4 must-see attractions and 5 total things to do.
Xiamen's beauty is best experienced outdoors. 4 attractions are absolute must-sees among 5 on my curated list — from iconic landmarks to hidden corners most visitors miss.
I recommend at least 2–3 days in Xiamen. You can comfortably cover the 4 must-sees in 2 days, then explore at leisure.
鼓浪屿
A car-free UNESCO-listed island with colonial villas, piano museums, and stunning sea views — Xiamen's crown jewel.
南普陀寺
A major Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple at the foot of Wulao Mountain — active, atmospheric, and free.
厦门大学
One of China's most beautiful campuses — a blend of traditional Chinese and colonial architecture opening onto the sea.
中山路
Xiamen's main pedestrian street lined with early 20th-century arcaded buildings, shops, and street food.
环岛路
A scenic coastal road with bike paths, beaches, and parks — Xiamen at its most relaxed.
In Xiamen, the food is an adventure in itself. Here are my picks for what to eat — if you skip these, you haven't really been.
蚵仔煎 · ¥15–25
A Xiamen classic — fresh oysters mixed with sweet potato starch and egg, pan-fried until crispy on the edges, served with sweet chilli sauce.
where Street stalls on Zhongshan Road or Gulangyu Island
沙茶面 · ¥15–25
Thin noodles in a rich, nutty satay broth made from shrimp, chilli, and spices — uniquely Xiamen.
where Wu Zai Ji or local noodle shops
厦门花生汤 · ¥8–15
A sweet, velvety dessert soup made from slow-cooked peanuts — served hot, it's a local comfort food.
where Huang Zehe Peanut Soup (established 1930s)
A seaside escape in northern China — Russian architecture, beaches, and fresh seafood
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The landscape that inspired Chinese paintings — rice paddies and karst mountains
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