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Open WhatsApp ChatXiamen Gaoqi (XMN) to downtown, Gulangyu Island, and the Nanputuo Temple with English-speaking driver. China's most livable coastal city.
A relaxed island city where colonial villas, Buddhist temples, and subtropical beaches create a uniquely charming atmosphere.
The name Xiamen (厦门) means 'Mansion Gate' and was first used during the Ming Dynasty. The city sits on the southeastern coast of Fujian, facing Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait. Its history as a treaty port and emigration hub has given it a cosmopolitan, outward-looking character.
Xiamen is home to Xiamen University, one of China's most beautiful campuses, ranked among the top universities nationwide. Jimei University and Huaqiao University also have strong reputations, especially for overseas Chinese studies and marine science.
Xiamen Metro has 3 lines connecting the airport, railway stations, and main districts. The city is spread across islands and coastline, making a private car ideal for visiting Gulangyu ferry terminals, the Hulishan Fortress, and coastal viewpoints efficiently.
Xiamen is located on Xiamen Island and the surrounding mainland coast, with a subtropical climate and abundant greenery. The city is famous for its clean air, beaches, and the car-free Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover Xiamen's most memorable sights with a private driver.
Fixed-price private car service for Xiamen's most popular journeys.
~15 km · 25–40 min · Economy/Business/MPV
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is close to downtown. Your driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to hotels on Xiamen Island or the ferry terminal for Gulangyu.
Ferry + walking · 6-hour tour
Your driver drops you at the ferry terminal and picks you up at the end of the day. Explore Gulangyu's villas, gardens, and beaches at your own pace.
8 hours · Business vehicle · Custom itinerary
Visit Hulishan Fortress, the coastal road, Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, and Zhongshan Road in one day. Your driver handles island traffic and parking.
~150 km · 2.5 hours · 10-hour day trip
Visit the UNESCO-listed Fujian Tulou earthen roundhouses in the Nanjing or Yongding counties. A long but unforgettable day trip into Hakka country.
Everything you need to know about arriving in Xiamen and reaching your hotel.
North of Xiamen Island · 15 km to downtown
XMN is a modern airport serving domestic and international flights. It is located close to downtown, making transfers quick. Metro and airport buses are available, but a private car is the easiest way to reach hotels, especially after a long flight.
Quanzhou Jinjiang, Zhangzhou
Quanzhou Jinjiang Airport (JJN) is about 80 km north and serves as an alternative for some domestic routes. Zhangzhou does not have a major airport nearby.
Xiamen Island · City center
The main station on Xiamen Island serving high-speed trains to Fuzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. It is convenient for downtown hotels and connected to the metro.
Mainland Jimei district · 25 km north
A major high-speed rail hub with long-distance trains to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The metro connects to the island in about 40 minutes. A private car is more comfortable with luggage.
Near airport · Suburban
A smaller station near the airport serving some conventional and intercity trains. Useful for travelers connecting directly from the airport area.
Jimei district · University area
Serves the Jimei district and nearby university campuses. Convenient for travelers visiting Jimei University or the Tan Kah Kee Memorial.
Tong'an district · Suburban
Serves the eastern Tong'an district with some high-speed and conventional trains. Mainly used by local commuters.
We meet you at the exit with a name board and help with luggage.
Book Station TransferCapture Xiamen from the most photogenic angles.
Best in early morning
The narrow lanes, bougainvillea-covered villas, and old churches of Gulangyu are perfect for atmospheric photography before the day-trippers arrive.
Best at sunset
The sweeping coastal bridge and elevated road offer stunning views of the sea, islands, and the city skyline glowing in the evening light.
Best on sunny afternoons
The lake on the Xiamen University campus, with its traditional-style buildings and palm trees, is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Best at golden hour
The rocky coastline near Hulishan Fortress, with waves crashing against the rocks and the old fortress in the background, makes for dramatic seascapes.
Best at night
The colonial arcades of Zhongshan Road are beautifully lit in the evening. The mix of old architecture and modern neon is visually striking.
Best on clear mornings
From the summit above Nanputuo Temple, you can photograph the entire Xiamen skyline, the sea, and distant islands. Clear winter days offer the best visibility.
A Fujian and Taiwanese street-food classic made with fresh oysters, eggs, sweet potato starch, and greens. Crispy on the edges and tender in the center. Found throughout Xiamen.
Wheat noodles in a rich, nutty satay sauce with shrimp, pork, and vegetables. It's a beloved local breakfast and comfort food in Xiamen.
Springy fish balls with savory pork filling, served in a clear soup. Xiamen's version is famous for its bouncy texture and fresh seafood flavor.
A sweet, creamy soup made from slow-cooked peanuts. It's a traditional Xiamen breakfast item, often served with fried dough sticks.
Xiamen's main historic shopping street, with arcades, boutiques, snack shops, and souvenir stores. Lively in the evening and close to the ferry terminal.
The narrow lanes of Gulangyu are filled with artisan shops, cafes, music-themed souvenirs, and handmade crafts. Great for unique gifts and local snacks.
One of the largest shopping malls in the city, with international brands, restaurants, and entertainment. Located near the airport, convenient for last-minute shopping.
A local night market near Jimei University with affordable street food, clothing, and accessories. A fun place to experience student life and local snacks.
Fujian is the birthplace of oolong tea. Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, and local Xiamen blends make excellent souvenirs. Buy from reputable tea shops in the city center.
Gulangyu is known as the 'Island of Music.' Music boxes, piano-themed souvenirs, and local recordings are popular gifts.
Xiamen is a seafood city, and dried shrimp, squid, fish floss, and seaweed are widely sold. Choose vacuum-packed products for travel.
Fujian has a long tradition of lacquerware and bamboo weaving. Small decorative items and jewelry are available in local craft shops.
Meet the traditional arts that have shaped Xiamen's identity for centuries.
The temple's vegetarian restaurant has served Buddhist vegetarian dishes for over a century. The cooking technique is recognized as intangible cultural heritage.
Where to find it: Nanputuo Temple vegetarian restaurant, especially during Buddhist festivals.
Gulangyu has produced many famous pianists and has a strong Western classical music tradition. The island's piano museum and frequent concerts keep this heritage alive.
Where to find it: Gulangyu Piano Museum and outdoor concerts during the Xiamen Music Festival.
A traditional Fujian opera form with ancient roots, featuring distinctive music, costumes, and makeup. It is one of the oldest opera genres in China.
Where to find it: Traditional teahouses and cultural performances in Xiamen and nearby Quanzhou.
A delicate craft where tiny beads are embroidered onto fabric to create shimmering patterns. It is traditionally used for decorative clothing and accessories.
Where to find it: Gulangyu craft shops and local art markets on Zhongshan Road.
The traditional rammed-earth construction of Fujian tulou is a UNESCO-listed craft. Some workshops near Xiamen offer demonstrations of this ancient building technique.
Where to find it: Tulou villages in Nanjing and Yongding counties, accessible on a day trip.
A traditional indigo dyeing technique used by Hakka communities in Fujian. The deep blue cloth is used for clothing, bags, and home textiles.
Where to find it: Cultural villages and craft markets in Hakka areas near Xiamen.
Insider tips to help you experience Xiamen like a local.
Gulangyu is packed with day-trippers from 10 AM to 4 PM. Stay overnight and enjoy the island's quiet mornings and romantic evenings.
The university requires online reservation for visitors. Book several days ahead, especially on weekends, or you'll be turned away.
Satay noodles are a local breakfast staple. Look for small family-run shops near Zhongshan Road or the university area.
Fujian Tulou is 2.5 hours away. A private car is far more comfortable than public buses and lets you visit multiple sites in one day.
The rocky coast near Hulishan Fortress is a beautiful sunset spot. Arrive an hour before sunset to find a good position.
Gulangyu often hosts free or low-cost outdoor concerts in the summer. Check the local event listings for music under the stars.
Explore beyond Xiamen with these rewarding day trips.
Ferry · Full day · UNESCO
Spend a full day exploring the car-free island's colonial villas, gardens, piano museum, and beaches. Your driver handles ferry terminal transfers.
~150 km · 2.5 hours · 10-hour day trip
Visit the iconic earthen roundhouses of the Hakka people, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tianluokeng and Chuxi clusters are the most popular.
~90 km · 1.5 hours · 8-hour day trip
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage maritime city of Quanzhou, with its ancient temples, mosques, and port history. A fascinating cultural day trip.
~300 km · 4 hours · Overnight trip
Extend your trip to Wuyishan, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for tea culture, the Nine Bend River, and Danxia landscape. Best as an overnight trip.
Plan your trip around Xiamen's seasons for the best experience.
18–26°C · Warm & Humid
A pleasant time to visit Xiamen with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. Occasional rain showers, but the city is green and beautiful.
26–33°C · Hot & Typhoon Season
Hot and humid with possible typhoons. Beaches are popular, but crowds and rain can be an issue. Check weather forecasts.
22–30°C · Warm & Dry
The best season for Xiamen. Warm, dry weather, clear skies, and fewer typhoons. Perfect for Gulangyu, beaches, and coastal drives.
10–18°C · Mild & Cool
Mild and comfortable compared to northern China. Fewer crowds and lower prices. Good for city sightseeing and temple visits. Swimming is too cold for most.
A few key phrases to help you navigate Xiamen.
Hello / Hi
Basic greeting for meeting your driver and shopkeepers.
Thank you
Use after receiving help or service.
I want to go to Gulangyu
Useful for telling your driver your destination.
How much is this?
Useful for shopping at markets and souvenir shops.
A bowl of satay noodles
A must-try local food phrase. Note: should be 'yì wǎn' but commonly used.
Where is the bathroom?
Essential when exploring tourist sites and night markets.
Fixed price, English-speaking driver, free flight tracking. From XMN to any Xiamen hotel.
Get Instant QuoteQuestions? WhatsApp +86-155-2777-1775
Make your Xiamen journey smoother with these essential services.
Stay connected anywhere in China with a pocket Wi-Fi device. Pick up at XMN or have it delivered to your hotel.
Book Wi-Fi at ChinaWiFiGoExplore Xiamen's history with a professional English-speaking guide. Custom tours and skip-the-line access.
Book Guide at VIPChinaGuideAdd a health checkup, dental cleaning, or TCM treatment to your trip. World-class care at a fraction of Western prices.
Book Medical at MediEscortChinaDirect private transfers from Xiamen airport to top attractions and hotels. Fixed price, English-speaking driver, easy booking.
Transfer to the Gulangyu Island ferry terminal.
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