Xiamen - TourChina
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144h/240h Visa-Free Transit GatewaySoutheast Coast (Fujian)Avg. Stay: 2 - 3 Days

Xiamen

厦门(Xiàmén)

Gulangyu Island piano heritage, coastal boardwalks, and Minnan seafood

Transit Ports
Xiamen Gaoqi Int’l Airport (XMN), Xiamen International Cruise Center
Railway Hubs
Xiamen North (High-Speed bullet trains to Hong Kong/Fuzhou), Xiamen Railway Station (On-island)
Best Season
October to April (Mild coastal weather)
Transit Scope
Xiamen Administrative Region

Overview & Transit Scope

Xiamen is a breezy, sub-tropical island city facing Taiwan across the straits. Famous for the UNESCO World Heritage pedestrian island of Gulangyu—where no motor vehicles are permitted—it boasts historical consulates, Victorian mansions, and a storied classical piano tradition.

Key City Highlights

  • Gulangyu Pedestrian Island & Sunlight Rock
  • Nanputuo Temple
  • Xiamen University Campus & Lakeside
  • Huandao Road Coastal Cycling
  • Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Transit Boundary Notice

Permitted Region: Xiamen Administrative Region

Leaving this designated region without a formal Chinese visa can result in administrative detention and transit permit cancellation.

Must-Visit Sights

Top Attractions & Passport Booking Rules

Gulangyu Island (Piano Island)
UNESCO Car-Free Heritage

Gulangyu Island (Piano Island)

鼓浪屿

A tranquil, vehicle-free islet featuring 19th-century colonial villas, the Piano Museum, and panoramic views from Sunlight Rock.

Ferry ticket: ¥35 - ¥60 round-tripFerries run all day (Day boats depart from Xiagu Pier for tourists)
Passport Real-Name Notice

Foreign tourists MUST board from Xiagu Pier (邮轮中心厦鼓码头) during daytime, NOT the local Lundu pier. Reserve ferry tickets 3-5 days in advance during peak season!

Physical Passport RequiredRequest Booking
Culinary Immersion

Local Food Guide & Point-and-Order Cards

Xiamen Satay Noodles (Shacha Mian)

Xiamen Satay Noodles (Shacha Mian)

厦门沙茶面 • Shāchámiàn

Yellow wheat noodles served in a rich Southeast-Asian-influenced shacha broth topped with fresh squid, shrimp, and tofu puffs.

Seafood & Peanut BrothSavory & Aromatic
Allergen / Diet Note: Contains peanuts, dried shrimp, garlic, and shellfish.
Where to try: Wutang Shacha Noodles (乌糖沙茶面)
Show to Server: "厦门沙茶面"
Essential Defense Guide (避坑指南)

City Pitfalls & Tourist Scams in Xiamen

While Xiamen is generally very safe with low violent crime, tourist-heavy spots harbor specific financial traps. Learn these exact scenarios to protect your trip.

1Buying the Wrong Ferry Tickets for Gulangyu

high
Scam Scenario:

Street ticket touts try to sell private high-speed speedboats for ¥200 claiming official ferries are sold out.

How to Avoid:

Only purchase verified ferry passes on the official Xiamen Ferry WeChat Mini-Program or at the Xiagu Cruise Center ticket desks.

Local Transport & Metro Tips

Gaoqi Airport (XMN) is located right on Xiamen Island, only 15 minutes by taxi or Metro Line 3 to downtown. High-speed rail connects Xiamen to Shenzhen in 3 hours.

Customize Trip via Xiamen12306 Train & Ticket Assistance