Xiamen Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to China's Garden on the Sea

My Three Days in Xiamen — A Coastal Gem of Southern China

I once visited Xiamen during a road trip to Hainan Island with several friends.

Visiting Xiamen had been a dream since my university days. Back then, I couldn’t afford the trip, so I only made it as far as Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province. After graduation, I finally had the chance to travel along the coast with friends. Since Xiamen lay right on our route, we decided to spend three days there.

Though brief, those three days allowed me to truly experience Xiamen’s gentle warmth and vibrant charm.

Gulangyu Island — Where Time Stands Still

A visit to Xiamen wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Gulangyu Island.
In the early morning, the sea breeze brushes softly across the island, and the wooden shutters of old villas gleam with the patina of years under the first light of dawn. I wandered along the stone-paved paths, listening to piano melodies drifting from a half-open window, mingling with the distant church bells — a symphony of the island itself.

Each building seemed to whisper stories of a time when East met West, while the winding alleys beneath my feet felt like creases in time.

Gulangyu’s uniqueness stems from history. On January 10, 1903, the Qing government and thirteen foreign powers signed the “Gulangyu International Settlement Treaty,” officially designating the island as a public concession. This special status attracted diverse architectural influences. Foreign consulates, trading houses, and mansions of overseas Chinese businessmen all stand side by side, creating a living museum of world architecture.

The shortest distance between Gulangyu and Xiamen Island is only about 600 meters, yet no bridge connects them. As a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the island values serenity over convenience — a bridge would disturb its tranquil beauty.

The Charm of Zhongshan Road

Beyond Gulangyu, we explored Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. The historic arcade buildings glowed warm gold in the sunset. When we arrived in the afternoon, the area was lively — filled with vendors’ shouts, laughter, and the tempting aroma of peanut soup and satay noodles.

I still remember tasting one of Xiamen’s specialties, ginger duck, at a small shop there. Zhongshan Road is definitely worth a visit.

Xiamen University — A Campus by the Sea

We also visited Xiamen University, founded in 1921 by the patriotic overseas Chinese businessman Chen Jiageng. He believed in “saving the nation through education” and devoted his fortune to cultivating talents grounded in Chinese heritage and modern scientific thinking.

The campus, nestled between mountains and sea, beautifully blends Eastern and Western architectural styles. Under the sunlight, the glazed tiles of the main auditorium shimmered, reflecting the quiet dignity of a century-old institution.

We arrived in the evening, at a time when visitors could still enter freely. Having graduated only a few years earlier, I felt nostalgic roaming the campus. It was June, and I saw students below the dorms selling old books and belongings — a scene that instantly reminded me of my own graduation days.

Driving Along Huandao East Road

Later that night, we drove along Huandao East Road, following the coastline as Xiamen’s city lights shimmered across the rippling sea. We stopped to take photos; the elevated highway stretching over the water was something new to us — of course, we turned on our hazard lights before doing so.

Reflections on Xiamen’s Growth

Because Xiamen is close to Taiwan, Fujian Province once saw limited development for historical reasons. Over time, however, policies gradually opened, and the city has since experienced rapid growth. I haven’t been back in years, but judging by property prices alone, it’s clear how much Xiamen has prospered.

Today, Xiamen has shed its former quietness and become a dynamic coastal hub on the western side of the Taiwan Strait. Its status as a Special Economic Zone, connections with overseas Chinese, and proximity to Taiwan give it a unique role in cross-strait exchange.

Travel Tips for Visiting Xiamen

• Avoid public holidays to escape heavy crowds.

• Gulangyu has a daily visitor limit; book tickets online in advance.

• Wear a helmet and follow traffic rules if cycling along the coastal roads.

• Eat seafood only at reputable restaurants to prevent stomach issues.

• Stay away from rocky coastal areas to avoid injuries from creatures like cone snails.

• Research your itinerary ahead of time or choose a reliable mid-range tour; cheap “budget” tours often hide extra costs.

Be cautious of scams involving “free guided tours” — these often lead to overpriced tea or jewelry shops selling fake goods. Even national TV has covered such cases. Our upcoming detailed guide will include more tips on avoiding travel traps.