Xiamen is a Fujian port city shaped by southern Fujian culture, overseas Chinese connections and international exchanges. Give Gulangyu time for hillside lanes, historic buildings, sea views and its musical traditions. South Putuo Temple and Hulishan Fort introduce Buddhist culture and coastal defense. Back on the main island, walk along Huandao Road and try shacha noodles and seafood in the older neighborhoods.
The best of Xiamen
Siming DistrictAbout 6 hours
Gulangyu
After Xiamen opened as a treaty port, Gulangyu became an international settlement shared by foreign residents and overseas Chinese. Consulates, churches, schools and homes retain varied architectural traditions. Shuzhuang Garden incorporates the sea into its design, while piano collections reflect the island's musical associations. Hillside lanes reveal gateways, tiles and balconies combining Chinese and Western building practices.
BookingFor island access, check routes and book through Xiamen Ferry's official Yujian Xiamen mini program; valid ID is required for counter purchases.
Admission
The ferry guide lists CNY 35 ordinary routes and CNY 80 products; these are not island-attraction passes or an island entrance fee.
Siming DistrictAbout 2 hours
South Putuo Temple
South Putuo Temple takes its name from its position south of Mount Putuo and their shared devotion to Guanyin. Halls follow the foot of Wulao Peak, and the complex also houses the Minnan Buddhist Institute. Worship, religious education and monastic daily life occupy the same grounds, with the Great Compassion Hall, inscriptions and scripture buildings linking pilgrimage with Buddhist study.
Location
515 Siming South Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian
Siming DistrictAbout 2 hours
Hulishan Fort
Hulishan Fort was built in the late Qing to defend Xiamen's harbour entrance. Its surviving German Krupp gun places an industrial-age weapon within a coastal fortification. The heavy barrel, traversing mount and seaward field of fire worked with magazines and barracks supporting the garrison. Looking along the gun's direction connects the machinery with the shipping channel it was intended to control.
Location
2 Zengcuoan, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian
What to eat
Shacha noodles
The soul of shacha noodles is shacha sauce, simmered from peanuts, dried shrimp, flatfish and spices into a rich, mildly spicy paste. You choose your own toppings, from seafood to pork liver, duck blood and tofu, and the noodles are finished with steaming shacha broth.
Tusun jelly
Tusun jelly is a coastal Minnan specialty. The tusun is in fact a small sipunculid worm from the mudflats; boiled, it releases enough gelatin to set into clear jelly around the worms. Eat it chilled with garlic vinegar, mustard and soy.
Arrive, explore, settle in
Arriving
Check your Xiamen airport details for air arrivals and onward transport to your base for rail arrivals. Gulangyu requires a separate ferry booking; arriving in Xiamen does not put you on the island.
Getting around
Use transport between mainland districts and walk locally. Give Gulangyu its own ferry outing, checking the visitor terminal and outbound and return rules; plan island walks around slopes and luggage.
Where to stay
The Zhongshan Road area suits older streets and city life; the southern coast suits seaside walks. For an island stay, settle ferry and luggage arrangements and consider any early departure from Xiamen.
Allow a substantial island outing for historic buildings, hillside lanes and sea views. Confirm the ferry first, then choose the island route.
Route 2
Southern coast
Start with South Putuo Temple, then choose Hulishan Fort or a seaside walk according to transport and energy.
Route 3
Old streets and daily life
Explore lanes around Zhongshan Road, adding Shapowei separately if time allows. This relaxed route can fit around arrival or departure.
More planning advice
Choose your outward and return Gulangyu ferry routes through Xiamen Ferry's official channels. Confirm both piers and ID requirements before planning island visits; the island's map point alone is insufficient.
Check Gulangyu ferry tickets separately from visits to island venues such as Shuzhuang Garden. Choose an interest in architecture, gardens or musical collections, then confirm the individual venues.
Consider South Putuo Temple and Hulishan Fort for a city cultural outing, allowing time for temple halls and coastal-defense exhibits. Confirm opening, booking and admission arrangements for each site separately.
Good to know
How many days do I need in Xiamen?
Allow 3–4 days, excluding intercity travel. Leave room for journeys, queues and meals.
When should I visit Xiamen?
Suggested months: Mar · Apr · May · Oct · Nov. Check weather, holidays and opening arrangements for your actual dates.
Which sights need advance booking?
Read each sight’s booking note and check official information before fixing your dates. Foreign passport booking channels may differ. Booking with a foreign passport →
Make Xiamen your own
Put your favourite places on the map, then decide how to spend each day.
