Just seeing people come to Xiamen without a plan makes me wanna cry 😭 (learned the hard way!). After my trip, I made this no-nonsense guide to help you avoid mistakes. Copy this itinerary and thank me later!
🌞 Weather Tips
March-April: Mostly warm with occasional cooler days. Pack light spring clothes (T-shirts + thin jacket). Check the forecast—bring a lightweight coat if temps drop.
⚠️ Must-Know Tips
❌ Ignore “friendly” strangers—especially taxi drivers and people near attractions. They often push overpriced tours/scams.
❌ Avoid beach “costumed” characters offering photos or flowers—they’ll charge you afterward.
❌ Skip overpriced snacks on Gulangyu Island like “flower tea” or jerky—tiny portions cost a fortune!
✅ Book Gulangyu ferry tickets 3-5 days early (7+ days for holidays). Popular times sell out!
✅ Eat like a local at Zhongshan Road & Eighth Market—try Lianhuan Oyster Omelette, Yang Xiaoxian Mango Ice, Zhu Ji Hand-Shredded Chicken.
✅ Catch sunsets: Huangcuo Beach (wide views) or Yanwu Bridge/Gulangyu.
✅ Xiamen Uni exits: West Gate for Shapowei, South Gate for Nanputuo Temple, Baicheng Gate for the beach.
✅ Botanical Garden tips: Enter via West Gate for Rainforest & Cactus zones (prepare for uphill walking!).
🏠 Where to Stay
✔️ Siming District (near attractions): Choose spots close to metro stations (Xiamen Uni area or near the train station). Beach lovers—look near Huandao Road.
❌ Skip Zengcuo’an & Huangcuo hostels: Cheap but noisy and not super clean. Check reviews carefully!
🚗 Getting Around
Xiamen is compact! Most attractions (Zhongshan Road, Shapowei, etc.) are walkable or a short taxi ride. Use ride-hailing apps to avoid taxi scams.
💡 Avoid traffic: Stay near metro/BRT stations for smooth rides.
🍜 Must-Try Foods
- Oyster omelette (莲欢海蛎煎)
- Mango shaved ice (杨小贤)
- Braised pork rice (芋包王)
- Spicy hand-shredded chicken (朱记手撕鸡)
- Crispy meat skewers (豪香里脊肉串)
📅 Sample 3-Day Plan
Day 1: Gulangyu Island → Zhongshan Road night market
Day 2: Xiamen Uni → Shapowei Art Zone → Yanwu Bridge sunset
Day 3: Botanical Garden → Huandao Road bike ride → local seafood feast
Pack comfy shoes, sunscreen, and get ready to fall in love with Xiamen’s mix of city vibes and island charm! 🌊✨
Leave a Reply