN

Book taxis, private cars, and rides with English interface. Supports international credit cards and English destination input.

🚄

Trip.com TrainsEN

Easy train ticket booking with English interface. Supports international credit cards.

🚇

Metro Now

Scan QR codes to enter metro stations in Shanghai and other cities. Links to Alipay/WeChat Pay.

🚌 Bus

• Extensive network covering all areas
• Single ride: 1-2¥ (flat fee or distance-based)
• BRT (Bus Rapid Transit): dedicated lanes, faster travel
• Tourist Bus 29: links major attractions around Island Ring
• Airport bus: 10-30¥ to city center
• Night bus routes available for late-night travel

🚕 Taxi

• Starting fare: 10¥ (first 3km)
• Waiting: 0.5¥ per minute
• Night surcharge: 10% extra (23:00-06:00)
• Always insist on meter use
• Didi app recommended - English interface available
• Airport/large hotels have taxi stands with queue system

🚴 Bike

• Mobike, Hello bikes, and other shared bikes widely available
• Unlock: 1-2¥, then 0.5-1.5¥ per 15-30 minutes
• Designated bike lanes on Huandao Road
• Electric bikes available for longer distances
• Must park at designated spots in some areas

✨ ChinaGuide AI Getting Around

“Help me plan Getting Around in Xiamen”

🏨 Luxury 30 hotels Luxury 🏢 Mid-Range 30 hotels Mid-Range 💰 Budget 30 hotels Budget 🛏️ Hostel 30 hotels Hostel 💕 Love Hotel 30 hotels Love Hotel 🎮 Esports 30 hotels Esports

🏨 Where to Stay

Browse 180 vetted hotels across 6 categories in Xiamen

🏨 View all 180 hotels

✨ ChinaGuide AI Where to Stay

“Help me plan Where to Stay in Xiamen”

💳 Payment & Money

How to pay in Xiamen

💙

Alipay

Most widely accepted mobile payment in Xiamen

How to Use:

1. Download Alipay app before arrival
1. Link international credit card (Visa/Mastercard accepted at many merchants)
1. QR code payment at most merchants, supermarkets, and restaurants
1. Use for metro, bus, taxis, and rideshare

Tips:

• Nearly all merchants in Xiamen accept Alipay
• Blue code (international version) available for foreign cards
• Download before arrival as app stores may not have it
• Keep some cash as backup in rural areas

💚

WeChat Pay

Second most popular payment method, integrated with social app

How to Use:

1. WeChat app required
1. Link international card through WeChat Pay
1. Scan QR code to pay at merchants
1. Use for small purchases and tipping

Tips:

• English interface available in settings
• Most locals prefer WeChat Pay for peer-to-peer
• Both Alipay and WeChat work at most merchants
• Useful for ordering at some restaurants

💳

Cash (RMB)

Still accepted everywhere, essential for local markets and small vendors

How to Use:

1. Exchange at airport bank or ATM
1. ICBC and Bank of China ATMs widely available
1. 500¥, 100¥, 50¥ notes most useful
1. Small vendors at markets prefer cash

Tips:

• Keep 100-200¥ in cash for markets
• ATMs at Metro stations convenient for cash
• Xiamen is mostly cashless - only rural markets need cash
• ATMs charge 10-20¥ fee for foreign cards

💳

International Credit Cards

Accepted at hotels, large restaurants, and international chains

How to Use:

1. Visa and Mastercard accepted at upscale venues
1. May require passport verification
1. Look for card logos at store entrances

Tips:

• Call your bank before travel to enable international use
• Some places add 2-3% foreign transaction fee
• Best used at hotels and modern shopping malls
• Smaller shops and restaurants often don't accept cards

💳

China UnionPay

Domestic bank cards - widely accepted across China

How to Use:

1. ATM cards from Chinese banks work everywhere
1. Can withdraw cash from ICBC, CCB, BOC ATMs
1. Some merchants prefer domestic cards

Tips:

• If you have Chinese bank account, this works like debit
• Lower fees than international cards at ATMs
• Ask hotel to help open temporary account if needed

💳

Mobile Payment via Digital Wallet

Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay increasingly accepted

How to Use:

1. Link international card to Apple Pay/Google Pay
1. Tap to pay at terminals with contactless symbol
1. Available at modern stores and hotels

Tips:

• Limited acceptance compared to Alipay/WeChat
• Useful if you have foreign card linked
• Works at 7-Eleven and some modern chains
• Best as backup to Alipay/WeChat

💳 Recommended Payment Apps

💬

WeChatEN

Essential messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social platform for daily life in China. Supports English interface.

💰

AlipayEN

China's dominant payment app. Pay anywhere, transfer money, access government services. Full English support available.

💳

WeChat PayEN

Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay for QR code payments at stores and restaurants throughout China.

iOS

💳

Wise (TransferWise)EN

Best rates for currency exchange. Get a Wise card for travel with real exchange rates and low fees in China.

Switch to English mode in app settings if you see Chinese interface. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay support foreign credit cards.

✨ ChinaGuide AI Payment & Money

“Help me plan Payment & Money in Xiamen”

📶 SIM & eSIM

Stay connected with data.

📱 eSIM (Recommended)

eSIM is the easiest way to get data in China. No physical SIM needed - activate instantly on arrival.

📱

Airalo eSIMEN

Stay connected in China with affordable eSIM data plans. No physical SIM needed. Supports China data packages.

🌏

Holafly eSIMEN

Unlimited data plans for China. Easy setup, instant activation. Perfect for travelers who need reliable internet.

💡 Pro Tips

• eSIM works best if your phone supports it (iPhone XS+ and most Android flagships).
• Download eSIM apps before arriving in China.
• Airalo and Holafly offer China-specific plans with unlimited data options.

✨ ChinaGuide AI SIM & eSIM

“Help me plan SIM & eSIM in Xiamen”

📱 Essential Apps

Download these before you arrive.

📱Essential Apps for Xiamen

Download these apps before arriving in China.

16 with English13 Essential

💬

WeChatENEssential

Essential messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social platform for daily life in China. Supports English interface.

💰

AlipayENEssential

China's dominant payment app. Pay anywhere, transfer money, access government services. Full English support available.

💳

WeChat PayENEssential

Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay for QR code payments at stores and restaurants throughout China.

🚗

DiDiENEssential

Book taxis, private cars, and rides with English interface. Supports international credit cards and English destination input.

🗺️

Baidu MapsENEssential

Navigate with turn-by-turn directions in English. Search places using English. Works offline with download.

🍜

MeituanENEssential

Order food delivery, browse restaurant menus (with translation), find deals. Has English menu feature for local restaurants.

📚

Pleco Chinese DictionaryENEssential

The ultimate Chinese learning companion. Camera OCR, flash cards, example sentences. Essential for reading menus and signs.

🌐

Google TranslateENEssential

Point your camera at Chinese text for instant translation. Download offline Chinese language pack.

📕

XiaohongshuENEssential

Chinese social platform with local recommendations, reviews, and travel guides. Great for finding hidden gems and local tips.

🚄

Trip.com TrainsENEssential

Easy train ticket booking with English interface. Supports international credit cards.

🍽️

DianpingENEssential

The Yelp+Groupon of China. Browse restaurant reviews, find deals, and book tables. English interface available.

💳

WiseENEssential

Best rates for currency exchange. Get a Wise card for travel with real exchange rates and low fees in China.

📱

Airalo eSIMENEssential

Stay connected in China with affordable eSIM data plans. No physical SIM needed. Supports China data packages.

🗺️

AmapEN

High-precision navigation, real-time traffic updates, and walking directions. Popular among locals.

🤖

AI TranslationEN

More accurate than Google for nuanced Chinese. Great for menu translation and conversations.

🌏

Holafly eSIMEN

Unlimited data plans for China. Easy setup, instant activation. Perfect for travelers who need reliable internet.

🍔

Ele.me

Major food delivery platform with wide restaurant coverage. Track your order in real-time.

🚇

Metro Now

Scan QR codes to enter metro stations in Shanghai and other cities. Links to Alipay/WeChat Pay.

💡Download before arriving—app stores may be restricted.

✨ ChinaGuide AI Essential Apps

“Help me plan Essential Apps in Xiamen”

🎎 Cultural Tips (20 tips)

Essential cultural knowledge for Xiamen

Min Nan Dialect Greetings

Medium Priority

Learn a few Minnan phrases: 'Li ho' (hello), 'Zuo zai' (thank you), 'Cheh beh' (not good). Locals appreciate the effort even if pronunciation isn't perfect.

Seafood Ordering Etiquette

High Priority

At seafood restaurants, prices are often 'per jin' (500g). Confirm total price before ordering. Watch the scale when selecting live seafood. Don't hesitate to negotiate at wet markets.

Tea Culture

High Priority

Xiamen is famous for tea (gongfu tea). When invited to someone's home, expect tea service. Turn the cup with both hands when receiving tea as a sign of respect.

Chopstick customs

Medium Priority

Don't stick chopsticks vertically in rice - it resembles incense for the dead. Don't point with chopsticks. Don't pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick.

Gulangyu Island Courtesy

High Priority

Gulangyu is a residential island with many elderly residents. Keep noise levels down, especially near the piano museum and residential areas. No cars are allowed - respect the peaceful atmosphere.

Temple Respect

High Priority

At Nanputuo Temple, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Remove sunglasses and hats when entering halls. Don't take photos where prohibited. Walk clockwise around Buddhist halls.

Photography at Fishing Harbor

Low Priority

At Shapowei and fishing harbors, ask before photographing fishermen or their catches. Some may ask for small payment (5-10¥) for photos of them or their boats.

Sunrise and Sunset Etiquette

Medium Priority

Popular sunrise spots (Huandao Road, Gulangyu) get crowded. Don't block others' views or set up tripods for long periods. Be mindful of passing cyclists on Huandao Road.

Bargaining in Xiamen

Medium Priority

Bargaining expected at Zhongshan Road stalls, Zengcuo'an shops, and markets. Start at 40-50% of asking price. Be friendly - it's part of the experience. Walk away if you can't agree.

Local Products to Buy

Low Priority

Famous Xiamen products: dried longan, Kinmen Kaoliang wine, Minnan specialties, tea, pastries. Buy from reputable shops near Zhongshan Road.

✨ ChinaGuide AI Cultural Tips

“Help me plan Cultural Tips in Xiamen”