What are the best things to do in Xiamen?
Top picks in Xiamen include Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, Hulishan Fortress. See the full list and itinerary on this Xiamen travel guide.
Photo: Windmemories · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Xiamen
Travel guide for Xiamen, China — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Xiamen is a stop in China, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 50–130 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Xiamen
1
Gulangyu Island
2
Nanputuo Temple
3
Xiamen University
4
Hulishan Fortress
5
Zhongshan Road
6
Jimei School Village
7
Huandao Road coastal cycling
8
Shapowei Art Zone
Plan your trip
Xiamen itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Gulangyu Island
- Visit Nanputuo Temple
- Visit Xiamen University
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Hulishan Fortress
- Visit Zhongshan Road
- Visit Jimei School Village
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Huandao Road coastal cycling
- Visit Shapowei Art Zone
Budget
Xiamen trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 50–130
per person / day
Luxury
USD 150–245+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Xiamen, China. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Xiamen
Estimated total (USD)
$2,145
≈ $1,073 per person · $306 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $90/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Xiamen mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 50–130 · luxury 150–245+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
In pictures
Xiamen gallery
Photos: Windmemories, Senkaku Islands, Chk2011, BreakdownDiode, George Ernest Morrison — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Xiamen travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Xiamen?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Xiamen?
Plan at least 3 days in Xiamen for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Xiamen?
Stay near the centre of Xiamen for easy access to attractions, or near the airport if you have a short layover.
How much does a trip to Xiamen cost?
On the ground in Xiamen (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 50–130, and luxury about 150–245+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Xiamen, China. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
