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One-Day Xiamen Travel Guide

Morning: Gulangyu Island

Start your day by visiting Gulangyu Island, one of Xiamen's most popular tourist destinations. From Xiamen Ferry Terminal, take a 5-10 minute ferry ride to the island. Gulangyu is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, lush greenery, and car-free streets, making it the perfect place to wander and enjoy the surroundings.

Once on the island, explore the peaceful streets lined with old villas, boutique shops, and charming cafés. Make sure to visit the Shuzhuang Garden, a classical Chinese garden with intricate pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. From here, walk to the Gulangyu Piano Museum, housed in a historic building and showcasing a unique collection of pianos from different eras.

Take your time to explore the island's attractions and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, then head back to the ferry terminal after a few hours.


Lunch: Local Seafood or Xiamen Delicacies

After returning to Xiamen, head to a local restaurant for a delicious seafood lunch. Xiamen is famous for its fresh seafood, so try dishes like seafood porridge, steamed clams, or fried oysters. For those who prefer something different, you can also sample Xiamen’s traditional peanut soup, a savory dish made with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and various other ingredients.

Alternatively, visit one of the local markets like Zhongshan Road, where you can find a variety of street food stalls serving Xiamen-style dumplings, sugar-coated hawthorn sticks, and other local snacks.


Afternoon: Nanputuo Temple & Xiamen University

After lunch, take a short taxi ride or bus to Nanputuo Temple, a famous Buddhist temple located near Xiamen University. The temple, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, is set against the backdrop of lush hills and offers a serene atmosphere for visitors. You can explore the temple complex, visit the main hall, and light incense to pray for good fortune. Don’t forget to take a walk around the temple's beautiful grounds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Next, visit Xiamen University, which is just a short distance from the temple. Often regarded as one of China’s most beautiful campuses, Xiamen University is known for its lush greenery, historic buildings, and stunning lakes. Take a stroll around the campus, explore the iconic Wuyi Tower, and enjoy the picturesque scenery of Haiyantang Lake.


Evening: Zeng Cuo An Village & Xiamen's Night Markets

In the evening, head to Zeng Cuo An Village, a trendy neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant local culture. The village has become a popular area for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Explore the narrow streets lined with cafes, art shops, and small boutiques. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy dinner, and experience the local nightlife.

If you're interested in shopping or trying more local snacks, visit the Xiamen night markets around Zhongshan Road or the Siming District. Here, you can find a variety of goods from local handicrafts to souvenirs, and enjoy more street food such as Xiamen spring rolls and sweet potato balls.


Night: Xiamen’s Skyline & Ferris Wheel

End your day with a relaxing stroll along Xiamen’s waterfront. Head to the Xiamen Ferris Wheel, located near the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center, where you can take a ride and enjoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline and the coastline, especially beautiful as the city lights begin to shine at night.



One-Day Xiamen Travel Guide

Morning: Gulangyu Island

Start your day by visiting Gulangyu Island, one of Xiamen's most popular tourist destinations. From Xiamen Ferry Terminal, take a 5-10 minute ferry ride to the island. Gulangyu is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, lush greenery, and car-free streets, making it the perfect place to wander and enjoy the surroundings.

Once on the island, explore the peaceful streets lined with old villas, boutique shops, and charming cafés. Make sure to visit the Shuzhuang Garden, a classical Chinese garden with intricate pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. From here, walk to the Gulangyu Piano Museum, housed in a historic building and showcasing a unique collection of pianos from different eras.

Take your time to explore the island's attractions and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, then head back to the ferry terminal after a few hours.


Lunch: Local Seafood or Xiamen Delicacies

After returning to Xiamen, head to a local restaurant for a delicious seafood lunch. Xiamen is famous for its fresh seafood, so try dishes like seafood porridge, steamed clams, or fried oysters. For those who prefer something different, you can also sample Xiamen’s traditional peanut soup, a savory dish made with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and various other ingredients.

Alternatively, visit one of the local markets like Zhongshan Road, where you can find a variety of street food stalls serving Xiamen-style dumplings, sugar-coated hawthorn sticks, and other local snacks.


Afternoon: Nanputuo Temple & Xiamen University

After lunch, take a short taxi ride or bus to Nanputuo Temple, a famous Buddhist temple located near Xiamen University. The temple, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, is set against the backdrop of lush hills and offers a serene atmosphere for visitors. You can explore the temple complex, visit the main hall, and light incense to pray for good fortune. Don’t forget to take a walk around the temple's beautiful grounds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Next, visit Xiamen University, which is just a short distance from the temple. Often regarded as one of China’s most beautiful campuses, Xiamen University is known for its lush greenery, historic buildings, and stunning lakes. Take a stroll around the campus, explore the iconic Wuyi Tower, and enjoy the picturesque scenery of Haiyantang Lake.


Evening: Zeng Cuo An Village & Xiamen's Night Markets

In the evening, head to Zeng Cuo An Village, a trendy neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant local culture. The village has become a popular area for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Explore the narrow streets lined with cafes, art shops, and small boutiques. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy dinner, and experience the local nightlife.

If you're interested in shopping or trying more local snacks, visit the Xiamen night markets around Zhongshan Road or the Siming District. Here, you can find a variety of goods from local handicrafts to souvenirs, and enjoy more street food such as Xiamen spring rolls and sweet potato balls.


Night: Xiamen’s Skyline & Ferris Wheel

End your day with a relaxing stroll along Xiamen’s waterfront. Head to the Xiamen Ferris Wheel, located near the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center, where you can take a ride and enjoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline and the coastline, especially beautiful as the city lights begin to shine at night.