How to Plan a 4-Day Xiamen Tour
Plan your perfect trip with this curated guide to Xiamen’s culture, food, and coastal charm.
DAY 1: Old Town Discovery
Zhongshan Road: Stroll through century-old arcades with Minnan flair. Savor local classics like peanut soup and Shacha noodles.
Shapowei Art Zone: A transformed fishing harbor now buzzing with murals, vintage cafés, and photo ops.
Bashi Market (Ba Shi): Dive into a lively seafood bazaar. Try Ajie Wuxiang Rolls and sea worm jelly for authentic flavors.
Nanputuo Temple: A sacred Buddhist complex with serene halls and vegetarian cuisine. Hike Wulao Peak for views of Xiamen University.
Lujiang Night Cruise: Glide past Gulangyu’s glittering skyline—city lights mirrored on the water create cinematic magic.
DAY 2: Gulangyu Island Adventure
Gulangyu Island: Wander lanes lined with colonial villas. Feel the “Piano Island’s” musical soul.
Underwater World: Walk through ocean tunnels, marvel at jellyfish domes, and meet penguins (family-friendly!).
Piano Museum: Discover antique pianos and automated performances.
Sunlight Rock (Riguangyan): Summit the island’s peak for 360° sea-and-sky vistas—unmissable at sunset.
DAY 3: Nature & Culture Immersion
Xiamen Botanical Garden: Explore cactus forests and misty rainforest zones (fog hours: 9:30–11:30 AM / 2:30–4:30 PM).
Jimei School Village: Admire “eastern-meets-western” architecture by Tan Kah Kee. Capture red-tiled roofs mirrored in Dragon Boat Pool.
Zhonggu Cable Car: Ride vintage gondolas overlooking lush hills, the Botanical Garden, and the Twin Towers.
Island Ring Road: Bike rainbow-paved paths from Coconut Villa to Zengcuo’an—surf, sand, and pure coastal energy.
Longtou Food Street: Feast on Shen Family Rice Rolls and Yeshi Mochi—¥20 fills you up!
DAY 4: Flexible Add-ons
Gulangyu + Shuzhuang Garden + Piano Museum: A seamless day of music, history, and seaside glamour.
Xiamen University + Nanputuo + Shapowei: Culture, cuisine, and art within walking distance.
Jimei School Village + Tianzhu Mountain: Half-day escape blending architecture with forest trails (great for families/couples).
Ding’ao Cat Street + Lujiang Night Cruise: Quaint alley strolls at dusk, followed by luminous harbor views.
Key Tips for Travelers
🚢 Gulangyu Ferries: Book tickets 3 days ahead via “Xiamen Ferry” WeChat/mini-app. Use Sanqiutian Pier for quick access.
🌵 Botanical Garden: Enter via West Gate. Time visits for rainforest fog effects!
🚡 Cable Car: Opt for sunset slots to see the city glow.
🍜 Food Focus: Don’t miss oyster omelets, fishball soup, and satay noodles.
