Introduction
Xiamen, formerly known as Amoy, is a major city on the southeast coast of the People’s Republic of China. It’s commonly called the “Garden on the Sea” and is a popular tourist destination in Fujian Province. It is separated from mainland China by a bay bordered by five islands: Xiamen Island, Gulangyu, Hulishan, Nanhu, and Huangqi Islands.
The city has one of the best climates among mainland Chinese cities and attracts an extensive portfolio of foreign investors. Its modern housing complexes, skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, and historical sites provide a complete view of coastal China’s rapid modernization.
Tourists can enjoy many activities, from leisurely walks across pristine beaches to thrilling adventures in theme parks and shopping centers. Here are some suggestions for things to do in Xiamen:
Sightseeing
Xiamen, located in the Fujian province of southeastern China, is commonly called the “Garden on the Sea.” With its stunning coastlines, ancient temples, and lush gardens, Xiamen boasts several sightseeing opportunities for travelers. From glorious views of the harbor to traditional Chinese architecture, sightseeing in Xiamen will leave a lasting impression.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to view when sightseeing in Xiamen:
Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island, located off Xiamen’s coast in Fujian province, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful islands and a popular tourist destination for centuries. The majority of the island was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 2001 due to its varied cultural legacy. An estimated two million tourists visit the island annually.
Gulangyu is known for its stunning natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Lush vegetation surrounds the quiet streets, where you can find a mix of European-style architecture and traditional Chinese buildings with tiled roofs and stone walls that reflect centuries of foreign influences. Tourist attractions include:
- Shuzhuang Garden
- Haicang Bridge
- Piano Museum
- Sunlight Rock
- Many churches and temples
Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as sunbathing on beaches or hiking up Gulangyu’s highest peak – Wangyan or King’s Rock – to catch spectacular views of Xiamen Bay. You can also explore the streets on foot or take an electric car tour that allows visitors to experience different parts of Gulangyu without worrying about inclement weather or walking long distances. For local seafood lovers, there are oysters from Xiaomen Port Cuisine Street, and you can enjoy high-quality music performances at Sunlight Hall – a well-known music venue built in 1909 on this island. The perfect way to discover more about this gem is by getting lost in its winding lanes!
Nanputuo Temple
Nanputuo Temple is a Buddhist temple on the southeast coast of Xiamen Island in Fujian province. It is considered by many to be one of the most famous and influential Buddhist temples in Mainland China and is known as the “First Temple Under Heaven.” The original temple was built during the Tang dynasty but was later destroyed during the war and rebuilt multiple times over its long history.
With its tall pagoda, four bell towers, incense burner pavilion, Hall of Heavenly Kings, and other majestic buildings, Nanputuo Temple has a unique architectonic style that visitors will find captivating. Its 1,000-year-old collection of bells makes it one of the most revered historical relics in mainland China and it also houses some scarce ancient items, such as frescos from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The temple gardens are incredibly peaceful and ideal for relaxation or meditation. Inside is an old Buddhist thatched cottage where visitors may sit with monks to learn more about Buddhism and its ancient teachings.
It’s easy to find Nanputuo Temple since it overlooks Xiamen University across Tan Kah Kee Park – follow Wanshan Road toward Xiamen University’s west gate, and you’ll find it on your right side. Plenty of buses (numbers 3A, 6, 15, 19, 22, 25, etc.) also take you close to Nanputuo Temple if you don’t want to take a taxi or walk there.
Xiamen University
Xiamen University (XMU) is located in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Established in 1921 by Mr. Tan Kah Kee, XMU is one of the oldest modern universities in China and among the first national critical universities approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education after 1949.
XMU consists of five campuses, including its main campus on Gulangyu Island and four satellite campuses in Siming, Jimei, and Xiang’an Districts, as well as Tongan County. As one of the most attractive destinations for visitors to Xiamen, this university contains numerous historical sites such as Tan Kah Kee Hall, the UNESCO Global Geopark Museum, and a cluster of ancient banyans over 300 years old.
It offers a wide range of academic studies from arts to science; its specialized research institutes include Marine Studies Research Institute and Space Science Research Institute. It also has more than 30 research centers focusing on particular subjects from all disciplines, such as oceanology, molecular biology, economics, etc. In addition, XMU students enjoy a rich campus life with numerous cultural activities held here every year, including music festivals, sports events, and many more. Visiting XMU is an ideal way for sightseeing during your stay in Xiamen.
Hulishan Fortress
Hulishan Fortress is a historical site located in the city of Fuzhou, China. The fortress is one of the country’s crucial coastal defense facilities, having played a pivotal role in the defense of southern and southeastern coastal areas during its period of active service for over 600 years.
The fortress was built in 1394 by local military officer Che Lan Qi and underwent extensive renovations about 400 years later, allowing for more advanced design features and updated weapons technologies. Today, visitors to the fortress can still expect to see remnants of ancient fortifying measures such as walls with turrets, horseshoe-shaped killing zones, wide loopholes that allowed archers to defend against enemies from behind thick stone walls, and a sophisticated water drainage system to prevent flooding during torrential rains.
In addition to its significant historical importance, Hulishan Fortress is an educational center. Visitors can appreciate various artifacts related to China’s military history inside small museum rooms and interactive displays around the facility. Popular activities at this sightseeing destination include climbing up Stone Cannon Hill and spotting resident sea birds perched on protruding rocks along the coast. The picture-perfect scenery between waves crashing over jagged rocks and views of mountains cutting into the horizon makes it easy to imagine why Hulishan Fortress has earned its place among China’s most treasured sites.
Shopping
Xiamen, China, is a fantastic place to shop. With its various stores and markets, Xiamen offers something for everyone – from luxury items like designer clothes and jewelry to everyday things like groceries and household items.
In this section, we’ll explore some of the various places you can shop in Xiamen, as well as a few tips to maximize your shopping experience:
Wuyuan Bay Shopping Mall
The Wuyuan Bay Shopping Mall is a modern, multi-story shopping complex located on the waterfront in Xiamen, near Wuyuan Bay. Boasting over 200 stores, it’s a great spot to find high-quality fashion and lifestyle products from local Chinese designers and international luxury names. In addition, a wide range of price points is available, making it a perfect shopping destination for everyone.
Wuyuan Bay Shopping Mall offers plenty of options for those wanting more than just fashion items. There are dozens of restaurants ranging from Chinese to western food – there’s even an American-style food court where guests can find burgers and fries alongside traditional treats like bubble tea. On top of that, the mall features several entertainment outlets, including a cinema and bowling alley as well as numerous cafes and bars for those looking for an evening out.
In addition to the variety of stores inside the shopping mall, guests can take advantage of exclusive discounts offered by many luxurious brand names or plan on picking up souvenirs at one of the convenience stores around the mall’s perimeter. So whether you’re looking for an unforgettable experience or want great deals on essential items, check out Wuyuan Bay Shopping Mall when you visit Xiamen!
Zhongshan Road
Zhongshan Road is one of the most famous shopping streets in Xiamen, China, offering various shops, restaurants, and attractions. From international brands to independent boutiques, it will appeal to any shopper. The street is lined with souvenir stands as well as luxury goods stores.
If you’re looking for something unique, there are plenty of colorful Chinese knick-knacks and fashionable clothing stores. The road is also home to popular Xiamen street food, such as Chinese crepes and bubble tea stands, making it the perfect place for a snack break during your shopping excursion!
Many clothing stores offer discounts on items featured in their windows, so it’s worth looking at before purchasing. And if you can stay on budget while browsing this bustling thoroughfare – even better!
Those with an eye for designer goods may want to explore the two-level shopping center at Min Nan Plaza near Zhongshan Road, which houses many international and high-end brands – perfect for treating yourself or finding gifts for friends and family back home. From electronics stores filled with appliances to clothing boutiques that feature the latest trends – Zhongshan Road caters to all kinds of shoppers seeking entertainment and retail therapy in Xiamen.
Xiamen International Trade City
Xiamen International Trade City is one of the most popular shopping centers in Xiamen, China. Located South of Wutong Mountain, this shopping mall offers various items ranging from traditional Chinese products to imported items.
Shopping areas in the mall include electronics stores, jewelry stores, international clothing brands, and more. Shoppers can find high-end fashion accessories, cosmetics, and beauty products at reasonable prices here. In addition, there are supermarkets and small convenience stores for upscale to inexpensive essential items. Most stores accept cash, but many also accept international credit cards. Food courts offer various selections, from fast food chains to local delicacies.
For shoppers who want even more selection or specialized products, there are two other nearby malls: Zhongbai Marketplace and XingTian Temple Commercial Centre, conveniently located near Xiamen International Trade City.
If you’re looking for bargains and want great deals, then Xiamen International Trade City is definitely where you should go! Of course, as with other popular Chinese shopping malls, you must be prepared to bargain fiercely in most shops, but it’s all part of the experience!
Food
Xiamen, China, is an excellent destination for food enthusiasts. The city offers delicious food from both Chinese and international cuisines. You can find delicious seafood such as red snapper, lobster, and shrimp and traditional dishes such as noodles, dumplings, and dim sum.
The variety of restaurants and eateries in Xiamen is endless, so you will find something to eat no matter what your taste buds are craving.
Seafood
Xiamen, a coastal city of Fujian Province in China, is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes. Certain restaurants are a must-visit to enjoy Xiamen’s seafood delicacies at their best. Seafood sold on the street may be cheaper, but hygiene and safety cannot be guaranteed.
Hailang Laorou (海浪老肉) is one of the delicious local specialties that is widely served throughout Xiamen — apart from the many seafood restaurants. This dish consists of boiled pork with a dipping sauce made from soybeans and sugar. The pork’s rubbery texture might take some getting used to if you’re a first-timer, but it quickly grows on you with addictive flavors.
Seafood dishes can also be found in Xiamen’s well-known Quanhong Fu Dong seafood restaurant (全红福东). This restaurant serves an array of classic Chinese-style seafood recipes, including fried prawns and shrimps, steamed crabs, and fish balls. It also offers signature roasted eel that is incredibly delicious with beer. Clams in black bean sauce are also popular favorites here – worth a try!
For those who want to experience something new, make sure to visit Xia Kong Yan Bian You Huo (夏孔宴扁油火). This eatery specializes in stir-frying freshly-caught marine delicacies for patrons within half an hour! Its signature recipe blends elements from southeast Asia cuisine with local flavors — something different from your usual fried fish.
Local Cuisine
Xiamen, China, is a great place to visit to experience some delicious local cuisine. With its location on the southeastern coast of China, fresh seafood is essential to the regional diet. But you’ll also find plenty of noodles, rice dishes, and specialty snacks throughout the city. Colorful night markets add to the charm of local culture and offer countless opportunities for memorable meals and tastings.
Popular dishes in the region include:
- Bamboo Rice: Rice cooked in bamboo over a charcoal fire that adds a subtle smoky flavor
- Guotie: Fried dumplings made with thin wrappers filled with pork and cabbage
- Jianbing: Savory egg crepe stuffed with scrambled eggs, bean paste, green onions, chili peppers, and cilantro
- Oyster omelets: Fried omelet containing oysters
- Peanut Soup: Thick peanut soups flavored with dried shrimp or diced pork are popular throughout Xiamen’s townships.
- Dongpo Pork: Braised pork belly topped off with various spices such as a bay leaf, star anise, chili pepper flakes, and Shaoxing wine
Street Food
Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China and home to the World Heritage site of Gulangyu Island, is an ideal destination for food lovers. As a coastal city, much of Xiamen’s cuisine features seafood. Street food stalls offer plenty of opportunities to sample local fare quickly and cheaply.
Street food stands are typically informal set-ups where you seat yourself and order drinks over your food. Popular snacks include fried oysters, a tofu soup called “vegetarian banquet,” and scallion pancakes. For a sweet treat on the go, there is tangyuan (round balls made from sticky rice flour filled with sweetens such as red bean paste or sesame).
For an authentic experience on Shaochuantou Road, try famous hongzao pork burgers known as rougeng or “meat treats” – minced pork shaped into circles similar to burgers but steamed rather than fried. Other popular dishes on this street include pan-fried seaweed noodles, poached chicken rolls flavored with garlic and pepper, Danzi noodles (crispy fried noodles), spring rolls wrapped with fragrant guava leaves, tiger skin taro chips flavored with cilantro and chili pepper sauce.
From cheap eats to luxury dining experiences, Xiamen has something for everyone. Enjoy some excellent local cuisine as you explore the city’s street markets; it may be one of your trip’s highlights!
Nightlife
Xiamen at night is a delight to explore! The city is buzzing with energy and entertainment, from popular bars and pubs to karaoke and traditional Chinese theatre. So whether you want to sit back and relax with a drink or join in the fun and experience a new culture, Xiamen has something to offer everyone.
Let’s take a look at what you can do during the night in Xiamen:
Bars and Clubs
Xiamen features some of the most exciting and unique nightlife experiences in China. From vibrant bars and clubs to romantic restaurants, there is something for everyone here in the City of Xiamen.
Bars and Clubs: Xiamen has stylish bars, clubs, and lounges. The city’s nightlife scene caters to music tastes – from big-name clubs like MK13 Disco to intimate lounges like Gold Bar with hip-hop vibes and an underground atmosphere. Most venues have live music performances or DJ sets, bringing you closer to the city’s local scene.
Romantic Restaurants: If you are looking for a more relaxed evening out, Xiamen has plenty of romantic restaurants that serve delectable seafood dishes or Italian cuisine. One fine example is Manna Restaurant & Bar, located in an old weatherboard building on the seafront, which offers a view of Gulangyu Island while offering flavorful international cuisine dishes like pesto risotto served with seafood salsa. There are also other choices – many rooftop terraces offer stunning views while romantic jazz classics set up a cozy atmosphere perfect for couples or small groups who want to relax in cool comfort after a day at the beach or busy sightseeing day trips around town.
Live Music Venues
The nightlife in Xiamen, China, caters to all types of music lovers. Whether you’re into jazz, blues, rock, or pop, there’s something for everyone. There are a variety of intimate venues where you can enjoy live music and entertainment any day of the week. Most venues in Xiamen also serve food and drinks to add to the night’s atmosphere and make it more enjoyable for patrons. Here’s a list of some of the popular live music venues in this coastal city:
- Mao Livehouse: This multi-level club is one of Xiamens’ most recognizable live music destinations. With two floors featuring varying genres throughout the nights, there is something here for everyone. This electro hotspot is located in a former theatre on Gulangyu that has been transformed into a bustling nightlife venue complete with a bar, cafe, and lounge space.
- Tea Club: Tea Club has live jazz performances every Friday and Saturday night and serves up top-quality tea blends every day during business hours. Before snagging front-row seats at their weekly jazz shows, grab some bubbles at their basement bar stocked with classic cocktails.
- Stonefish Bar & Cafe: Another great spot for those who enjoy live music from various genres, Stonefish Bar & Cafe has been hosting international bands around China for over ten years! To top off the evening, guests can dine on locally sourced cuisine overlooking Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island views – the perfect way to round off any weeknight or weekend!
Whether you want to chill out with drinks after work or spend your weekends dancing away until dawn – Xiamen’s lively nightlife scene will surely impress!
Karaoke
Regarding nightlife in Xiamen, one of the go-to activities is karaoke. It is a great way to let loose, have some fun with friends, and try out singing techniques from cultures worldwide. Many karaoke bars are scattered around the city, offering a range of different atmospheres depending on what you’re looking for.
At some of these establishments, you can book an individual booth or hire a larger room with a group of friends. Most bars also offer various food and drink packages so you can get the most out of your evening. Prices vary depending on the package type and which karaoke bar you choose; this can range from 500RMB (approximately US$75) to 3000RMB (around US$450).
Karaoke evenings often last until late morning, making it one of the best nightlife spots for those who want an all-night party vibe. So if local delicacies don’t sound quite like your thing, then karaoke could prove to be just the thing for a fun evening outing in Xiamen!
Conclusion
Xiamen is full of so many beautiful things and activities to explore that it would be almost impossible to cover them all in a single post. So whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city, an action-packed adventure, or an opportunity to experience Chinese culture, Xiamen has something for everyone!
We hope this guide on Things To Do in Xiamen gave you some insight into all the fantastic activities available and how easy it is to explore the wonderful city of Xiamen!
From exploring natural wonders such as the Gulangyu Island and Nanputuo Temple, trying all kinds of local cuisine, discovering the vibrant nightlife scene, or enjoying shopping in one of China’s largest cities – there’s something for everyone when it comes to Xiamen!