Xiamen is located on the southeast coast of Fujian Province, consisting of Xiamen Island, Gulangyu and numerous small islands, plus land areas like Tong'an, Jimei, Haicang and Xiang'an, also known as 'Egret Island'. As one of China's Special Economic Zones, Xiamen attracts visitors worldwide with its beautiful natural scenery, pleasant climate and profound cultural heritage. Gulangyu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as 'Piano Island' with numerous buildings of diverse architectural styles. Xiamen University is hailed as one of China's most beautiful universities, facing the sea with spring blossoms. South Putuo Temple is a Minnan Buddhist holy site with thriving incense offerings. Huandao Road, Zengcuo'an, Shapowei and other attractions are great places to experience Xiamen's slow living.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, a tiny island of only 1.88 km² yet with thousands of architecturally diverse buildings, hailed as 'Museum of International Architecture'. No motor vehicles on the island, only piano music and ocean waves. Sunlight Rock is the highest point with panoramic island view. Shuzhuang Garden, Haoyue Garden, Organ Museum are worth visiting.
Founded by patriotic overseas Chinese Chen Jiageng in 1921, one of China's most beautiful universities. Campus nestles against mountains and faces the sea, with poetic scenery like Furong Lake, Lover's Val ey and Jiannan Auditorium. Furong Tunnel is a social media hotspot, 1.1km long with student artworks on both walls. Advance booking required for campus visit.
Built in late Tang Dynasty, it's a Minnan Buddhist holy site, named for enshrining Guanyin Bodhisattva similar to Mount Putuo in Zhejiang. The Sutra Pavilion treasures numerous Buddhist classics, Mahavira Hall is magnificent. Wulao Peak behind the temple offers view of Xiamen University and the sea. Vegetarian cuisine and biscuits are Namputuo's specialties.
A 31km-long coastal avenue connecting Xiamen Island's main seaside attractions. Beautiful beaches, sculpture groups and bicycle lanes along the road. Renting a tandem bicycle and riding against the sea breeze is one of the best ways to experience Xiamen. Along the way you can pass Coconut Wind Pavilion, Play-with-Moon Slope, Sea Rhythm Terrace etc.
Originally a seaside fishing village, now a gathering place for artsy and hipster culture, known as 'China's most artsy fishing village'. Narrow alleys are filled with unique shops, cafes, guesthouses and bars. Seafood stalls, satay noodles, tusundong and other Minnan snacks are everywhere. Zengcuo'an at night is even more charming.
Xiamen's most representative snack, soup base cooked with satay sauce, peanut butter and a dozen other seasonings, served with alkaline noodles, tofu, pig intestine, duck blood etc. Rich, flavorful, mildly spicy and delicious. Wutang and Yuehua are time-honored brands.
Classic Minnan snack, fresh oysters, sweet potato starch and eggs pan-fried, crispy outside tender inside, served with sweet chili sauce. Found at street stalls everywhere in Xiamen, one of must-try snacks when visiting.
Unique Xiamen snack, gelatinous jelly made from sea worm (sipuncula) broth cooled and set, served with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic. Bouncy and smooth texture, unique Minnan seafood snack. Anhai tusundong is most authentic.
Traditional Xiamen snack, glutinous rice wrapped with pork belly, mushrooms, chestnuts, dried shrimp etc., steamed in bamboo leaves. Fragrant aroma, rich taste. Even better with satay sauce or sweet chili sauce. 1980 Shao Rou Zong is a time-honored brand.
Gulangyu ferry tickets and attraction tickets require advance booking on official website or WeChat, hard to get in peak season
July-Sep is typhoon season, check weather forecast before travel, avoid being trapped on island
Xiamen University campus visit requires advance booking on WeChat, daily visitor quota
Xiamen buses are like mobile viewing platforms, beautiful sea views along Huandao Road bus routes
Xiamen seafood is fresh and delicious, but confirm prices before dining at seafood stalls