Su Lin
Quick Jump
I've been guiding English-speaking travelers through Xiamen for over eight years. Every single time, someone tells me they wish they'd known a few things before they arrived. So I'm writing this to cut through the fluff. These are the Xiamen must-visit places I personally take every first-timer to – plus the little secrets that make the trip smoother.
Gulangyu Island – The Crown Jewel
You can't say you've been to Xiamen without stepping foot on Gulangyu. This car-free island is a 5-minute ferry ride from the city center. But here's the kicker: you must book your ferry ticket online in advance. Show up without a reservation between March and November and you might wait 2+ hours – or find all slots sold out.
How to Get to Gulangyu
Two main ferry routes exist. Tourists use Xiamen Ferry Terminal (Dongdu) to Sanqiutian Terminal on the island. Frequency: every 20 minutes. First ferry around 7:10 AM, last return around 5:30 PM (summer extends to 6:30 PM). Avoid the local route at First Pier – it's for residents only and they check ID.
Quick tip: Scan the official WeChat mini-program “厦门轮渡有限公司” (Xiamen Ferry Co.) to buy tickets. Round-trip costs around ¥35 per person. If you're bringing a big suitcase, leave it at your hotel – the island has cobblestone streets and stairs everywhere.
What to Do on Gulangyu
- Sunlight Rock – Highest point on the island, panoramic view. Climb early (before 9 AM) or late (after 4 PM) to avoid heat and crowds. Ticket ¥50.
- Shuzhuang Garden – A lovely seaside garden with a piano museum inside. If you're not into gardens, give it a pass. Ticket ¥30.
- Hao Yue Garden – Free section with boardwalk. Great sunset spot.
- Gulangyu Piano Museum – Two halls, ancient pianos. Open 8:15 AM–5:30 PM. Small entrance fee included in Shuzhuang combo ticket.
I recommend dedicating at least 4 hours. Wear comfortable shoes – that's not a suggestion, it's a warning. I've seen tourists in heels nearly cry.
Nanputuo Temple – Buddhism & Views
Free admission, centrally located at the foot of Wulao Peak. This active Buddhist temple is a must-visit for its serene atmosphere and the mountain trail behind it leading up to Five Old Men Peak (Wulaofeng).
Opening hours: 3:00 AM–7:00 PM, but the main halls open at 6:00 AM. Go early – before 8 AM to avoid tour groups. The vegetarian restaurant inside serves a mean “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” soup for ¥30 per person, but it's cash or WeChat pay only – no foreign cards.
Getting there: Take bus lines 1, 15, 21, 45, or 959 to “Nanputuo” stop. Or take Metro Line 1 to Zhenhai Road Station, Exit 3, then walk 10 minutes uphill.
Xiamen University – Campus Like a Park
Often called China's most beautiful university campus, XMU is open to the public. But they limit daily visitors – you need to register on their WeChat official account “U厦大” with your passport info. Walk-in without reservation is almost impossible during summer or weekends.
Hours: Usually 12:00–2:00 PM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM on weekdays, all day on weekends and holidays. Check their mini-program for exact slots. Once inside, walk to Furong Lake and the Shangxianchang tunnel with student murals. The campus connects directly to the beach (Baicheng Beach) through a small gate – go out for a quick dip.
Hulishan Fort – Cannon History
A coastal fort built in 1896 with the biggest coastal cannon ever made in the world – the Krupp 28cm gun. It's impressive even if you're not a military buff. Ticket ¥25. Open 8:00 AM–5:30 PM.
Most people visit in 45 minutes. I like to tell my groups to look at the shell scars on the wall – they're from the 1938 Japanese invasion. History becomes real when you touch those marks.
Location: Inside the Huandao Road scenic area. Bus 2, 20, 22, 29, 47 to “Hulishan” stop.
Zhongshan Road – Shopping & Street Eats
This pedestrian-only street is a major shopping drag. But honestly? The stores are chain brands you see everywhere. What makes it special is the side streets – turn into Dazhong Road or Bashi for authentic local food stalls. Try the oyster omelet at Lianhua Seafood – I've taken dozens of groups there and the reaction is always the same: “Why is this so good?”
Hours: Shops open around 10 AM to 10 PM. The food market starts at 6 AM and winds down by noon.
Huandao Road – Seaside Cycling
Xiamen has a gorgeous 43-kilometer coastal road. Rent a bicycle (around ¥15–30 per hour, negotiate) and ride the section from Baicheng Beach to International Convention Center. The total ride one way is about 12 km – takes 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. Many rental shops are located near Xiamen University's beach exit.
Best time: Late afternoon (4 PM+). The sun sets over the water and the temperature drops. Avoid noon unless you enjoy sunburn.
Jimei School Village – Architecture & Culture
A bit out of the way (30 min drive from downtown, or take Bus 959 from Xiamen North Railway Station), Jimei is a collection of schools and parks built by philanthropist Tan Kah Kee. The combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles is unique. Free entrance to the main areas. The Jimei Dragon Boat Pond hosts dragon boat races in June.
This spot is often overlooked by first-timers, which is exactly why I include it. Fewer crowds, peaceful vibe, and fantastic photo ops.
FAQs About Xiamen Must-Visit Places
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision. Prices, hours– double-check official mini-programs before you go.
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