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Last updated 2026-07-13

Xiamen Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Xiamen, China's most relaxed coastal city, offers a blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and delightful cuisine. Whether you're wandering the car-free Gulangyu island or savoring local dishes, here's how to make the most of your first visit.

Exploring Xiamen's Top Attractions

Start your journey on car-free Gulangyu island, a short ferry ride across the bay — book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Back on the main island, don't miss Nanputuo Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist complex at the foot of Wulao Peak, and the adjoining Xiamen University campus — one of China's most beautiful, shaded by banyans along the shore. The seafront ring road is best explored on foot or by bike.

Savoring Local Cuisine

Xiamen is a paradise for food lovers, offering Minnan coastal cooking with dishes like oyster omelette (o-a-tsian), popiah, and satay noodles (shacha mian). Don't miss the sweet peanut soup for dessert. Head to Gulangyu island or Zhongshan Road to sample these local delights. Remember, Fujian is famous for its tea, particularly the Tieguanyin oolong.

Shopping in Xiamen

For unique souvenirs, explore the shops on Zhongshan Road and Gulangyu island. Look for Fujian tea, local snacks like 'pie' pastries, pork floss, and dried seafood. Xiamen also offers beautiful handicrafts, including lacquer-thread sculptures, pearl embroidery, and colorful clay figures.

Day Trips from Xiamen

Consider a day trip to the Fujian Tulou, the UNESCO-listed round earthen houses of Yongding and Nanjing counties. These architectural marvels are about 2–3 hours inland. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Quanzhou, an ancient port city an hour by train, known for its Maritime Silk Road heritage.

Getting Around Xiamen

Navigate Xiamen with ease using its metro and the elevated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. Ferries are essential for reaching Gulangyu island, so book ahead. DiDi and taxis are readily available on the main island, and the city is served by Gaoqi International Airport. For the best experience, explore the seafront and Gulangyu on foot.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Gulangyu island?

You can take a ferry from Xiamen to Gulangyu island. It's important to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What are the must-try foods in Xiamen?

Must-try foods in Xiamen include oyster omelette, satay noodles, popiah, and sweet peanut soup. Fujian's Tieguanyin oolong tea is also a local specialty.

How can I travel to the Fujian Tulou?

The Fujian Tulou — the giant round earthen clan houses of Yongding and Nanjing counties — are about 2–3 hours inland from Xiamen.

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Sources: Easy Tour China (Chinese foods), UNESCO World Heritage Centre, TripChinaGuide (Xiamen shopping), ChinaDiscovery (Xiamen), Wikipedia (Gulangyu), ChinaDiscovery (Xiamen transport). Last updated 2026-07-13.