Xiamen 3-Day Private Tour Itinerary: Ultimate 2025 Summer Guide (July-Sept)
Just returned from Xiamen – scorching but stunning! Explored entirely by bus and foot, focusing on iconic spots. Learn from my experience to maximize your trip!
Day 1: Gulangyu Island + Bashi Market
Morning | Gulangyu Deep Dive
Ferry Tip: Book 3 days early via “Xiamen Ferry+” mini-app. Take the 7:30 am ferry from International Cruise Center → Sanqiutian Pier (¥35 round-trip).
Route:
Rush to Most Beautiful Corner (crowd-free before 9 am!) → Sunlight Rock (panoramic views; free before 8 am) → Shuzhuang Garden (seaside villa + Piano Museum) → Longtou Road Snack Street.
Must-Eat: Ye Family Mochi (soft, not cloying) • Lin’s Fish Balls (bursting with juice).
Afternoon | Colonial Architecture & Beaches
Hao Yue Garden (Koxinga Statue) → Organ Museum (century-old instruments) → Gangzihou Beach (wade in the sea; cool off under shaded trees).
Evening | Seafood at Bashi Market
Return ferry to Zhongshan Road → 10-min walk to Bashi Market (local wet market).
Day 2: Cultural Highlights + Island Sunset
Morning | Spiritual Start & Creative Hub
Nanputuo Temple: Free entry (booking required). Arrive by 7 am for serenity! Grab vegan pastries (sold from 11 am; coconut flavor recommended).
Shapowei Art Zone: Quirky boutiques + graffiti walls. Café pick: Anyway Café rooftop (¥38 iced latte) for Twin Towers views.
Afternoon | Island Cycling
Route: Rent e-bikes near Zengcuoan (¥30/hour; helmet required!) → Pearl Bay → Huangcuo Beach.
Pro Tip: Start after 3 pm – midday heat is brutal! Huangcuo offers pristine sunset views with fewer crowds.
Evening | Zengcuoan Bites
Avoid seafood here! Try instead:
Huangzehe Peanut Soup (chilled version!)
Mr. Ma’s Cheese Potato (gooey pull-apart goodness).
Day 3: Jimei School Village + Sea-View Train
Morning | Jimei School Village
Take Metro Line 1 to Jimei Station. Experience the “Sea-View Train” (Gaoxi → Jimei section; Spirited Away vibe!).
Explore Chen Jiagang’s architecture: Dragon Boat Pool • Homecoming Hall (distinctive Minnan-style roofs).
Lunch: Student Street eats – Osaka-style pancakes (¥15, loaded) or banana-stuffed roti prata.
Afternoon | Sailing & Departure
Taxi to Wuyuan Bay Sailing Port (¥80/person on Meituan). 40-min sail – get splashed for instant cool-down! Spot dolphins if lucky.
Leave for airport/rail station by 4 pm (allow 1-hour transit).
