Xiamen, a coastal gem in Fujian Province, is a paradise for food lovers and culture enthusiasts. With its blend of colonial architecture, vibrant night markets, and stunning island scenery, this city offers an unforgettable travel experience. Here’s the ultimate 5-day itinerary to savor the best of Xiamen’s cuisine and heritage.
Start your journey with a short ferry ride to Gulangyu, a car-free island known for its European-style buildings and piano museums. Stroll along Longtou Road, where you’ll find quaint cafes and souvenir shops. Don’t miss Shuzhuang Garden, a seaside villa with lush gardens and panoramic ocean views.
Head back to Xiamen’s mainland for lunch at Lianhua Road, famous for its seafood restaurants. Try local specialties like oyster omelet (蚵仔煎, pronounced ô-á-jiān) and steamed fish with pickled vegetables. Pair your meal with a cold Tsingtao beer for the full experience.
Visit Hulishan Fortress, a historic coastal defense site with a massive Krupp cannon. The seaside walk offers breathtaking views of the Taiwan Strait.
As the sun sets, dive into Zhongshan Road’s bustling night market. Sample street food like peanut soup (花生汤), fried taro balls (炸芋枣), and satay noodles (沙茶面). The mix of Fujianese and Taiwanese flavors here is irresistible.
Begin your day at Nanputuo Temple, a serene Buddhist complex nestled at the foot of Wulao Peak. Climb to the summit for a stunning view of Xiamen’s skyline.
The temple’s vegetarian restaurant serves exquisite dishes like mushroom stew and lotus root soup. Even meat-lovers will appreciate the flavors.
Explore Xiamen University, one of China’s most beautiful campuses. Walk through Furong Tunnel, a student-decorated passageway covered in colorful graffiti.
Unwind at Shapowei, a hip arts district with indie cafes and galleries. Try seaweed jelly (石花膏) from a street vendor while admiring the creative murals.
Take a guided tour to the UNESCO-listed Fujian Tulou, circular earthen buildings built by the Hakka people. Visit Chengqi Lou and Yuchang Lou, where you’ll learn about communal living traditions.
Enjoy a rustic Hakka meal inside a Tulou, featuring dishes like braised pork with preserved vegetables (梅菜扣肉) and stuffed tofu (酿豆腐).
Return to Xiamen and unwind at Zeng Cuo’an, a bohemian beachside village. Sip on sugar cane juice while browsing quirky handicraft stalls.
Hike through Wanshi Botanical Garden’s tropical greenery, stopping at the iconic Stone Rock Temple.
Head to Heping Wharf for a seafood lunch. Must-tries include steamed crab with ginger and stir-fried clams with basil.
If time allows, take a ferry to Kinmen (Taiwan-controlled islands) for a unique cross-strait experience. Otherwise, relax at Xiamen’s Baicheng Beach.
Explore Jimei’s lively night market, where grilled squid and bubble tea are crowd favorites.
Visit a local tea market to sample Fujian’s famous Tieguanyin oolong tea. Learn brewing techniques from a tea master.
Savor Minnan dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙) and crispy oyster pancakes at this iconic eatery.
Pick up souvenirs like tea sets, pineapple cakes, and lacquerware at Xiamen’s largest shopping complex.
End your trip with a bike ride along Huandao Road, Xiamen’s scenic coastal highway. Stop for a coconut drink and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
This 5-day itinerary ensures you’ll leave Xiamen with a full stomach and a heart full of memories. From historic Tulou to sizzling street food, every moment is a celebration of Fujian’s rich culture.
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Author: Xiamen Travel
Source: Xiamen Travel
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