How to Plan a Xiamen Tour

Xiamen is suitable to visit around the year with comfortable weather not too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. Visitors can visit this city only avoiding the typhoon season around August.

Spring (March ~ May)

Early spring is very comfortable to welcome the waking plantations in south China and enjoy nice scenery of flowers, birds and genial sunshine. You will see Xiamen University in its most beautiful time during March to April. Temperature are usually changing between 13℃-28℃. It begins to rain more from May to June.

Wearing tips: trousers, T-shirts, long-sleeves, light coats, etc. are suggested. Sun block, and sunglasses are suggested.

Summer (June ~ September)

The travel peak season with crowds and some hot feel. It is fine to get relaxed on the surrounding islands and islets to enjoy soft beaches and beautiful sea. Also, it is best to enjoy lots of outdoor activities on sea. July is often the hottest month with the highest temperature around 31℃-33℃. Typhoon occurs frequently around August, which you are suggested avoid reaching the coastal areas. Rain also comes a lot in that month. Also, hotels rise their prices and usually it is better to book one in advance.

Wearing tips: shorts, T-shirts, skirts, etc. are great. Sun block, hats and sunglasses are necessary.

Autumn (October ~ December)

Weather is quite comfortable from October to November and right to admire the seasonal seafood and blossoms. Relatively travel off season comes at the middle of October, so hotels, restaurants, etc. are usually cheaper for a good saving! Comfortable weather make autumn a nice time to visit Xiamen with average temperature varying around 15℃-24℃.

Wearing tips: trousers, T-shirts, long-sleeves, light coats, etc. are suggested. Sun block, and sunglasses are suggested.

Winter (January ~ February)

Temperature drops but still not very cold with January being the coldest month and the lowest temperature keeps around 9℃-11℃. various festivals are held in villages around Xiamen to get close to local culture there. Also, lower prices makes it a good place to travel in budget!

Wearing tips: sweaters, trousers, down jackets, warm coats, warm socks, sweaters, hats, etc.

▶ Check more about Xiamen Weather & Best Time to Visit

Flights to Xiamen

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (IATA: XMN) has flights from / to over 20 international destination including Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Seoul, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Macau, etc. And it is also well linked by frequent flights with more than 80 domestic cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Changsha, Wuhan, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Kunming, Lijiang, Hangzhou, Zhengzhou,Jinan, Wuyishan, Lhasa, Hohhot, Harbin, Guiyang, Guilin, Qingdao, Sanya, Shenzhen, Taiyuan, etc.

From airport to Xiamen Island downtown: it is about half hour’s driving distance (15-18 kilometers) to Xiamen downtown around Zhongshan Road. Besides, airport shuttle buses are available for your transfer to the downtown, ferry ports, train stations, etc.

Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport, the new airport in Xiamen, is under construction and is going to be put into use in 2023.

Trains to Xiamen

Xiamen has two main train stations under service, namely Xiamen Railway Station on Xiamen Island (downtown) and Xiamen North Railway Station at Jimei District. Travelers can take bullet trains to Xiamen from Shanghai (5-8 hours), Guangzhou (4 hours), Shenzhen (3.5 hours), Hong Kong (4 hours), Hangzhou (4.5-7 hours), Huangshan (4.5 hours), Beijing (10.5-11.5 hours), Guilin, Chengdu, Nanjing, etc. and some places in Fujian including Xiapu (2.5 hours), Wuyishan (3 hours), Fuzhou (1.5 hour), etc. with speed and comfort.

If you want to arrive closer to Gulangyu Island, book your train to Xiamen Railway Station which is also closer to Nanputuo Temple and other major attractions but offers not so many high speed trains. While, the relatively farther Xiamen North Railway Station is more used for high speed trains for your more flexible schedule choice of high speed train from more destinations. Besides, Xiamen North Railway Station can be connected by Xiamen Metro Line 1 with Xiamen Island.

Cruises to Xiamen

Xiamen International Cruise Port serves some international cruises from Japan, Korea, and some Asian countries to Xiamen. So you can also get to Xiamen by a enjoyable and sightseeing cruise trip!

Coaches to Xiamen

Xiamen has several coach terminals offering distance coaches from / to Sichuan, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing, etc. However, which is not recommended for international travelers due to the too long time.

▶ Learn more about: How to Get to & Around Xiamen | Xiamen High Speed Trains | How to Get to Gulangyu Island

Xiamen has two metro lines under operation (updated in October, 2020) and linking Xiamen North Railway Station, Xiamen International Airport, Zhongshan Park, Yundang Lake, Jimei School Village and many other places at downtown Xiamen. Frequent ferries are operated for visitors transferring between Xiamen Island and the famous Gulangyu Island. Apart from that, city bus, BRT system, sightseeing bus, taxi, bicycles and so forth are easy to choose for your travel to Xiamen. Moreover, our local private transfer service is also recommended for your comfortable transfer during your Xiamen discovery!

▶ Learn more about: Xiamen Maps

The stunning and leisure Xiamen has quite a lot to see and do, such as islands, old streets, historical buildings, temple sites, local markets, gardens, etc. Also, the nearby Fujian Tulou buildings is not to be missed for a Xiamen vacation!

1. Fujian Tulou

Fujian Tulou is one of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. It is the must-see for both Fujian travel to Xiamen travel. Walk into the hidden mountain villages to appreciate the primitive scene of rice terraces, winding rivers, dense forests, etc. Surrounding the peaceful villages consisted with those round and quadrangle earthen buildings with black tiles and yellow walls. Visit some of the best representative ones to see the real union life of a big Hakka family.
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 days
Transfer from City Center: about 3 hours by car (driving 85km)

2. Gulangyu Island

This World Cultural Heritage is the No.1 attraction in Xiamen and is praised as Garden on the Sea. Take a ferry to reach Gulangyu Island to enjoy a real leisure and romantic roam. No matter hang along the crossing alleys and lanes with various literal cafes or book stores, or savor the bright colored exhibition of dozens of international buildings constructed over 100 years ago.
Recommended Visiting Time: half to 1 day
Transfer from City Center: 7-20 minutes by ferry

3. Nanputuo Temple

Pay a holy visit to the popular South Putuo Temple originated from Tang Dynasty and admire the ancient and exquisite Buddhist halls standing layer by layer among the peaceful surrounding of pavilion, garden, corridors, etc. You can climb on Wulao peak to have a bird’s eye view of Xiamen University.
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-3 hours
Transfer from City Center: 15 minutes from Zhongshan Road by car (driving 3 km)

4. Zhongshan Road

Walk along the famous Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street from Zhongshan Park to Lundu Port, which leads to the sea. Take you time to soak in the featured historical buildings with South Asian arcades, Western pillars, Chinese engraves, etc. And then satisfy your tongues with the local authentic flavors of Fujian snacks.
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Right in Xiamen downtown; 25-30 minutes by car (driving 15-17km) from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport

5. Huandao Road (Island Ring Road)

Ride a bike, get on a sightseeing bus or just walk along the beautiful Huandao Road to enjoy the enchanting sea view, coconut trees, soft beaches, verdant mountain background, clean road with some bright colors. That’s your idyllic thing for holiday fun!
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-3 hours
Transfer from City Center: 10 minutes by car

6. The Eighth Seafood Market

Discover the interesting the Eighth Seafood Market to recognize diverse fresh seafood and see locals seeking their favorites. Besides, Xiamen citizens after work loves buying materials for their dinner and fruits in the afternoon. Get there if you want to get close to local life!
Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hour
Transfer from City Center: 8 minutes walking from Zhongshan Road

7. Hulishan Fortress

This historic site is where to see the defeating to foreign invaders during late Qing Dynasty. Visit this place to see the “Oldest and Biggest Coastal Fortress from 19th century” by Guinness World of Shanghai.
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour
Transfer from City Center: 10 minutes by car (5km)

8. Xiamen University

Take a stroll at Xiamen University to see such a “Most Beautiful University in China” Against mountains and besides sea. Enjoy your nice walk under the old trees to feel the young vitality and appreciate the graceful buildings.
Recommended Visiting Time: half day
Transfer from City Center: 15 minutes by car (6km)

9. Wanshi Botanical Garden

Explore Xiamen Botanical Garden to see thousands of plants in red, rosy, pink, green, etc. for a great and fun dating with nature.
Recommended Visiting Time: 3-5 hours
Transfer from City Center: 30 minutes by car (8km)

10. Jimei School Village

Enjoy a closer look at those outstanding and exquisite architectures of Jiageng style with traditional Chinese roofs and exotic Western buildings at Jimei School Village, which is the typical of Fujian hometown of oversea Chinese.
Recommended Visiting Time: half to 1 day
Transfer from City Center: 40 minutes by car (17-22km); 30 minutes by Metro Line 1.

▶ Check more Top Things to Do in Xiamen | Activities in Xiamen

Most Popular Xiamen Tour Packages:

✔ 2 Days Xiamen City Tour with Gulangyu Island

✔ 3 Days Xiamen City Leisure Tour

Most visitors to Xiamen prefer to stay at Siming District which is located on Xiamen Island in the downtown with most attractions within or nearby and convenient transportation linking the tourist spots, transportation hubs and of course great offer of various levels of accommodation to meet your needs and likes. Within this area, there are mainly 4 places to stay for visiting Xiamen. Lundu Port and Surrounding is convenient to take the ferries to Gulangyu (night) and take a leisure and cultural walk along the nearby Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. Zengcuoan Village and Huandao Road area is nice to find many boutique hotel choices and enjoy the beautiful sea view from your window. Yundang Lake area is where holding lots of luxury hotels and most famous international hotel chain brands, which is also close to Xiamen International Cruise Terminal where launch many ferries to Gulangyu Island at day time. While, the area around Xiamen University is great with many top popular attractions like Nanputuo Temple, Huandao Road, etc. surrounding. Each area has different hotels from 5-star to 3 star and budget. You will have no worry about arranging your Xiamen accommodation!

Besides, if you are planning to extend to see Fujian Tulou, you can still stay in Xiamen if you visit there only for one day. If you want a deeper exploration, Nanjing Tulou villages, Yongding Tulou villages and Yongding District offers boutique hotels, budget inns and holiday resorts for your choose!

▶ Learn more about:

Where to Stay in Xiamen | Xiamen Luxury Hotels | Xiamen Comfortable Hotels | Xiamen Budget Hotels

Since January 1st 2019, China has extended the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption Program to Xiamen for traveler who come from 53 countries, hold valid international travel documents and onward air ticket to a third country or region with confirmed date and seat. Therefore, the qualified citizens from other countries (regions) can stay in the administrative area of Xiamen for no more than 6 days via the appointed port of entry & exit - Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Xiamen Wutong Ferry Terminal, and Xiamen International Cruise Center.

However, since Nanjing and Yongding do not belong to the administrative region of Xiamen City, the 144-hour Visa Free Transit policy is not applicable for visitors planning to extend to visit Fujian Tulou, Mount Wuyi, Xiapu Mudflat, Quanzhou, Fuzhou, etc.!

▶ Learn more about: Xiamen 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Most visitors prefer to plan Xiamen with other top popular destinations in Fujian Province together into a richer Fujian trip, and they usually arrange Xiamen as the start for landing this large destination.

You can plan 2-3 days in Xiamen for arrival in free and discover the must-sees in the city area including Gulangyu Island. It is not-to-be missed to extend another 1-2 days to Nanjing and Yongding to admire the precious Fujian Tulou clusters listed into World Cultural Heritage and learn more Hakka culture and life pace. Enjoy 2 days to Mount Wuyi to catch the charm of this UNESCO world natural and cultural heritage and have fun with its tea plantation, hiking and rafting, etc. If you are fond of photography, arrange at least 2 days to shoot Xiapu mudflat, the China most beautiful coastal line and more interesting scenes of fishing villagers.

Besides, you can spend 1-2 days to nearby Quanzhou, Fuzhou, Zhangzhou, Anxi, etc. to discover more Fujian nature, culture, history and stories of overseas Chinese of Fujian area.

Most Popular Xiamen Fujian Tour Packages:

✔ 3 Days Xiamen City Leisure Tour

✔ 5 Days Xiamen, Nanjing Tulou & Mount Wuyi Discovery Tour

✔ 4 Days Fujian Xiapu Mudflat Photography Tour

► Check more popular Xiamen Tour Packages

Furthermore, Xiamen has convenient connection with many other hot destinations in China by direct flights and bullet trains, therefore, it is also favored to travel Xiamen with more places in China in one go, which enables you to savor more scenic, cultural, historic, gourmets highlights and save more! Apart from Xiamen, you are highly recommended to discover Huangshan with highly praised mountain sightseeing as UNESCO world heritage, Shanghai with magic charm to see modern China, Hangzhou and Suzhou with poetic and heavenly like sightseeing and culture gems, Beijing with fabulous ancient Forbidden City and Great Wall, Xian with world awesome Terracotta Warriors, Guilin with lovely Karst water and mountain landscape, Yunnan with stunning plateau scenery and brilliant ethnic culture essences, Zhangjiajie with amazing Avatar Mountains, Guangzhou with featured Lingnan culture and delicious Cantonese food, Hong Kong with world best night view and skyline at Victoria Harbor, and more places like Yangtze River, Lhasa, Shenzhen, Inner Mongolia, Harbin, Guizhou, etc. If you have any idea about planning your Xiamen and Fujian trip, please feel free to contact us for help or tell us to customize your own Xiamen Fujian tour / Xiamen China tour!

Most Popular Xiamen China Tour Packages:

✔ 6 Days Xiamen Nanjing Tulou & Yellow Mountain Amusing Tour

✔ 12 Days China Xiapu Mudflats Xiamen Tulou Coastal Tour by Bullet Train

China Discovery is an experienced, professional and reliable travel companion devoted to offering high-quality and the best tour services for all travelers to China. In order to have a hassle-free travel and focus on the trip itself, it’s highly recommended travelling with China Discovery. So, you can enjoy convenient airport pick-up and drop-off service and transportation to all scenic spots in a safe, clean, comfortable, air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicle. Also, we will arrange knowledgeable local English-speaking tour guide, excellent accommodation and dining arrangements to ensure you rest well and get better understanding of highlights in Xiamen and Fujian. The tour can be tailor-made according to your interests, time, group size, budget and every special need. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us to customize your tour!