Xiamen, China
Population: 3,707,090
Nestled along the southeast coast of China, Xiamen uniquely intertwines natural beauty with historical richness. Unlike typical urban expanses, its Gulangyu Island—a UNESCO World Heritage site—boasts colonial architecture free from automobiles, offering silent, nostalgic strolls. Xiamen distinguishes itself with the Hakka Tulou earth buildings nearby, showcasing age-old communal living. Meanwhile, the city’s vibrant seafood cuisine and annual International Marathon reflect its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
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Notable points about Xiamen
- Gulangyu Island Charm: Known as the "Piano Island," Gulangyu is a vehicle-free oasis with colonial architecture and winding paths. Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, it’s a haven for history enthusiasts and romantic getaways, offering unique island attractions like the renowned Shuzhuang Garden and the Piano Museum.
- Tulou Living Experience: Just a short drive from Xiamen, visitors can explore the Fujian Tulou, a group of large, communal earthen buildings. These unique structures offer a glimpse into the traditional community lifestyle of the Hakka people, attracting both architecture buffs and cultural explorers.
- Educational Hub: Home to Xiamen University, one of China's most picturesque campuses, the city is a center for academic excellence and youth culture. The university’s campus blends scenic beauty with academic vitality, making it a great place for students and curious visitors.
- Perfect for Nature Lovers: Xiamen is endowed with natural beauty, featuring attractions like the stunning Nanputuo Temple nestled in lush hills, and Haicang Horticultural Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a mix of spirituality and nature.
- Strong International Connection: With its position as a Special Economic Zone, Xiamen has a unique blend of global influence and local charm. This status presents a wealth of business opportunities and a cosmopolitan atmosphere unlike other smaller Chinese cities.
- A Gateway to Taiwan: As one of the closest mainland cities to Taiwan, Xiamen enjoys frequent cultural exchanges, offering unique culinary experiences, and making it a destination for those interested in cross-strait culture and trade.
- Coastal Relaxation for Families: Xiamen’s extensive coastline is dotted with sandy beaches like Baicheng Beach and Huandao Road, providing family-friendly spots for relaxation and water sports, along with scenic views of the South China Sea.
- Bustling Night Market Scene: The vibrant Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is a must-visit for nightlife enthusiasts, with its array of local street food, shopping stalls, and vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Xiamen’s local life.
- Modernity Meets Tradition: Contrasting its modern skyline, Xiamen maintains traditional customs through its festivals, like the Mid-Autumn Mooncake Gambling, a local event steeped in history and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Safe City for All Ages: Xiamen is renowned for its low crime rate and welcoming environment, making it an appealing option for retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle, as well as families desiring a safe place to explore and live.
Summarized Traveller Reviews
I could sit by Baicheng Beach all afternoon with a coconut in hand. The ocean breeze and the sound of waves just slow everything down.
Loved Gulangyu’s architecture but it was so crowded on the weekend, it kind of took away from the charm.
Xiamen's food is so underrated. Satay noodles, peanut soup, and grilled oysters — each stall felt like a hidden gem.
Tried biking around Huandao Road but the heat was relentless. Beautiful scenery, but come in spring if you're not heatproof.
The mix of old and new here is magical. One moment you're in a bustling tech park, next you're sipping tea in a temple courtyard.
Xiamen's Neighborhoods
Gulangyu Island
A car-free island of colonial villas, winding alleys, and sea-salted air.
Romantic, nostalgic, art-filled, quietly haunting
Off the southwest coast of Xiamen, reachable by ferry
7,000 CNY
High
🎯 Key Attractions
- Piano Museum: A collection of antique pianos from around the world in an old villa.
- Shuzhuang Garden: Seaside garden blending traditional Chinese landscaping with ocean views.
- The Whispering Steps: A secluded stone staircase where locals claim you can hear music in the wind.
✨ Unique Aspects
“It feels like time’s tide stopped here decades ago,” – Arun, traveler from Mumbai. Cobblestone lanes, hidden courtyards, and quiet sunsets over the harbor.
Zhongshan Road
Xiamen’s bustling pedestrian street where neon lights meet century-old shopfronts.
Lively, commercial, layered with history
Central Xiamen, near the ferry terminal to Gulangyu
5,500 CNY
High
🎯 Key Attractions
- Huang Zehe Peanut Soup: Famed local dessert shop with recipes passed down for generations.
- Colonial Facades: Restored 1920s buildings lining the pedestrian street.
- The Paper Lantern Alley: An offshoot lane glowing at night with handmade lanterns.
✨ Unique Aspects
“It’s loud and bright, but every so often you catch the scent of nostalgia,” – Mei, local shop owner. A place where commerce hums over old cobblestones.
Siming District
The cosmopolitan heart of Xiamen, mixing upscale malls with student cafés.
Urban, youthful, cosmopolitan with hidden melancholy
Southeast Xiamen, bordering the coast
6,800 CNY
High
🎯 Key Attractions
- Xiamen University: One of China’s most beautiful campuses, filled with lakes and bougainvillea.
- Nanputuo Temple: Ancient Buddhist temple with incense-filled courtyards.
- The Silent Reading Café: A tiny café that requests patrons speak only in whispers.
✨ Unique Aspects
“We studied here by the sea and thought life would always feel this open,” – Jun, former student. A district where youth and ambition ripple under the surface.
Huandao Road
A scenic coastal belt loved by cyclists and sunset seekers.
Relaxed, windswept, panoramic
Encircling Xiamen Island’s southern and eastern coastline
6,200 CNY
Moderate
🎯 Key Attractions
- Baicheng Beach: Popular sandy stretch with gentle waves.
- Music Square: Open-air space hosting weekend buskers and evening dances.
- The Tide Clock: An art installation marking the moon’s pull on the sea.
✨ Unique Aspects
“Riding here at dusk, I felt both free and a little lonely,” – Carla, traveler from Lisbon. Open skies and the eternal hum of the ocean.
Jimei
An educational hub with old Minnan architecture and scholarly charm.
Historic, academic, understated
North of Xiamen Island, connected by bridges
4,800 CNY
Moderate
🎯 Key Attractions
- Jimei School Village: A legacy of philanthropist Tan Kah Kee’s vision for education.
- Dragon Boat Pool: Lake hosting festive dragon boat races.
- The Scholar’s Archway: A symbolic gate said to bless students with wisdom.
✨ Unique Aspects
“It smells of ink, rain, and ambition,” – Hao, local teacher. Quiet streets where banyan trees shade red-brick halls.
Huli District
A modern business hub with residential pockets and hidden food streets.
Corporate, efficient, secretly gourmand
North-central Xiamen Island, near the airport
5,900 CNY
Moderate
🎯 Key Attractions
- SM City Plaza: One of Xiamen’s largest shopping malls.
- Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park: Natural escape with bird-watching trails.
- Night Dumpling Lane: An unmarked alley serving steaming dumplings until dawn.
✨ Unique Aspects
“Business by day, secrets by night,” – Lin, tech worker. Glass towers hide warm bowls of street food.
Shapowei Art Zone
A grungy-chic cluster of art studios, indie cafés, and sea breeze.
Artsy, bohemian, slightly weathered
Southwest Siming, near the coast
6,500 CNY
High
🎯 Key Attractions
- Graffiti Alley: A lane of ever-changing murals by local and international artists.
- Seaside Boardwalk: Wooden promenade with views of fishing boats.
- The Blue Door Bookshop: A second-hand bookstore with a piano in the back room.
✨ Unique Aspects
“It’s beautiful in a frayed kind of way,” – Hana, traveler from Seoul. Paint peels, but the stories feel fresh.
Xiang'an District
A quieter suburban area with beaches and new developments.
Expansive, calm, transitional
East of Xiamen Island, across the Xiang’an Tunnel
4,200 CNY
Low
🎯 Key Attractions
- Dadeng Island: Historic fishing island with sea views to Kinmen.
- Xiangshan Beach: Less crowded sands for locals in the know.
- The Wind Bell Pier: A dock lined with bells that chime in the sea breeze.
✨ Unique Aspects
“We come here when we want the city to forget us,” – Chen, young couple. Space to breathe and hear the ocean.
Wuyuan Bay
A marina district with yacht clubs and elegant waterfront dining.
Upscale, serene, maritime
Northeast Xiamen Island, near the airport
7,200 CNY
Moderate
🎯 Key Attractions
- Yacht Marina: Berths for sleek private yachts and sailing boats.
- Seabird Observation Deck: Spot herons and egrets at sunrise.
- The Glass Pier Café: A coffee spot jutting out over the bay.
✨ Unique Aspects
“The water was still, like it was listening,” – Rafael, traveler from Buenos Aires. Elegance mixed with salt air.
Tong’an District
A historic inland district with temples, markets, and slow rhythms.
Traditional, earthy, unhurried
North of Xiamen Island, inland on the mainland side
3,800 CNY
Moderate
🎯 Key Attractions
- Tong’an Confucian Temple: Well-preserved hall dedicated to Confucius.
- Local Wet Market: Bustling stalls selling fresh produce and seafood.
- The Old Banyan Stage: Open-air opera stage under a centuries-old tree.
✨ Unique Aspects
“It smells of incense and frying garlic,” – Li Hua, local elder. Time moves differently here.
Bailuzhou Park Area
A central green space with lakes, bridges, and twilight joggers.
Tranquil, recreational, wistful
Central Xiamen Island
5,600 CNY
High
🎯 Key Attractions
- White Egret Statue: Symbol of the city and favorite photo spot.
- Pedal Boat Rentals: Leisurely rides across the park’s lake.
- The Poetry Pavilion: A lakeside gazebo where strangers leave verses in a guestbook.
✨ Unique Aspects
“We watched the lights ripple on the lake, and didn’t need to speak,” – Yu, local couple. A park with quiet echoes.
Haicang District
A developing coastal area with industrial roots and seaside promenades.
Transforming, spacious, maritime
West of Xiamen Island, across the Haicang Bridge
4,500 CNY
Moderate
🎯 Key Attractions
- Haicang Lake Park: Family-friendly park with open lawns and bike paths.
- Haicang Bridge Viewpoint: Sweeping views of the city skyline.
- The Ship Lantern Festival: Annual celebration with illuminated boats on the water.
✨ Unique Aspects
“It feels like the edge of something—past and future both,” – Sven, traveler from Oslo. The sea carries the scent of change.
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