Things to do & places to visit in Xiamen, Fujian, China

The livable, lovable city of Xiamen teems with university students buzzing amid Buddhist temples, art galleries and beautiful parks. The city is actually comprised of islands; one of which, Gulangyu, is a peaceful bohemian oasis that's completely vehicle-free. Nibble on some glass noodles or juicy dumplings while perusing shops stuffed with antiques, delicate beads or ceramics.

Xiamen city in Fujian, China. Timezone: Asia/Shanghai, current date and time: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 8:16.

Xiamen Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

81°F - 71°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

57%

Chance of rain

340.0 millimeters

Amount

11.9 mph

Wind speed

85%

Humidity

13.3

Daylight length

5:24 AM

Sunrise

6:43 PM

Sunset

32%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mountains To Sea Trail Xiamen (2 reviews)
- Urban exploring path
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Hiking Trails

Fantastic way to see the city on this car free elevated walking path. The entrance near the cruise terminal is not to miss and walking up the spiral trail is a first highlight. Later many bridges with good views and photo options are following. I only can recommend this path to explore urban Xiamen. See more..
4.5 Gulangyu Island (5.724 reviews)
- Gulangyu
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Islands

We offer accommodation, travel guides and transportation (including ferry tickets) from/to Gulangyu Island. Please call us, email us or check our website for more information. See more..
4.5 Xiamen University (1.275 reviews)
- A romantic and unique travel experience - Xiamen University
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Educational sites

Founded in 1921 by patriotic Chinese leader Mr. Chen Jiageng, Xiamen University is the first university founded by overseas Chinese in the history of modern Chinese education and one of the first universities in China to admit graduate students. It established Xiamen University Malaysia and became the first Chinese university to build an independent campus overseas. Its buildings were selected as one of China's key cultural relics and the first batch of China's 20th century architectural heritage, and it is known as "China's most beautiful university".Feel the rich human history in the beautiful scenery and harvest your own romantic experience. See more..
4.5 Kulangsu Huandao Road (307 reviews)
- Coastal ring road
Hiking Trails

Beautiful city and water views from this Xiamen coastal road. There are many things to see and do along the route, including jogging and cycling tracks (bike rentals available), museums to visit, enjoy some of the architecture, dine at one of the many restaurants, enjoy drinks at the cafes, and more. See more..
4.5 Huaijiu Gulangyu Museum (269 reviews)
- Nice museum to visit
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Speciality Museums

This museum is on Gulungyu Island, it's a nice museum but don't go to the Island just to see this museum. There are a lot of pianos in this museum. See more..
4.5 Xiamen Shuzhuang Garden (260 reviews)
- Excellent scenary
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM Gardens

Used to be a private garden on beach. Garden is well designed so that you can have good views from all angles. Lots of photo opportunities. Admission includes admission to Piano Museum, a worthwhile visit. See more..
4.5 Xiamen Botanical Garden (244 reviews)
- Surprisingly diverse and a great Gondola ride as well.
Parks

Ok, with some Botanical Gardens, one has to walk miles to see mediocre presentations. This however has some great ones. The Cactus and Succulent area is second to none in the world! I don't say that lightly. You'll think you were in the middle of a Mexican desert! It's quite amazing. Also has a cool rainforest creation and other flower gardens. The walking is a bit much so be prepared to rest Allow a minimum of 2 - 3 hours for the Garden. One can also take a bus that traverses the Gardens, but it gets quite crowded. A special treat is the Gondola ride that is located right by the West Gate. They charge 50rmb round trip and it's well worth it. It's a 2-person gondola and lasts about 20-25 minutes each way. You'll pass over hilltops and see 2 distinct parts of Xiamen. Very high off the ground as well and even goes over the highway in the beginning. This should be an attraction in itself! Just get a taxi to the West gate of the Botanical Gardens and you're there. You can also get off at the end and walk around the hilltop. Then hop back on for the return ride when you like. . See more..
4.5 Xiamen Riyuegu Hot Spring Resort Communities (191 reviews)
- Relax away from the hassle of Xiamen
Open now - 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM Hot Springs & Geysers • Beach & Pool Clubs

This place is great, about 50-60 hot springs, each one a different scent. Also there is a area that has an oxogen room, ice room, steam room and sauna. Think for the entry price of around 350 rmb you get a massage as well. The food here wasn't very good. There is also a large leisure swimming pool with some basketball nets, volley ball net and swim up bar. See more..
4.5 Huandao Road Muzhan Avenue (72 reviews)
- Also nice to have a walk here
Bridges

Enjoy the sunshine and enjoy the ocean view. It's a wonderful place to visit and have a relaxed walk. See more..
4.5 Jimei Tourist Area (22 reviews)
- Lots to see
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Visitor Centers

There are so much to see in this area that one can spend a few hours easily. Other than all the schools and universities, there is also the Former Residence of Mr. Chen Jiageng, the Guilai Park, and the Jiageng Park near the beach. All at walking distance. Much to learn about the history and importance of Mr. Chen's contribution to this area. See more..
4.0 Zhongshan Road Walking Street (867 reviews)
- Must stop
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

This was not on our itinerary when we visited Xiamen, but I requested and since we were a private tour he granted our wish. We spent about two hours there walking around late morning, so there were not that many people around. Many interesting shops and restaurants all over the place making this an active and busy spot. I am sure it will be even busier in the evening, which should be more fun! See more..
4.0 Nanputuo Temple (788 reviews)
- Nice and big temple
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

Unfortunately when we visited there, it was partially under renovation, so some house have been closed for visitors. Also the access to the botanical garden was closed I’m not sure if this is because of COVID-19. A few years back when I visited the temple the first time the gate was open. I like this temple because it’s not over crowded and also the decoration is a mix between the traditional Chinese decor and a modern touch. I find it calming to go there, but in these days there is a lot of entrances procedure with health code and showing the passport. See more..
4.0 Xiamen Piano Museum (344 reviews)
- A Piano Museum!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Speciality Museums

This is the first time I've visited a museum that houses pianos! The Piano Museum is an attraction located on Gulangyu island. The pianos in the museum all belong to a solo collector,Hu Youyi, who loved pianos so much that he collected them from all over the world. There are two quaint little pianos that were built just for kids under 10 years old! The star piece of the museum is a gorgeous harpsichord that he purchased from Australia. There are about 100 over pianos on display in two buildings. It's worth the visit to see the effort, passion and finances of one man's collection, even though you may not be interested in pianos! See more..
4.0 Riguang Mountain (236 reviews)
- Just a mountain
Mountains

Overall xiamen is not a enjoyable place as I thought. Here also just another place. But visit one time to get experience See more..
4.0 International Lettering Museum of Art of Xiamen (213 reviews)
- Chinese characters as art
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Very cool. I love modern art and it was eye opening to see the contemporary rendition of Chinese characters. See more..
4.0 Zeng Cuo An Village (203 reviews)
- Don't get lost
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We were dropped off here by our guide for a couple of hours on our own. It was like a maze with streets going all directions. One can easily get lost in these busy streets lined with colorful shops and restaurants. All very interesting to see. We did not eat there but there seemed to be lots of choices for those who are into local street foods. Make sure to use the public restrooms first before exploring. See more..
4.0 Huli Mountain Fort (136 reviews)
- Great Views and Big Cannon
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Castles

The fort is worth making a trip to either for the spectacular ocean views, the history and/or the giant cannon. Plan to spend about an hour or two here and make sure you check out everything as there are is good signs and posters but some of the interesting facts are a little hidden. You can get very close to the large cannon and even check out the ammunition that it use to blast off into the sea. Price to enter for adults is 25 yuan and they have a show at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. The bathrooms are clean and are a great place to change before heading down to the nearby Baicheng Beach! See more..
4.0 Xiamen Bailuzhou Park (127 reviews)
- Quiet park
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

We stopped here on a tour of the city. We were told it’s where locals come to relax but it was the weekend and there wasn’t a soul around so we suspected it’s a tourist site, rather than a local facility. The dragon boat sculpture and the woman with the egret are nice and it would be a nice place to relax for a while. Unexciting though and I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it. See more..
4.0 Haiwan Park (94 reviews)
- Nice for a Sunset or Quick Visit
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

There is a nice seaside walk and it is very green here. There are nice open spaces and wide walking paths. We enjoyed a quick sunset visit here. Closest metro station is Jianye Road but it is quite a walk from there. See more..
4.0 Xiamen Yuanbo Garden (84 reviews)
- You need at least a day here
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

This place combines different styles of old time chinese living. The place is huge and you need to spend at least a day here if you want to cover all the attractions. It is located at the outskirts of the city and not too accessible. Getting there from the City is easy(around 45 mins drive) as you can get a cab from the city, but coming back will be harder as there is fewer cabs there. See more..
4.0 Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center (XICEC) (72 reviews)
- Boring
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Convention Centers

XICEC is listed as a TOP TEN exhibition company in China. It hosts the world's leading Tea Fair and Buddhist Fair. The Xiamen International Stone Fair is also the industry's largest of its kind. XICEC also hosts great trade shows such as the International Health Care Fair, Gem & Mineral Fair, Vegetarian Food Fair, International Music Exhibition, and many others. See more..
4.0 Xiamen Jimei Jiageng Park (70 reviews)
- Huge Park
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings

This park is right near the former residence of Mr. Chen Jiageng. It's a huge park with much to see. Beautiful pavilions, museum, and memorial of Mr. Chen all located within this park. Being right by the beach made this a scenic spot and even in the hot summer day when we were there it was breezy enough for us to be comfortable. See more..
4.0 Baicheng Beach (68 reviews)
- Freshly caught seafood beach market
Beaches

While many Fujian men are out to sea fishing, the mostly women are selling the fresh catch alongside the beach. They were selling throughout the day, and packed up as the sun was setting. See more..
4.0 Yuyuan Garden (66 reviews)
- A taste of old China..... but a very popular one
Speciality Museums

I wanted to see this garden.... I have read the history...... I gambled going around Spring Break... just after. It was SO BUSY...... but not so many were going into the garden itself..... just the tourist-trap "old town" shops It was a lovely stroll in a small delightful garden. Even surrounded by exquisitely designed skyscrapers it was well-sheltered... did not feel you were in the middle of the city. There was a good food hall nearby.... pick what you want..... I like that.... always good value though horrendously busy. But for history and well-designed garden at spring blossom time...... YuYuan was the oasis of peace I had hoped for I think the most stunning thing about it was the imaginative and cleverly designed doorways...... a treasure trove round every corner.... See more..
4.0 Jimei School Village (45 reviews)
- Beautiful campus
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Educational sites

Take the MRT line 1 and alight at JiMei School Village stop. If you take from the terminal Zhenghai Lu it's 5 yuan. Use the pedestrian crossings from the station. 5 min walk to reach the entrance. Take a stroll along Jia Geng Road. Admire the beautiful buildings. Visit the old residence of Tan Kah Kee. Make a round and walk along AoYuan Road, stroll along the Dragon Boat Lake back to the station. No admission charges. About 2--3 hours. See more..
4.0 Overseas Chinese Museum (43 reviews)
- very nice exhibit.
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Although there was hardly any English explanation I learned a lot from it. The stuffed animal section was really outdated. See more..
4.0 Xiamen Wulao Mountain (41 reviews)
- A nice 45 minute hike with view at the top!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Mountains

This is a great little mountain to climb as its only about 45 minutes to the peak where you'll have terrific view of Xiamen. There are loads of other people hiking up as well so it's not exactly a romantic type of hike, but nevertheless you'll be rewarded with a good view. To get there, one must first go into the Nanputuo Temple as the climb starts from the rear of the temple. It's free to enter both the temple and the hike. The temple is also right next to the famous Xiamen University. See more..
4.0 Wanda Plaza (xianyue road) (35 reviews)
- My favourite mall in Xiamen
Shopping Malls

Wanda is by far my favourite mall in Xiamen. Some of the others tend to be dirtier and have small stores that sell cheap, bad quality stuff. Wanda is super clean and I love the selection of stores they have. The usual suspects: H&M, Mango, Bershka, Zara, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, Uniqlo, Esprit, etc etc. But they also have good quality Chinese stores. I really like Hot Wind and Westlink. It’s cheap but actually suprisingly good quality, shoes especially- got a pair of heeled boots for cheap that I LOVE. Also the food court is really good and I like the sushi place they have which has a conveyor belt. Also don’t miss the stores on the outside of the mall. They’re really nice boutique stores. See more..
4.0 Wuyuanwan Wetland Park (31 reviews)
- Absolutely Beautiful
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

This was one of the many places that I enjoyed when in Xiamen. Such a spacious and green area with not that many visitors. One must spend a couple of hours leisurely walking around the park to appreciate the beauty of it. There are different sections of the park and each of them are just as beautiful as the others. Our private tour guide was with us the whole time so we had no problem going to the different areas. See more..
4.0 Xiamen Museum (28 reviews)
- Nicely designed exhibitions
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

This is a surprisingly good museum. Entry is free, with no tickets and no security check. It wasn't too busy when I visited on a Sunday morning. The history of Xiamen is presented nicely with a mixture of static reconstructions, video, photographs, original documents, and other artefacts. Most of the text is Chinese, but don't let that put you off, as this is all visually interesting stuff. Don't miss the upstairs exhibition halls. The "Masterpieces in Collection" is an excellent selection and presentation of pieces of fine porcelain, jade, bronzes, and calligraphy. Also upstairs, the South Min exhibition is imaginatively presented. Note that the photos posted by previous reviewers are not of Xiamen Museum, which is a modern building. See more..