Xiamen seems easy to plan. One day for Gulangyu Island, one day for tulou, and spend the rest of your time exploring the city itself.
However, the attractions look close together on the map, but when you try to link them into a smooth route, you don't know which spots are best to combine. Some popular spots look impressive online but feel underwhelming in person. Others require advance reservations.
This guide covers how to plan your route, which popular spots are worth your time, and what you need to book in advance.
I traveled to Xiamen solo in 2025 and returned in 2026 on a team research trip with our travel advisor Coco and Travel Experience Designer Chloe. Experiencing both gave me a clearer picture of the challenges of planning your own Xiamen trip and how a private tour can improve your experience.
How to Arrange Your 5-Day Xiamen Itinerary
If you only have 1-2 days, just focus on Gulangyu Island and Hakka Tulou, each for a day. But for a full Xiamen visit, you can take this 5-Day itinerary as a reference based on our visit.
Day 1: Xiamen Arrival, Visit Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
2h Walking Route: Bashi Seafood Market → Zhenbang Road → Zhongshan Road Main Street → Qiaopi Bank → Seaview Platform
Our guide told us that the authentic local flavors are actually on the side streets. So you can start from Bashi Market and Zhenbang Road, and try food like ginger duck, satay noodles, fried five-spice rolls, fish balls, oyster omelets, and peanut soup.
But tusundong might not be for everyone. It's actually a savory jelly made from seafood worms.
If you take a taxi straight to Zhongshan Road, your driver will usually drop you off at the main street. The arcade-lined pedestrian street looks quite commercial. And you'll find it feels the same in Shanghai and Guangzhou.
However, you can still find some hidden corners. Our guide Adam led us to OCBC. There, you can read the old overseas Chinese letters. On the Seaview Platform, overlook the bay and ferry boats at sunset. It's pleasant to get a little history and a harbour view of Xiamen.
Day 2: Spend a Full Day on Gulangyu Island
Red-roofed buildings, Xiamen's skyline, pipe organ melodies, seaside scenery, and historic stories of the city's past all come together on Gulangyu.
If you only have one day in Xiamen, this island gives you a concentrated tour of the most representative experiences in Xiamen.
During your visit to the island, we suggest:
- Book your ferry ticket 15 days in advance. Choose Dongdu—Sanqiutian ferry route.
- Ferry departure around 9:30- 10 a.m. is fine. You won't have to get up early to reach the pier, and still have enough time to explore Gulangyu in a slow pace.
- Buy a shuttle bus ticket. There are no cars on the island. You'll explore on foot and can easily walk 15,000 steps in a day. The shuttle bus can save you around 3,000 steps.
- Skip Haoyue Garden if you don't want much walking. The shuttle bus won't stop here. You need to walk 20min to arrive or go to the next spot.
Day 3: Explore Xiamen's Coastline and City lifestyle
Spend your morning exploring Xiamen's coastline along Huandao Road.
Then use the afternoon to wander through the old town and see how locals enjoy everyday life in this romantic coastal city.
Stop 1: Huangcuo Beach (30min-1h)
We recommend driving 20-30 minutes straight to here instead of starting from Baicheng Beach. This way, you can enjoy a relaxing panoramic sea view first from the car. Then stop and visit the attractions on the drive back.
The sea here is bluer and cleaner. If you'd like to cycle, start from the "One Country, Two Systems" sign to Sunrise Square. It takes around 30min, not too long or tiring.
When cycling along the quiet downhill seaside bikeway, you'll be immersed in the azure sea, golden beach, green lawn, and lines of palm trees on your left. Much more enjoyable than in Baicheng Beach.
A trap: Don't start your ride from Baicheng Beach.
I did so on my first visit, and found that there were more uphill roads.
In parts of the ride, you can't see the sea views. You need to stop, but hard to find a parking spot. And in some sections, you also have to cycle on public roads alongside cars and scooters, not safe enough to ride.
Stop 2: Mountains to Sea Trail (30min)
You can take a light hike on the elevated walkway. As you walk, the sea stretches out on one side, while lush green hills rise on the other. One of my favorite things about this trail is the viewing platform, where you can take in a sweeping view of the coastline.
Just walk this section, from Tianquan Trail Square to Pangui Tower. It's about a 1km downhill route. You only need to walk about 15-20min. Kids and seniors can also walk easily.
Zengcuo'an is just nearby, but don't go for local food
Zengcuo'an is once a popular food street in a fishing village. But these days, much of what you'll find is grilled squid, stinky tofu, and barbecue. The food stalls feel rather touristy here.
Stop 3: Hulishan Fortress (40min)
You can get a glimpse into Xiamen's coastal defense history here, watching the cannon sites and exploring the underground tunnels. Your guide might tell you something surprising. The German company that made this cannon in 1893 is still in business today!
I also love the sea views here. You can see the cannons framed against the sea, spot Kinmen Island across the water, and even catch Baicheng Beach and the Twin Towers in the distance.
Stop 4: Flower and Bird Market on Xi'an Road (30min)
This isn't your typical flower and bird market. You're more like wandering through faded grey-yellow residential streets, lined with colorful blooms and lush green plants.
You can browse the flower stalls like a local, with blooms spilling out onto the street. Watch goldfish drift by, listen to parrots chirping, or even pick out a little plant to take home!
Stop 5: Zhongshan Park (30min)
I'd recommend visiting in the afternoon, around 3-4 pm. That's when local life in the park really picks up. As you take a leisurely stroll, locals are exercising under the trees, playing cards, and dancing with friends around you.
Not many tourists make their way here. You can see a more authentic side of everyday life in Xiamen.
Stop 6: Huaxin Road (30min-1h)
It's a peaceful overseas Chinese neighborhood. Sit down for a coffee and picture yourself living here. Red-brick villas, green gardens, and retro cafés. You feel like you're in a scene from an old movie.
Some residents still speak Malay or Indonesian. Your guide might even know a few families in the neighborhood. If you happen to meet someone at home, your simple "hello" may turn into a warm chat to start with them.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakka Tulou
For first-timers, we recommend the Tianluokeng and Hekeng Tulou clusters in Nanjing. You can capture the iconic "Four Dishes and One Soup" tulou layout, while still seeing local families living in the tulou.
We'll also take you on an in-depth tulou trip. You can join activities like field planting and cooking in a tulou kitchen, tea picking and making, or tulou wall building.
But if you want to see the larger Tulou King and more tulou architecture styles, Yongding is a better choice. See how to choose between Yongding and Nanjing.
A private car can make your tulou journey more hassle-free
It drives you 2h from Xiamen and directly arrives in front of tulou buildings. While public transport needs several transfers and can take 2.5-3h.
Join our 3-Day Xiamen and In-depth Tulou Trip, with a private car to move between different tulou villages smoothly, and a local English guide to share with you the tulou family stories.
Day 5: Xiamen Botanical Garden, Zhonggu Cable Car, departure
A short 2h visit route: Enter from West Gate→10min walk to Rainforest World→5min walk to Succulent Area→Back to West Gate→Zhonggu Cableway (40min ride)
West Gate can lead you to the highlight area quickly. It's photogenic to walk through a misty rainforest with dreamy Tyndall rays, or stand beneath giant desert cacti towering above you.
The cable car gives you a whole new perspective of Xiamen. Lush forests are beneath your feet. City traffic flows below. In the distance, you'll also spot the Twin Towers and the sea.
If you leave from Xiamenbei Railway Station, you can also consider Jimei School Village before your train.
Admire the distinctive red Jiageng-style building groups. Then visit the Tan Kah Kee Memorial Museum to learn about his contributions to education in Xiamen.
Xiamen is Easy to Get to from Overseas or China
Xiang'an Airport will replace Gaoqi Airport in December 2026. The new airport is outside the island. Check carefully if you're taking a flight around or after this time.
For Domestic Transfer, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are Closer
Choose Xiamen Railway Station if you want to be closer to the city center, about 15min drive. If you arrive at Xiamenbei Station outside the island, it takes about 40min.
Take a Direct Flight from Southeast Asia, Europe, and America
From Southeast Asia, there are 3-6 direct flights daily. Australia has around one direct flight per day, while Europe and North America have some non-scheduled direct routes per week.
| From | Flight Time | From | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 4.5h | USA | 15h |
| Malaysia | 4.5h | Australia | 9.5h |
| Indonesia | 5.5h | France | 11.5h |
| Thailand | 3.5h | Canada | 13.5h |
| Philippines | 2h | UK | 11h |
Book Your Hotels Around 3 Areas in City Center
Zhongshan Road, Twin Towers, and Yundang Lake are all great choices for first-timers. They're conveniently located, with most attractions just a 5-20-minute drive away. It really comes down to the kind of stay you're looking for.
- Zhongshan Road: liveliest and retro arcade-style vibe. You can enjoy a direct view of Gulangyu and the harbour, stroll around the pedestrian street, and find authentic food streets. See hotels like Swiss International or Lujiang Hotel.
- Twin Towers: modern, young, and artistic feel. It's best for high-rise sea-view hotels. Downstairs, you'll also find Shapowei Art Zone and malls. Consider hotels like Conrad Xiamen.
- Yundang Lake (Bailuzhou): peaceful and local atmosphere. Best for seniors or quietness seekers. You can find eco-parks, local shopping malls, cafes, and restaurants. Recommend Pullman Xiamen Powerlong, or Andaz Xiamen.
The hotels we recommend are also close to shopping malls, night markets, or parks. So it's easy to head out again in the evening. Find more details on Where to Stay in Xiamen.