Xiamen Travel Guide: 4 Days & 3 Nights Exploring the "Garden on the Sea"

Xiamen, this romantic city hailed as the "Garden on the Sea," has become a dream destination for countless travelers with its enchanting island scenery, artistic atmosphere, and rich culinary culture. This guide presents the essence of Xiamen, covering must-visit spots like Gulangyu Island, Island Ring Road, and Nanputuo Temple, along with authentic food recommendations and accommodation tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip! 🌊 Pre-Trip Prep: Weather, Transport & Essentials 🌟 Best Time to Visit 🌟: Xiamen is great year-round, but June-August is the most beautiful season with blooming flame trees and blue skies. Though temperatures reach 30-35°C, sea breezes keep it comfortable. October-November's crisp autumn weather is also ideal. 🚴 Transport Guide: - ✈️ Flight: Xiamen Gaoqi Airport is on the island with convenient bus/taxi options - 🚄 Train: Choose Xiamen Station (Siming District) near attractions; Xiamen North Station (Jimei District) is farther (1hr+ by metro) - 🚌 Local Transport: Buses cover all attractions (use Alipay's "Xiamen Bus e-Card"). Metro Line 1 (sea-view section) and shared bikes are convenient 🌊 Must-Pack: - Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing (strong sunlight!) - Mosquito repellent (especially for Botanical Garden & Gulangyu) - Comfortable sneakers (Gulangyu requires lots of walking) - Compact umbrella 🌊 4D3N Itinerary ✨DAY1: Gulangyu In-Depth → Bashi Seafood Market → Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street **Gulangyu** (Full day): - Book ferry tickets (¥35 round-trip) 3 days early via "Xiamen Ferry" WeChat - Take 7:30am ferry for fewer crowds - Must-see: Most Beautiful Corner, Sunny Day Wall, Stefanie Sun "Encounter" Wall - Key spots: Sunlight Rock (panoramic views), Shuzhuang Garden (Piano Museum), Haoyue Garden (Koxinga Statue), Organ Museum - Food: Shen's Minnan Rice Rolls, Ye's Mochi (cash only) 🌊 Bashi Seafood Market (Evening): - Xiamen's liveliest seafood market (best selection in morning) - Try wild prawns & lobsters at A Yu or Shangqing Seafood (38-year veteran) - Snacks: Zhong Lijun's Manjian Cake, Huiyuan Bakery's fried bread 🌊 Zhongshan Road (Night): - Charming arcade architecture with iconic snacks - Must-tries: Huangzehe Peanut Soup, Lianhuan Oyster Omelet, Jukou Mixed Noodles, Sixi Egg Burger ✨DAY2: Zhonggu Cableway → Botanical Garden → XMU → Nanputuo Temple → White Beach 🌊 Zhonggu Cableway (Morning): - 40-min glass-bottom ride with city & Taiwan views (¥80) - Best at sunset (opens 8:30-17:30) 🌊 Botanical Garden (Morning): - ¥30 ticket; focus on Cactus Zone & Rainforest (fog effects 9:30-11:00/14:30-16:00) - Take shuttle bus (¥10) to save energy 🌊 Xiamen University (Noon): - Book 1-3 days ahead via "XMU Visitor System" - Highlights: Furong Tunnel graffiti, Shangxian Field 🌊 Nanputuo Temple (Afternoon): - Free entry with complimentary incense - Famous vegetarian dishes like "Lotus Root Delicacy" - Wulao Peak overlooks XMU 🌊 White Beach (Dusk): - Sunset views and seaside strolls - Connects to Island Ring Road for cycling ✨DAY3: Island Ring Road Cycling → Zengcuoan → Shapowei → Cat Street 🌊 Island Ring Road (Morning): - Scenic coastal ride from White Beach to Huangcuo Beach - Pitstops: Music Square, Coconut Wind Village - Use shared bikes/e-bikes (plenty of docks) 🌊 Zengcuoan (Noon): - Artsy fishing village (somewhat commercialized) - Food: Ashin Toast, Mushroom Legend 🌊 Shapowei (Afternoon): - Converted fishing port with vintage shops - Magical golden hour photos 🌊 Cat Street (Evening): - Feline-themed alley (cat cafes require purchase) ✨DAY4: Sea-View Metro → Jimei School Village → Dashe → Jiageng Park → Ten-Mile Long Dam 🌊 Sea-View Metro (Morning): - Metro Line 1 (Gaoqi to Jimei segment) resembles Spirited Away scenes 🌊 Jimei School Village (Morning): - Sino-Western architecture by Tan Kah Kee - See Dragon Boat Pool, Tan's Former Residence, Aoyuan 🌊 Dashe (Noon): - Traditional Minnan village with artsy shops 🌊 Jiageng Park (Afternoon): - Memorial park overlooking sea 🌊 Ten-Mile Long Dam (Dusk): - 4.7-rated spot for sea sunsets 🌇 Accommodation: Luxury to Budget 🌊 Luxury: - Waldorf Astoria Xiamen: Colonial elegance (¥1500/night) - Andaz Xiamen: Jaya-designed "Nanyang dream" (¥1300/night) 🌊 Family-Friendly: - Haiyue Resort: Free train + kids' pool + beach access - Portman Seven Stars: French-style castle with private coastline 🌊 Budget: - Zhongshan Road/Sibei: Chain hotels near food streets - Zengcuoan/Huangcuo: Affordable seaside B&Bs 🌊 Gulangyu Stays: - Historic buildings (pricier) - Try Lee Family Inn or Lingle Hotel ✨ Food Guide 🌊 Must-Eat: - Satay Noodles: Silisatay (add tofu!), Yuehua Satay - Worm Jelly: Tianhe Ximen (Zhongshan Park West Gate) - Ginger Duck: Xinshutang, Haodelai - Peanut Soup: Huangzehe (sweet) or Aunt She's (late-night) - Oyster Omelet: Lianhuan (Zhongshan Road) 🌊 Food Streets: - Bashi Market: Try Yousheng Snacks, Huiyuan Bakery - Zhongshan Road: Jukou Noodles (open late), Sibei Peanut Soup (add egg) - Zengcuoan: Tourist-heavy (sample lightly) 🌊 Seafood: - Bashi Market fresh picks (compare prices) - Little Eyeglass Seafood: Reliable quality - 202 Seafood: Must-order shrimp salad & seafood pancakes ✨ Pro Tips 1. Book Early: - Gulangyu ferries: 3+ days ahead (10+ for holidays) - XMU: 3-day advance booking - Nanputuo: Holiday reservations needed 2. Transport: - Avoid taxi drivers' "seafood restaurant" recommendations - Shared bikes > local rentals (more return points) 3. Shopping: - Gulangyu souvenirs are cheaper online - Gifts: Ajiki Pastries, Huang Yuantang Pineapple Cakes 4. Unique Experiences: - Wuyuan Bay Sailing: 60-min voyage (possible dolphin sightings) - Private Mudflat Foraging: Hunt clams/crabs with fishermen 5. Photography: - Gulangyu: Vintage outfits - Beaches: White/red dresses - Pizza Hut at 24F Haibin Building: Highest in the world with Gulangyu views Xiamen rewards slow travel - whether beach lounging, Gulangyu strolls, or temple visits. May this guide help you uncover its magic! > "Xiamen's beauty lives in details - morning piano notes on Gulangyu, wok steam rising at Bashi Market, sea breezes along Island Ring Road..."