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Xiamen

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City
—°6
Xiamen (China)
ℹ️

Practical info — Xiamen

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Book your ferry tickets to Gulangyu Island several days in advance, as they sell out very quickly.
  • Rent a bicycle to ride along the scenic Huandao Road that hugs the city's beautiful coastline.
  • Try to avoid visiting during Chinese national holidays when domestic tourist crowds are overwhelming.
  • Carry mosquito repellent for the evening, especially when walking near parks or the waterfront.

🍽 Food

🍽
Shacha Noodles

Try this local staple featuring a savory peanut-satay broth in the narrow alleys of the old town.

🍽
Oyster Omelette

A popular, savory night market snack cooked fresh on hot griddles across the city.

🍽
Peanut Soup

Taste this warm, sweet local dessert; the Huangzehe shop on Zhongshan Road is highly recommended.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Zhongshan Road

Wander down this bustling pedestrian street lined with historic colonial-style arcade buildings.

🛍
Eighth Seafood Market (Bashi)

Dive into the authentic local atmosphere and browse the incredible variety of fresh catches.

🛍
Zengcuo'an

Explore this former fishing village, now transformed into a trendy maze of boutique shops and food stalls.

🧘
Xiamen Botanical Garden

Seek out the massive succulent area and the misty rainforest zone for a peaceful retreat.

🧘
Nanputuo Temple hills

Climb the rocky paths behind the busy temple to find quiet spots with sweeping views of the sea.

🧘
Gulangyu's back alleys

Wander away from the main commercial paths on the car-free island to discover quiet historic mansions.

Xiamen, situated on the southeastern coast of Fujian Province, is a dynamic island city celebrated for its scenic beauty and high quality of life. The city has a long-standing tradition as a gateway to the outside world, a role amplified by its proximity to Taiwan and its designation as one of China's first four Special Economic Zones in 1980. Historically known as Amoy, Xiamen became a major hub for the international tea and silk trades during the 19th century. A significant cultural highlight is the pedestrian-only Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colonial architecture and piano heritage. Modern Xiamen is characterized by clean boulevards, lush urban parks, and a thriving high-tech sector. Xiamen University is frequently cited as one of China's most beautiful campuses, contributing to the city's animated and youthful atmosphere. Despite rapid urbanization, Xiamen maintains a relaxed coastal charm, enhanced by refreshing sea breezes and the rich culinary traditions of Fujian province.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131416202427282827231915
Rain mm5759115130205222141188134426049

Geography

Population
4,617,251 (2024)
Coordinates
24.47980, 118.08940

Facts

  • Xiamen was established as one of China's first four Special Economic Zones in 1980.
  • Gulangyu Island is famous for having the world's highest number of pianos per capita.
  • Nanputuo Temple, located near the university, dates back to the Tang Dynasty.
  • Xiamen is consistently ranked among the cleanest and most livable cities in China.
  • The city serves as a premier global hub for the stone processing and export industry.
  • The Hulishan Fortress houses a massive 19th-century Krupp cannon imported from Germany.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Xiamen (6)

Cycad Garden📍 landmark

This botanical attraction in Xiamen showcases a variety of ancient cycad species.

Rose Garden📍 landmark

Visitors to this attraction in Xiamen can stroll among beds of blooming rose bushes.

Peculiar Plant Garden📍 landmark

This botanical area in Xiamen highlights unusual and uniquely shaped plant species.

Railway Culture Park🌿 nature

This scenic viewpoint in Xiamen incorporates an abandoned railway line into its park layout.

Xiamen Science & Technology Museum🏛 museum

This museum in Xiamen provides interactive exhibits focused on modern science and technology.

Eighth Market🎭 culture

This bustling marketplace in Xiamen is famous for its wide array of fresh local seafood and street food stalls.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-21:00

Frequently asked questions

What is Gulangyu Island?
A pedestrian-only island famous for its colonial architecture and piano museums.
Is Xiamen a clean city?
Yes, it is considered one of China's most livable and cleanest cities.
Which temple is famous in Xiamen?
The South Putuo Temple is a major Buddhist center.
What is Xiamen University?
It is considered one of China's most beautiful universities with impressive grounds.
Are there beaches in the city?
Yes, there are long sandy beaches along Huandao Road.
Xiamen: where is it located?
Xiamen is located in China.
Xiamen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cycad Garden, Rose Garden, Peculiar Plant Garden.
Xiamen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Xiamen: why is it worth visiting?
Xiamen, situated on the southeastern coast of Fujian Province, is a dynamic island city celebrated for its scenic beauty and high quality of life.
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