Things to Do in Xiamen in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Xiamen
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather - temperatures stay below 26°C (79°F) with low humidity making 8km (5-mile) mountain trails comfortable all day
- Golden autumn foliage transforms Wanshi Botanical Garden and Zhongshan Park into photography paradise with maple and ginkgo trees at peak color
- Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer peaks and flight prices from mainland China decrease significantly
- Ideal beach weather without summer crowds - Huandao Road cycling becomes pleasant with cooling sea breezes and clear 15km (9.3-mile) visibility for photos
Considerations
- October Golden Week (Oct 1-7) brings mainland Chinese holiday crowds - attractions can have 2-3 hour waits and accommodation prices spike 200%
- Occasional typhoon risk - 1-2 storms typically pass near Fujian Province in October, potentially disrupting ferry services to Gulangyu for 1-2 days
- Cooler evenings at 21°C (70°F) mean popular rooftop bars and night markets require light layers after sunset
Best Activities in October
Gulangyu Island Architecture Walking Tours
October's mild temperatures make the 3km (1.9-mile) heritage walking circuit comfortable all day. The island's colonial architecture looks stunning against autumn's clear skies, and cooler weather means less crowding on the narrow pedestrian streets after 4pm when day-trippers return to mainland.
Huandao Road Cycling Adventures
The famous 43km (26.7-mile) coastal cycling route becomes perfect in October with temperatures rarely exceeding 26°C (79°F) and consistent sea breezes. Autumn's clear air provides spectacular views of Kinmen Island and Taiwan Strait. Early morning rides (7-9am) offer the best photo opportunities with golden light.
Wanshi Botanical Garden Autumn Photography Tours
October transforms the 227-hectare garden into Xiamen's most photogenic location. Ginkgo trees turn golden-yellow while Japanese maples display brilliant reds - peak color typically occurs mid-to-late October. The 4km (2.5-mile) main trail becomes comfortable for extended photography sessions in the cooler weather.
Nanputuo Temple Mountain Hiking
The 2.5km (1.6-mile) trail to Wulao Peak becomes ideal in October's 21-26°C (70-79°F) temperature range. Clear autumn air provides panoramic views over Xiamen University and the harbor. The temple's vegetarian restaurant serves seasonal autumn dishes like lotus root soup and chrysanthemum tea.
Traditional Tea Culture Experiences
October marks premium Tieguanyin tea harvest season in nearby Anxi County. Xiamen's traditional tea houses offer harvest-fresh tastings impossible other times of year. The mild weather makes tea garden day trips to Anxi (90 minutes from city) comfortable, with temperatures perfect for outdoor tea ceremonies.
Zhongshan Road Night Market Food Tours
October's comfortable evening temperatures around 23°C (73°F) make extended food tours enjoyable along the 1.2km (0.7-mile) pedestrian street. Autumn brings seasonal specialties like sweet osmanthus desserts, roasted chestnuts, and fresh persimmons alongside year-round favorites like peanut soup and satay noodles.
October Events & Festivals
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
Traditional mooncake markets appear throughout the city, with Gulangyu Island hosting evening lantern displays. Local families gather at beaches for moon-viewing parties with tea ceremonies and traditional music performances.
Xiamen International Marathon Registration Opens
October marks registration opening for January's major marathon event. The city hosts training runs and fitness events throughout the month along Huandao Road, creating a vibrant running community atmosphere.