Xiamen / 厦门
Self-guided travel guide
Explore Xiamen at your own pace, from Gulangyu to waterfront walks. Choose a few favorite stops and leave room for an unhurried coastal afternoon.
City overview · Reference-based AI imagery
Discover Xiamen
Xiamen history
Xiamen developed through maritime trade and links with overseas Chinese communities. On Gulangyu, former consulates, villas, and religious buildings reflect the island’s international-settlement past and the movement of people through this coastal port.
Culture and everyday life in Xiamen
Southern Fujian traditions and a strong connection to the sea shape the city’s identity. Gulangyu is also known for its musical heritage; explore its smaller lanes alongside the busier waterfront to appreciate the island at a gentler pace.
Xiamen food: what to eat
Shacha noodles combine noodles with a savory sauce and a choice of toppings, while oyster omelettes and peanut soup offer contrasting local flavors. Seafood is common, so ask about ingredients and confirm how dishes are priced before ordering.
Things to see in Xiamen
Gulangyu and its Sunlight Rock are standout sights, reached by ferry from the main island. Balance an island visit with Xiamen’s historic waterfront and coastal walks, and check the ferry arrangements when planning your day.
Getting around Xiamen independently
Check ferry routes and ticket requirements before going to Gulangyu. Use metro or taxis between mainland neighborhoods.
Plan your stay in Xiamen
Plan a self-guided stay with nearby sights grouped into relaxed daily routes, budget estimates in US dollars, Chinese address and ordering cards, and booking guidance. Your itinerary comes as an interactive HTML page and a print-friendly A4 PDF.
Plan your self-guided tripThis is a general city introduction. Opening hours, prices and booking rules should be checked before travel.