Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Xiamen

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, or basic private rooms with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food stalls, local noodle shops, market food courts, and occasional casual restaurants

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Public buses, shared bikes, walking, occasional bus rapid transit (BRT)

Activities

$0-15 per day

Free beach access, temple visits, walking tours, occasional paid attraction or museum entry

Eat at local food courts and markets instead of tourist areas - typically 50-70% cheaper than restaurants in scenic zones

Use public buses and BRT system instead of taxis - saves approximately 70-80% on transportation costs

Stay in Siming District away from beachfront areas for accommodation savings of 30-50%

Visit temples and beaches during free hours rather than paying for guided tours - most natural attractions have no entry fees

Shop at local supermarkets for snacks and drinks instead of hotel mini-bars - typically 200-300% markup avoided

Take advantage of free walking areas like Zhongshan Road pedestrian street and Xiamen University campus

Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance for early bird discounts of 20-40%

Eating exclusively in Gulangyu Island tourist restaurants - typically 100-200% more expensive than mainland options

Taking taxis for all transportation instead of learning the bus system - can triple daily transport costs

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak seasons - often 50-100% higher than advance bookings

Buying souvenirs at major tourist attractions instead of local markets - markup typically 150-300%