A 2025 Xiamen travel guide featuring the top 10 attractions and itinerary tips, exploring Gulangyu Island, historic streets, coastal views, and the city’s relaxed island lifestyle.
Xiamen's Top Ten Must-see Attractions
1. Gulangyu Island｜Music Island of World Cultural Heritage
Gulangyu Island is the soul of Xiamen, and the streets and lanes are filled with British colonial, German wooden structures, French romantic, Japanese-style Western-style houses, and a mixture of Haitian architecture, making it a true "Expo of Architecture of All Nations".
Not-to-be-missed attractions includesunstoneGreat views across the island,Beasley GardenandPiano MuseumThe music story.
Early morning and dusk are the best times to visit the island, and the sunlight on the sea makes you feel as if you are stepping into a poetic painting.
2.Nanputuo Temple｜The ancient temple that dazzles with the sound of Sanskrit
Nanputuo Temple is the most famous temple in Xiamen.Buddhist Holy LandThe temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty, and has been in great demand for incense. The Wulao Peak at the back of the temple overlooks the entire Xiamen city and harbor, providing a magnificent view.
Whether you're here to worship or just to enjoy the quiet atmosphere, it's worth stopping by. When you enter the temple early in the morning, you can experience the calmness of the morning bells and the evening drums. Many people also come here to pray for a label for peace and prosperity.
3.Xiamen Landscape Botanical Garden｜Various Scents in the City Oasis
The Garden Grove Botanical Garden, also known as Wan Shi Botanical Garden, is home to tens of thousands of species of tropical and subtropical plants. The garden is characterized by its mountainous terrain, water features, cactus gardens, palm gardens, and bamboo trails.
With flowers blooming in the spring and maples turning red in the fall, it's the perfect place to slow down your travels.
4.Huli Mountain Fortress｜Witness to a Century of Coastal Defense
Huli Mountain Fortress was built in the Qing Dynasty during the Guangxu period, and is an important relic of China's modern naval defense. The museum preserves the world's largest ancient cannon, "Squire's Cannon", which is still shocking.
The soldiers' performance at regular intervals every day makes you feel like you are back in the war days of a hundred years ago. Standing on the turret at dusk and looking out over the horizon, the sunset and the old cannons create the most magnificent picture. The site is well preserved, and the greenery is very refreshing and cozy.
5. Bell Drum Ropeway｜Scenery of the Harbor from above
The Bell and Drum Ropeway connects Xiamen Island with Gulangyu Island. As the cable car rises gently, you can enjoy the view of the whole city and the bay. At night, you can enjoy the city lights and the night color of Gulangyu.
This is one of the most relaxing and romantic ways to see the city.
6.Night Tour of Egret River｜Boat ride with lights on both sides of the river
When night falls, board a cruise ship and travel on the Egret River, the lights of Gulangyu Island and the reflections of the city's skyscrapers are intertwined like a dream.
The sea breeze and music are the most recommended way to experience Xiamen's nightlife.
7. Island Route｜Free Riding on the Most Beautiful Coastline
The 43-kilometer-long island-ring road is known as the "world's longest seascape bike path". Along the road, there are White City Beach, Music Plaza, and sea-viewing trails.
Whether on foot or by bike, you can enjoy the waves along the way. It is recommended to visit in the morning or in the evening, when the sunlight is soft and the scenery is pleasant.
8. Cultural and Creative Village in Zengcuo Aun｜Gathering Place for Literary Youth and Cuisine
With its blend of tradition and creativity, Tseng Chu Aun is a place where you can best feel the humanistic flavor of Xiamen.
There are cultural and creative stores, handmade coffee, specialty lodgings and street performers, full of the flavor of life.
Travelers can enjoy a cup of coffee in the afternoon sun while admiring the street paintings. There are also many delicious snacks to try here!
9.Jimei School Village｜Chen Jiageng's Cultural Heritage
This educational-themed village is a cultural park created by the famous overseas Chinese, Mr. Chen Jiageng.
The European-style red-brick buildings are built along the lake in a tranquil environment, representing the combination of history, humanity and architectural beauty.
Strolling along the Jimei Lake in the evening, the school village is particularly attractive under the setting sun.
10.Yongding Tulou｜World Heritage of Hakka Culture
Have you seen the Shaolin Kung Fu movie where the landlady lives in the house? It's the same type of house.
Yongding Tulou, a three-hour drive from Xiamen, is known as a "breathing house".
The circular structures of Chengqi Lou, Zhencheng Lou and Fuyu Lou each have their own distinctive features, and are the best place to explore the culture of Minnan and Hakka.
You can choose a one-day or two-day itinerary to stay in Tulou at night, watch the stars and sip tea, and experience the most authentic humanistic atmosphere.
Extended Experience Recommendations
Gulangyu Island by the Sea｜The Most Luxurious Journey by the Sea
Want to see Gulangyu Island from a different perspective? Take a private yacht around the island and see the Sunlight Rock and Bagua Building from afar. The sea is dyed with golden light at dusk, making it a perfect combination of photography and vacation.
Zhongshan Road Night Market｜The Taste of Xiamen at Night
Zhongshan Road is the busiest commercial district in Xiamen. As night falls, the street is lined with food stalls and old restaurants.
Must-try dishes include: satay noodles, fried five spice, asparagus jelly, seafood congee and peanut soup. Every bite has a strong Minnan flavor.
Three Days Two Nights Classic Line
Day 1: Nanputuo Temple → Xiamen Garden Botanical Garden → Zhongshan Road Night Market
Day 2: Full Day in Gulangyu Island (Including Sunlight Rock, Peas and Beans Garden, Piano Museum)
Day 3: Huli Mountain Fortress → Bell Drum Ropeway → Night Tour of Egret River
Five to Seven Day In-Depth Line
Day 4-5: Zengcuo Aun → Huandao Road → Jimei School Village
Day 6-7: Yongding Tulou + Night Stay in Ancient Buildings Experience
For more information, please contact Xiamen's only designated travel agency -＞.Xiamen International Travel
Practical Travel Information
- transportation:
Taiwan travelers can choose to fly directly to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, or take the "Little Three Links" from Jinmen to arrive quickly, while other foreign travelers can choose to fly to Xiamen, with many flights available. - stay at:
For those who value convenient transportation, Siming District is recommended. For those who want to experience the island, Gulangyu Island and Zengcuo'aun are the best choices. - Certificate Tips:
Before departure, please make sure that the information on your ID card and your Taiwan compatriot card is correct. If your flight or ferry is canceled, please remember to ask for a certificate from the operator for a refund of your ticket. - little reminder:
Xiamen has many walking spots, so light shoes, sun protection and rain gear are recommended.
Meet the most beautiful Xiamen
Xiamen is a city to slow down and savor.
From the melodious sound of the zither in Gulangyu Island, to the bells and sea breeze in Nanputuo, to the nighttime cruise on the Egret River, every moment is filled with poetry and surprise.
Whether you want to have an in-depth cultural tour, a family trip or a romantic vacation, or if you are in the same industry, Xiamen International Travel Service is the only one that we recommend.
Xiamen Tourism Recommendations for Professional--Xiamen International Travel
