Xiamen Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Xiamen tours and things to do on China’s garden-island coast: stroll the car-free lanes of colonial Gulangyu Island, seek serenity at the seaside Nanputuo Temple, walk the ramparts of Hulishan Fortress, journey inland to the giant earthen Tulou roundhouses of the Hakka, and graze the city’s famous night food streets. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Xiamen by interest
Whatever brings you to Xiamen — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Xiamen
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Gulangyu Island
Car-free jewel.
Nanputuo Temple
Seaside temple.
Fujian Tulou
Earthen homes.
Hulishan Fortress
Coastal fort.
Zhongshan Road
Old shophouses.
Food Streets
Night markets.
Botanical Garden
Rainforest zones.
Ring Road Coast
Seaside beaches.
Inland awayFujian Tulou
Earthen homes.
Ferry awayGulangyu
Car-free island.
City awayNanputuo
Seaside temple.
Coast awayHulishan
Coastal fort.
City awayBotanical Garden
Rainforest zones.
City awayFood Streets
Night markets.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Xiamen visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm and pleasant — ideal for the island and coast.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm, dry and clear — the best time to visit.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and humid, with a risk of typhoons.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild and comfortable, rarely cold.
For the island
Spring and autumn are best for Gulangyu.
Best overall
September to November is ideal.
One day
Gulangyu and Nanputuo Temple.
Two days
Add a Fujian Tulou day trip.
Three days
Add the coast, gardens and food streets.
For the island
A full day exploring Gulangyu.
For heritage
The Tulou and Nanputuo Temple.
With kids
The island, gardens and beaches.
By ferry
Ferries link the waterfront to Gulangyu.
By metro
A modern metro serves the city.
Tours & transfers
Tours include transport to the Tulou.
On foot
Gulangyu and old streets are best explored walking.
Where to stay
Stay on Xiamen island near the waterfront.
Chinese yuan
China uses the yuan; mobile payment is common.
Gulangyu ferry
Book Gulangyu ferry tickets ahead in peak season.
Nanputuo
Visit the seaside temple and climb for views.
Fujian Tulou
Plan a full day for the inland roundhouses.
Hulishan
See the giant historic cannons on the coast.
Eat local
Try oyster omelettes and satay noodles.
Best light
Come in autumn for clear, dry days.
Gulangyu tickets
Ferry tickets sell out — book ahead.
Tulou tours
Full-day Tulou trips fill up — reserve early.
Guided temple tours
Private temple tours sell out — book ahead.
Food tours
Small-group food walks fill up — reserve early.
City tours
Private city tours sell out — book ahead.
Golden Week
Chinese holidays are very busy — book well ahead.
Gulangyu tour
Around €25–55 for a Gulangyu Island tour.
City tour
About €30–60 for a Xiamen city tour.
Tulou day trip
Roughly €90–170 for a Fujian Tulou trip.
Temple tour
Around €25–50 for a Nanputuo Temple tour.
Food tour
About €30–60 for a night food street tour.
How to save
Join group tours to cut costs.
Xiamen through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Island & coast.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant.
- Best for
- Warm sea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Clear & dry.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Mild & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Comfortable.