China Trip Guides

Appearance

Exploring Xiamen: Your Ultimate Travel Guide ​

Xiamen Travel Guide ​

1. Introduction to Xiamen ​

Xiamen, located on the southeastern coast of China in Fujian Province, is a vibrant coastal city known for its pleasant climate, colonial architecture, and rich cultural history. With its picturesque seaside views, bustling markets, and lush greenery, Xiamen offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. The city's most famous feature is Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its colonial-era buildings and car-free streets.

2. Top Attractions ​

Gulangyu Island ​

  • Description: Just a short ferry ride from Xiamen, Gulangyu Island is known for its beautiful gardens, historical architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. The island is vehicle-free, making it perfect for leisurely walks.
  • Highlights:
    • Piano Museum: Showcases a collection of over 100 pianos, reflecting the island's musical heritage.
    • Sunlight Rock: Offers panoramic views of the island and Xiamen city.
    • Shuzhuang Garden: A scenic garden combining traditional Chinese and Western landscape design.

Nanputuo Temple ​

  • Description: A renowned Buddhist temple located at the foot of Wulao Mountain, Nanputuo Temple is a place of worship and a popular tourist attraction.
  • Highlights:
    • Main Hall: Houses statues of Sakyamuni, Guanyin, and Maitreya Buddha.
    • Buddhist Culture: Visitors can observe monks in prayer and participate in temple activities.
    • Scenic Paths: The temple is surrounded by beautiful walking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints.

Hulishan Fortress ​

  • Description: Built in 1891 to defend against foreign invasion, this fortress features historical military architecture and stunning coastal views.
  • Highlights:
    • Cannon Museum: Home to a collection of ancient cannons, including the largest coastal cannon in the world.
    • Guided Tours: Learn about the fortress’s history and its role during various conflicts.
    • Scenic Views: Excellent spot for photography with views of the Taiwan Strait.

3. Local Cuisine ​

Oyster Omelet ​

  • Description: A popular local dish made with fresh oysters, eggs, and sweet potato starch, served with a savory sauce. It’s a must-try when visiting Xiamen.

Satay Noodles ​

  • Description: A noodle dish cooked in a rich and flavorful satay sauce, often served with a variety of vegetables and proteins such as chicken or shrimp.

Shacha Noodles ​

  • Description: Noodles served in a fragrant sauce made from a blend of spices, often accompanied by meat and vegetables, offering a unique taste that reflects the region’s culinary diversity.

4. Practical Tips ​

Booking Trips Using Ctrip and Booking.com ​

  • Ctrip: Offers a wide range of travel services, including hotels, flights, and local attractions. Use it for booking transportation and accommodations.
  • Booking.com: Great for comparing hotels and reading reviews. Ensure you check the cancellation policy before booking.

Making Payments with Alipay ​

  • Overview: Alipay is widely accepted in Xiamen. You can link your international credit card to create an account.
  • Usage: Use it for payments in restaurants, stores, and even for transportation.

Using Google Translate for Language Assistance ​

  • Tip: Download the offline language pack for Chinese before your trip. The app can help you translate text and conversations in real-time.

Using Didi for Taxi Services ​

  • Overview: Didi is a popular ride-hailing app in China. It's like Uber but more localized.
  • Tip: Ensure you have the app installed and set up with your payment method before you need a ride. You can also use Google Translate to communicate with drivers if needed.

Internet Access and VPN Considerations ​

  • VPN: Access to certain websites (like Google, Facebook, etc.) is restricted in China. Consider downloading a reliable VPN service before your trip.
  • Wi-Fi: Many hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Local SIM cards with data plans are also available for purchase.

5. Sample Itinerary ​

Day 1: Arrival in Xiamen ​

  • Check into your hotel.
  • Explore Zhongshan Road for shopping and street food.

Day 2: Gulangyu Island ​

  • Morning ferry to Gulangyu Island.
  • Visit the Piano Museum and Sunlight Rock.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Explore Shuzhuang Garden.

Day 3: Nanputuo Temple & Wulao Mountain ​

  • Morning visit to Nanputuo Temple.
  • Hike Wulao Mountain for scenic views.
Xiamen Skyline

Note: This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact location.