Nothing says hustle and bustle like the growing economy of southeastern China, especially the city of Xiamen. Modernized and renovated to handle international cruise ships, the Cruise Terminal is part gorgeous waterfront area, part transportation hub, with a spacious building able to offer refreshments and services to up to 3,000 visitors at a time.
The future of the Cruise Terminal is still in flux, as the nation of China begins developing a network of international cruise ship routes. The Chinese government has announced plans to expand international cruise services that will include many ports of call on the Chinese coast, including Xiamen, connecting the mainland to the rest of Asia.
Right now, the primary function of the Cruise Terminal is to connect to nearby Gulangyu Island, but many visitors enjoy day trips on private boats to nearby islands or sea excursions.
- Chinese:厦门国际游轮中心Xiàmén Guójì Yóulún Zhōngxīn /sshyaa-mnn gwor-jeeyoh-lwnn jong-sshin/; the locals also call it Xiagu Matou 'Xiamen Drum Pier' (厦鼓码头), or Dongdu Matou 'East Ferry Pier' (东渡码头).
- Address: 2 Donggang Road, Huli District湖里区东港路2号
- Length: The waterfront is 463 meters (500 yards) long.
- Age: The port has been used for centuries, but was given a massive modern upgrade in 2012 in order to accommodate international cruise ships
Highlights of the Cruise Terminal
The Cruise Terminal Building
Rising three stories, this modern building houses a capacious 82,000 square meters of restaurants, cafes, custom offices, waiting areas, shops, and other modern amenities. The architecture of the building has a nautical motif, designed to evoke the feeling of waves and being at sea.
The Cruise Ship Berth
A single berth serves international cruise ships as large as 140,000 tons while two other berths handle smaller passenger ships. Visitors enjoy marveling at the massive scale of the ships that make Xiamen a port of call.
Ferries to Gulangyu Island
Right now, most visitors to the International Cruise Terminal are interested in the ferry to Gulangyu (鼓浪屿) - 'Drum Wave Island'. There are two main piers on Gulangyu Island. The ferrydeparts every 20–30 minutes and takes about 8 minutes.
| To (Gulangyu Pier) | Departs | Yuan |
|---|---|---|
| Neicuo'ao (内厝澳码头) | Winter: 7:20–17:20, Summer: 7:20–18:20 | 50 |
| Sanqiutian (三丘田码头) | Winter: 7:10–17:30, Summer: 7:10–18:30 | 35 |
The Chinese New Year Rush
The terminal is especially busy during the two weeks before and after the Chinese New Year, so visitors should expect lengthy queues and heavy crowds during this period. Ticket scalpers have sometimes been particularly aggressive, but lately the authorities have been making an extended push to remove them from the terminal area.
No Ferries to Kinmen Island!
You may have been informed this terminal has ferries to Taiwanese Kinmen Island (金门Jīnmén). This changed in 2015. Travelers who want to go to Kinmen now have to board at Xiamen Wutong Port (厦门五通码头).
For more on Gulangyu or Kinmen Island access, please see Xiamen Transport.
How to Get There
The cruise terminal is 3 kilometers east of downtown Xiamen on the west of Xiamen Island.
4 Direct Buses to Guoji Youlun Matou Station (国际邮轮码头站)
| Bus | DepartureStation | Run time | Yuan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | Lundu Pier (轮渡码头) | 6:45am–7:40pm | 1 |
| 59 | Gaoqi Train Station (高崎火车站) | 6:25am–11pm | 1 |
| L5 | ZhongshanPark (公园东门) | 6:45am–10:10pm | 0.5 |
| Tourist bus | Convention Center (会展中心) | 8:40am–6:40pm | 10 |
From Xiamen Airport and Railway Stations
| Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport | Xiamen Railway station | Xiamen's Gaoqi Railway Station | Xiamen's North Railway Station | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 11 | 7 | 9 | 24 |
| Bus (Duration) | Tourist bus (1h) | 2, 842 (40m) | 655 (1h) | Not recommended |
| Taxi Duration | 15–20m | 20m | 13m | 35–45m |
Xiamen International Cruise Terminal Private Transfer Service
There is no direct transportation on or between the cruise terminal and other cities. If you want to visit Xiamen's attractions or visit other cities from the cruise terminal, the recommended option is to book a private transfer service with us in advance.
You will be met by our professional guide and driver at the exit of the cruise terminal with your name on a board. They will help you carry your baggage to the car and get you safely to your destination. Contact us and let us help you get where you want to go.
Popular Gulangyu Tours
If you are planning a tour to Gulang Island, or Xiamen city, please see our popular tours below for inspiration (the tulou are unique communal earthen castles):
- 3-Day Xiamen Essence and In-Depth Fujian Tulou Tour Tour
- 5-Day Xiamen, Tulou, and Wuyi Mountains Tour-Cultural and Scenic Tour
Not interested in the above tours? Our tours can be tailor-made. Just tell us your interests and requirements, and we will create a perfect Gulangyu/Xiamen tour for you.
Chinese and Pronunciations You May Need
- Xiamen International Cruise Terminal: 厦门国际游轮中心 Xiàmén guójì youlún zhōngxīn
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport: 厦门高崎国际机场 Xiàmén gāo qí guójì jīchǎng
- Xiamen Railway Station: 厦门火车站 Xiàmén huǒchē zhàn
- Xiamen Gaoqi Railway Station: 厦门高崎火车站 Xiàmén gāo qí huǒchē zhàn
- Xiamen North Railway Station: 厦门火车站北站 Xiàmén huǒchē zhàn běizhàn
- Please take me to …: 请带我到…… Qǐng dài wǒ dào … /ching digh wor daoww …/
