Xiamen

Xiamen’s temperatures in October are around 22–29°C. Bring a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, and plan time for seaside walks and sunsets.

• Gulangyu Island: The island preserves the character of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, with international architecture woven through red-brick lanes. Climb Sunlight Rock for panoramic island views, then visit Shuzhuang Garden to enjoy its seaside gardens. Ferry tickets should be purchased in advance through “Xiamen Ferry.”

• Xiamen Botanical Garden: Entering through the west gate is less strenuous. The Rainforest World area has scheduled misting, while the succulent garden features some remarkably large cacti.

• Huandao Road: Rent a small electric scooter and ride from Baicheng Beach to Huangcuo Beach, enjoying the sea breeze and waiting for sunset. It is a relatively leisurely coastal route.

• Shapowei: This area retains the atmosphere of old Xiamen’s fishing port and is home to many distinctive small shops. At dusk, take photos from the sheltered harbor with the twin towers against the evening sky.

• Jimei School Village: Take Metro Line 1 to experience the sea-crossing train, admire Jiageng-style Southeast Asian architecture along the way, then head to Shili Changdi to listen to bands performing by the sea.

4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrival and Old City Stroll: After arriving in Xiamen, check in to your accommodation, preferably in Siming District. In the afternoon, visit Bashi Market to try traditional snacks such as A Jie five-spice rolls and Lianhuan oyster omelets. In the evening, stroll along Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street to admire the arcades lit up at night, then walk along the coast in Shapowei.

• Day 2 A Leisurely Visit to Gulangyu: Try to take a ferry before 8 a.m. to avoid the busiest crowds. Visit the Most Beautiful Corner and the Piano Museum, have lunch on the island, then climb Sunlight Rock to watch the sunset. In the evening, take a ferry back from Sanqiutian Wharf.

• Day 3 Mountains, Sea and Culture: In the morning, visit Nanputuo Temple to pray and collect incense, then head to Xiamen Botanical Garden to see the rainforest misting. In the afternoon, cycle along Huandao Road and watch the sunset, then enjoy the sea breeze at Shili Changdi in the evening.

• Day 4 Jimei School Village and Departure: Take Metro Line 1 to Jimei School Village and visit Shigu Road and Jimei Dasha. In the afternoon, watch the sea-crossing train and sunset from Shili Changdi, then begin your journey home.

Must-Try Food in Xiamen

Small restaurants near residential areas and around Bashi Market often offer the most authentic everyday local flavors.

• Shacha Noodles: The broth is based on shacha sauce and peanut sauce, with a fresh seafood flavor and many topping choices. Consider Yousheng Flavor Shacha Noodles or Wutang Shacha Noodles.

• Ginger Duck: A southern Fujian dish with a pronounced ginger aroma and tender, fresh duck meat. It is especially suitable in autumn and winter. Consider Sidan Ginger Duck or Xinwutang Ginger Duck.

• Oyster Omelet: Oysters are fried with sweet potato starch and served with sweet chili sauce. The outside is crisp and the inside tender. Consider Lianhuan Oyster Omelet.

• Tusun Jelly: Made by boiling and setting marine peanut worms, it is usually served with garlic and vinegar sauce and has a springy, chewy texture. Consider Chai Shu Tusun Jelly.

• Peanut Soup: Peanuts are stewed until soft and glutinous in a clear, gently sweet broth that makes a good after-meal dessert. Consider Huang Zehe Peanut Soup.

• Five-Spice Rolls: The wrapper is fried until fragrant and crisp, with a meat-based filling and plenty of juice. They are eaten with sweet chili sauce. Consider A Jie Five-Spice Rolls.

Choosing Where to Stay

• Siming District (around Zhongshan Road/Zhenhai Road): Convenient for reaching the main attractions, with concentrated metro and bus stops and plenty of dining and shopping options. Suitable for most visitors.

• Huangcuo Beach/Huandao Road: Suitable for those who want a quieter seaside stay and sunrise views. There are many guesthouses nearby and a good vacation atmosphere, but some attractions take longer to reach.

• Jimei School Village: Students and backpackers may want to consider this area first. Guesthouse rates are relatively low, and the metro takes about 30 minutes to reach the island, making it a good place to experience a university-town atmosphere.

• Accommodation Tips: Accommodation on Gulangyu is relatively expensive, rooms are usually small, and moving around with luggage can be inconvenient, so one night is enough. Guesthouse quality in Zengcuo'an varies widely; choose properties rated 4.8 or higher and avoid street-facing rooms to reduce noise.

Practical Information

• Transport: If arriving by high-speed rail, Xiamen Station is the better choice because it is on the island; Xiamen North Station is farther from the city center. After arriving at Gaoqi Airport, a taxi to the city center takes about 30 minutes. Metro Line 1 includes a sea-crossing train.
• Ferry Tickets: For Gulangyu, buy tickets 1–3 days in advance through the “Xiamen Ferry” mini program. A round trip costs 35 yuan. Do not accept scalped tickets around the ferry terminal.
• Reservations: Xiamen University requires advance reservations, and advance reservations are also recommended for Nanputuo Temple. If you cannot reserve successfully, you can visit and take photos at the entrance.
• Sun Protection and Mosquitoes: Ultraviolet rays are strong by the sea, so bring sunscreen and a sun hat. There are many mosquitoes at Xiamen Botanical Garden, so prepare insect repellent.
• Seafood: You can buy seafood at Bashi Market or a local food stall popular with residents and have the restaurant cook it for you. Confirm prices and check the weight before ordering, and avoid restaurants that solicit customers along the street.
• Weather: The temperature difference between morning and evening becomes more noticeable in late October. Plan indoor activities or time in a shopping mall around midday, and do outdoor sightseeing in the morning or evening.