Things to Do in Xiamen

About Xiamen

Where coastal breezes carry whispers of maritime empires and colonial elegance, Xiamen emerges as China's most enchanting seaside sanctuary. This island city floats like a jade pendant between the Taiwan Strait and ancient Fujian traditions, where art deco mansions stand sentinel over bustling harbors and temple incense mingles with salt air. Piano Island beckons with its car-free cobblestone streets and European architectural symphony, while the mainland pulses with modern energy tempered by southern Chinese grace. Here, morning tai chi sessions unfold along waterfront promenades as fishing boats return with dawn's catch, and evenings bring the gentle clatter of mahjong tiles beneath banyan trees. Xiamen's soul lies in this seamless dance between preservation and progress—where century-old temples share skylines with gleaming towers, and the rhythm of urban life moves to the eternal cadence of tides.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a Xiamen e-Card for seamless travel on buses (¥1-2) and BRT system. Ferries to Gulangyu Island cost ¥35 roundtrip; book online in advance during peak seasons. Taxis start at ¥10, but Didi rideshare is more reliable and cost-effective.

Money: Bring cash as many local vendors don't accept cards. ATMs are abundant near hotels and shopping areas. WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate; download apps and link to international cards before arrival for maximum convenience at restaurants and shops.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering temples and homes. Avoid pointing with single fingers; use open palms instead. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice bowls. Photography inside temples requires permission; always ask first and respect 'no photos' signs.

Food Safety: Street food is generally safe at busy stalls with high turnover. Try local specialties like oyster omelets and satay noodles from established vendors. Bottled water is recommended; avoid tap water. Wash fruits thoroughly and choose restaurants popular with locals.

When to Visit

Xiamen's subtropical climate offers distinct seasonal experiences. Spring (March-May) brings comfortable 18-25°C temperatures with moderate rainfall (80-150mm monthly), making it ideal for sightseeing. Cherry blossoms bloom in March, creating Instagram-worthy moments on Gulangyu Island. Summer (June-August) peaks at 28-33°C with high humidity and occasional typhoons, plus heavy rainfall (150-200mm). However, this season offers vibrant beach life and the Dragon Boat Festival (June). Accommodation prices increase 30-40% during summer holidays. Autumn (September-November) delivers perfect weather with 20-28°C temperatures and minimal rainfall (50-100mm), making it peak season with 25-35% higher prices. The Mid-Autumn Festival illuminates the city in September. Winter (December-February) stays mild at 10-18°C with occasional drizzle, offering 20-30% lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Business travelers prefer autumn's conference season, while budget-conscious visitors should target winter months. Photography enthusiasts love spring's blooms and autumn's golden light, while beach lovers should brave summer's heat and higher costs.