City Overview
Xiamen lies in southeast Fujian, facing the Taiwan Strait and looking across to Kinmen, and was one of China's earliest special economic zones. Made up of Xiamen Island, Gulangyu and the surrounding bays, it has a mild, humid subtropical maritime climate that makes it a year-round destination, with spring and autumn the best seasons.
Must-See Highlights
Gulangyu is Xiamen's calling card, an island of Chinese-and-Western architecture, piano culture and winding lanes. Nanputuo Temple, with its incense smoke and the Five Old Men Peaks behind it, is a bustling religious site. The Island Ring Road follows the coast, linking beaches, reefs and viewing platforms — ideal for cycling and sea views. Xiamen University, with mountains behind and the sea before it, is often called one of “China's most beautiful campuses.”
Around the City (Same Province / Nearby)
Fujian Tulou, best represented by the Hakka round buildings around Yongding and Nanjing, is a World Heritage Site. Wuyi Mountains are famed for their Danxia landforms and bamboo-raft rides on the Nine-Bend Stream. Quanzhou Old Town, a key starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, is packed with monuments such as Kaiyuan Temple and the Qingjing Mosque, about an hour away by train.
Food & Experiences
Satay noodles, oyster omelette, sea worm jelly, savoury rice dumplings and ginger duck are Xiamen's signature flavours, while Gulangyu pies and pineapple cakes make good souvenirs. Watching the sunrise on the Island Ring Road and heading to Shapowei or Zengcuo'an in the evening for fishing-harbour and creative-market vibes are fine ways to enjoy the city.
Getting Around & Itinerary Tips
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Xiamen Station and Xiamen North Station connect to destinations across the country, with convenient BRT, metro and bus service in town. Plan 3–4 days: explore Gulangyu, Xiamen University, Nanputuo Temple and the Island Ring Road on the island, then add a day or two for Tulou, Quanzhou or the Wuyi Mountains.
