Introduction: An island full of literary and artistic atmosphere. There are a large number of buildings with different styles on the island, such as the International Architecture Exhibition, and delicate gardens like Shuzhuang Garden.
Travel Tips: You can buy a combined ticket for the five major attractions on Gulangyu Island and visit major attractions such as Sunlight Rock (from where you can overlook the whole island and the sea view of Xiamen urban area), Shuzhuang Garden (appreciate the combination of Jiangnan garden and sea view), and Haoyue Garden (see the giant statue of Zheng Chenggong). Walk along the alleys of Gulangyu Island to experience its unique atmosphere and enjoy various characteristic shops along the way.
South Putuo Temple
Introduction: Located at the foot of Wulao Peak and adjacent to Xiamen University, the temple buildings are magnificent and the incense is strong.
Travel Tips: You can get free incense to pray for blessings. Visit buildings such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Mahavira Hall. After visiting the temple, you can climb Wulao Peak to enjoy the panoramic view of Xiamen and the scenery of mountains and seas.
Xiamen University
Introduction: One of the most beautiful campuses in China. There are beautiful landscapes such as Furong Lake and Lover’s Valley Reservoir on the campus, as well as buildings in Jiageng style.
Travel Tips: You need to make an appointment in advance to enter the school. You can enter from the South Gate and visit Furong Lake, Song’en Building, Jiannan Auditorium, Furong Tunnel (appreciate various murals created by students), etc. in turn.
Huandao Road
Introduction: The whole journey is about 43 kilometers. Along the way, there is a beautiful seaside scenery, which is a good place for cycling and strolling.
Travel Tips: You can rent a bicycle at the rental points along Huandao Road and ride to enjoy attractions such as Yefengzhai and Haiyuntai. Play on the beach by the sea. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunset in the evening.
Zengcuo’an
Introduction: It used to be a small fishing village, but now it has become a lively food street and cultural and creative village, gathering various characteristic snacks and literary and artistic shops.
Travel Tips: Wander through the alleys to taste various kinds of food, buy special souvenirs and experience the lively market atmosphere.
Transportation
External Transportation
Airplane: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is relatively close to the urban area. There are various means of transportation from the airport to the urban area, such as airport buses, taxis, and online car-hailing services.
Train: Xiamen Station is located in the city center and is convenient for travel; Xiamen North Station is relatively far from the urban area, but there are also public transports like subways connecting it.
Internal Transportation
Bus: Xiamen’s bus system is well-developed, and most attractions can be reached by bus. You can use Alipay or WeChat ride codes to pay.
Subway: At present, there are several subway lines in operation, which can conveniently reach the main areas.
Taxi/Online Car-hailing Service: It is more convenient for travel, but you may need to wait during the peak tourist season.
Food Guide
Specialty Foods
Shacha Noodles
Introduction: One of the most representative foods in Xiamen. The main seasoning is shacha sauce, with dried shrimps, dried fish, squid and other seafood and various side dishes such as bean sprouts, tofu, large intestines, etc. The soup is thick and the taste is spicy and mellow.
Recommended Shops: Yuehua Shacha Noodles, Sili Shacha Noodles, etc.
Tusundong (Sipunculid Worm Jelly)
Introduction: The main raw material is a kind of sipunculid worm (tusun) that grows on the beach by the sea. It is boiled and then cooled and solidified. It has a crystal clear appearance and a tough and flexible texture. With seasonings such as soy sauce, vinegar, and mustard, it tastes delicious.
Recommended Shops: Lao Er Shi Kou Tusundong, Xi Men Tusundong, etc.
Oyster Omelette
Introduction: It is made by frying fresh oysters, eggs, sweet potato flour, etc. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The oysters are delicious and it is often eaten with sweet chili sauce.
Recommended Shop: Lianhuan Oyster Omelette, etc.
Xiamen Pie
Introduction: There are many flavors, such as mung bean filling, red bean filling, meat filling, etc. The outer skin is crispy and the inner filling is soft and glutinous. It is a good food as a souvenir.
Recommended Brands: Gulangyu Pie, Nanputuo Vegetarian Pie, etc.
Ginger Duck
Introduction: Red-faced Muscovy ducks and old ginger are selected and stewed with rice wine and other seasonings. The duck meat has a strong aroma, the meat is tender, and the ginger slices are also very delicious.
Recommended Shop: Guanding Ginger Duck, etc.
Food Streets
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Introduction: It gathers various traditional Xiamen foods and characteristic snacks, as well as many old and famous shops. At the same time, you can go shopping and appreciate the arcade buildings.
Recommended Shops and Foods: Huang Zehe Peanut Soup (the peanut soup is rich and sweet), 1980 Braised Meat Dumpling (the braised meat dumpling is rich in ingredients), etc.
Eight Markets
Introduction: One of the oldest vegetable markets in Xiamen. In addition to being able to buy fresh seafood and various ingredients, there are also many authentic food shops hidden around.
Recommended Shops and Foods: A Jie Five-spice Rolls (the five-spice rolls are crispy outside and fragrant inside), Zhu Ji Hand-shredded Chicken, etc.
