Hui Lin
Quick Navigation
- Zhongshan Road & Gulangyu: Best for First-Timers
- Siming District (Near XMU & Nanputuo): Best for Culture
- Hubin North & Railway Station: Best for Transit
- Wuyuan Bay & Huli: Best for Modern Resorts
- Zengcuoan & Coastline: Best for Beach & Budget
- How to Choose Based on Your Itinerary
- FAQs About Accommodation in Xiamen
I've been guiding travelers through Xiamen for nearly a decade. Every time someone asks “Where to stay in Xiamen?”, I don't just throw out names. The answer depends on your style, budget, and what you want to see. Let me walk you through the real neighborhoods — the ones I send my own friends to.
Zhongshan Road & Gulangyu: Best for First-Timers
This is the classic tourist hub. Zhongshan Road is a pedestrian street packed with shops, street food, and colonial architecture. Gulangyu Island — a car-free island with piano museums and old villas — is just a 5-minute ferry ride from here. Most guidebooks push this area, and for good reason: you can walk to the ferry, the beach, and scores of restaurants.
But here's the catch: It gets noisy. Street performers and crowds start around 10 AM and don't let up until late. If you're a light sleeper, don't book a room facing the pedestrian street.
Where I Recommend in This Area
| Hotel Name | Price Range (per night) | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Somerset on Zhongshan | 400–700 RMB (55–100 USD) | Modern serviced apartment, quiet interior rooms | Families, couples wanting space |
| Gulangyu Piano Hotel | 600–900 RMB | Boutique villa with piano theme, on the island | Romantic getaway, music lovers |
| Xiamen Seaview Resort (on Gulangyu) | 800–1200 RMB | Colonial building with sea views, limited availability | Honeymooners, photographers |
Heads-up: Hotels on Gulangyu require carrying luggage up stairs — no cars allowed. Pack light. Also, the ferry from Xiamen Island to Gulangyu costs 35 RMB round-trip and gets insanely crowded on weekends. I always tell my groups to go early (before 8:30 AM) or after 5 PM.
Siming District (Near XMU & Nanputuo): Best for Culture
This is my personal favorite zone. Xiamen University (one of China's most beautiful campuses) and the Nanputuo Temple sit side by side. The streets around here are shaded by banyan trees, filled with small cafés and bookstores. It feels less touristy than Zhongshan, though it's only 15 minutes by bus.
What you'll love: You can walk to the temple at sunrise (free entry, opens 5:30 AM), have a vegetarian lunch at the temple's dining hall (10 RMB, cash only), then stroll to the university's lake. In the evening, grab a beer at one of the student-run bars on Xiada Xi Jie (University Street).
| Hotel Name | Price Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Xiamen University International Academic Exchange Center | 300–500 RMB | On campus, quiet, basic but clean. No foreigner-friendly reception? Actually they speak English fine, but double-check booking via WeChat. |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Xiamen Nanputuo | 450–650 RMB | New, modern, short walk to temple. Breakfast includes local oyster omelet – delicious. |
| Nanhua Boutique Hostel | 80–150 RMB (dorm), 250–350 (private) | Lively common area, good for solo travelers. They organize walking tours. |
One thing that annoys me: Many small hotels in this area don't have elevators. If you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, confirm with them before booking. I once had a client with a bad knee who had to climb four floors — never again.
Hubin North & Railway Station: Best for Transit
If you're taking the high-speed train from Xiamen to other cities (like Fuzhou or Shenzhen), staying near Xiamen Railway Station (also called Xiamen Huochezhan) makes life easy. This area isn't pretty — it's a busy commercial district with big roads and malls — but it's practical. You're 20 minutes by subway from Gulangyu ferry and 10 minutes from the airport (Xiamen Gaoqi).
Hotels here tend to be chain-style: Think Holiday Inn, Ramada, or local brands like Xiamen C&D. Prices are mid-range, 300–500 RMB, and you get what you pay for. The breakfast buffets are usually huge but cater to Chinese palates (congee, steamed buns, fried noodles). Don't expect great bacon or cheese.
Top Picks
- Holiday Inn Xiamen Downtown (Hubin North Road) – Reliable, English-speaking staff, near Metro Line 1. Rates around 400–600 RMB.
- Xiamen Railway Station Hotel (literally at the station) – 200–350 RMB, bare bones but location can't be beat if you have an early train. I only use it for layovers.
Wuyuan Bay & Huli District: Best for Modern Resorts
Want beaches, international hotels, and a more manicured environment? Wuyuan Bay is where the luxury hotels cluster. It's on the northeast side of the island, near the airport. The area is clean, quiet, and feels like a resort strip. You won't find much street food here, but you'll get infinity pools, gyms, and rooms with ocean views.
The downside: You're far from the old town. A taxi to Zhongshan Road takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. The nearest Metro station is Wuyuan Bay (Line 2). I recommend this only if you plan to relax by the hotel and don't mind spending on taxis.
| Hotel | Price Range | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| InterContinental Xiamen | 800–1500 RMB | Beachfront, huge pool, top-notch service. Very family-friendly. |
| Marco Polo Xiamen | 600–1000 RMB | Spacious rooms, western-friendly breakfast. Good for business travelers. |
| Wuyuan Bay Hostel (backpacker, near the bay) | 100–200 RMB (dorm) | Clean, quiet, but far from nightlife. Only if you're on a tight budget. |
Insider tip: The beach at Wuyuan Bay is artificial and can be crowded on weekends. If you want real beach vibes, go to the coast near Zengcuoan instead.
Zengcuoan & Coastline: Best for Beach & Budget
Zengcuoan started as a fishing village and turned into a bohemian backpacker enclave. Think narrow alleys lined with hostels, bubble tea shops, and live-music bars. The beach is across the road — just a 2-minute walk. This is where budget travelers and solo adventurers congregate. You'll hear English, French, and German in the hostels.
Reality check: It's loud at night — the music from bars blasts until midnight. Accommodations are basic. Some dorms have paper-thin walls. But if you want to meet people and be steps from the sand, this is your spot.
Recommended Spots
- Zengcuoan Seaview Youth Hostel – Dorm 60–90 RMB, private 200–300 RMB. Rooftop terrace with ocean view. They have a cat.
- Lazy Beach Hostel – More chill, slightly quieter. Dorm 70–100 RMB. They organize BBQ nights on the beach.
- Xiamen Bay Hotel (3-star) – If you want a real room with AC and a door, 300–500 RMB. Located just behind the village.
One warning: In summer, the beach here gets packed with locals flying kites and playing in the water. Good for people-watching, not for a quiet swim. Also, the seafood restaurants along the beach are pricey for what you get — I'd walk 5 minutes inland for cheaper options.
How to Choose Based on Your Itinerary
Let's break it down by visitor type. I've grouped these recommendations after countless trips with different travelers.
You're a first-time visitor with 3 days
Stay in Zhongshan Road or Siming. You'll hit Gulangyu, Nanputuo, and the university without wasting time on transport. Budget 100–150 RMB per day on taxis if you stay in Siming, less if on Zhongshan.
You're a backpacker or solo traveler
Zengcuoan all the way. You'll find cheap eats, free walking tours, and fellow travelers. Don't expect luxury, but you'll get a bed and a vibe.
You're on a business trip or only passing through
Hubin North / Railway Station or airport area. Quick to the office or train. I'd skip the sightseeing — you won't have time anyway.
You're with family or seeking a luxury vacation
Wuyuan Bay. Book a resort with a pool and kids' club. Take a taxi for one day to see the old town, then retreat to the hotel.
FAQs About Accommodation in Xiamen
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Prices and policies may change; always confirm directly with the property before booking.
No comments yet.