Xiamen 4-Day 3-Night Precision Travel Guide: Addresses + Highlights at a Glance!

The romance of Xiamen hides in the lively streets of the arcade-lined old town, whispers through the sea breeze along Huandao Road, and lingers in the piano melodies of Gulangyu Island. This guide, complete with specific addresses and standout features, helps you efficiently unlock every bit of Xiamen's charm. 1. Daily Itinerary: Addresses + Highlights Covered Day 1: Slow-paced Time in the Artsy Old Quarter - Morning: Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (Address: Zhongshan Road, Siming District, Xiamen) ✨Highlights: A century-old arcade architectural complex blending Nanyang and Southern Fujian styles, packed with time-honored shops—perfect for vintage photo ops. Tired? Try Jiawei Zaitian (formerly Wu Zaitian) in the alley for their signature satay noodles and sea worm jelly. - Afternoon: Shapowei + Yanwu Bridge (Address: Shapowei/Yanwu Bridge Viewing Platform, Siming District) ✨Highlights: Shapowei, a revamped old fishing port turned artsy district, features graffiti walls at the Art Zone and stylish cafés in repurposed factories. The Yanwu Bridge viewing platform sits incredibly close to sea level—sunset views feel like floating on water. - Evening: Cat Street (Address: Ding'aozi Road, Siming District) ✨Highlights: A street brimming with feline-themed graffiti, sculptures, and shop logos—a must-visit for cat lovers. Don’t miss the affordable oyster omelet stalls. Day 2: A Serene Journey Through Campus and Temples - Morning: Xiamen University (Address: 422 Siming South Road, Siming District; advance booking via "Xiamen University Visitor Reservation System" required) ✨Highlights: One of China’s most beautiful campuses, featuring black swans at Furong Lake, the 1km-long graffiti-covered Furong Tunnel, and the tranquil Lover’s Valley—all exuding youthful energy. - Afternoon: Nanputuo Temple + Wulao Peak (Address: 515 Siming South Road, adjacent to Xiamen University) ✨Highlights: A sacred Buddhist site in Southern Fujian, free to enter and famous for its vegetarian cuisine. A 10-minute hike from the temple leads to Wulao Peak’s summit, offering panoramic views of Xiamen University and the island’s southern scenery. - Evening: Zengcuo’an (Address: Zengcuo’an Village, Siming District) ✨Highlights: A former fishing village turned food street, bustling with oyster omelets, peanut soup, and branches of Bashi’s sea worm jelly. Just a 5-minute walk to the beach. Day 3: Nature and Coastal Therapy - Dawn: Huangcuo Beach (Address: Huangcuo Road, Siming District) ✨Highlights: Less crowded than Gulangyu or Baicheng Beach, with golden sunrise reflections on the water—ideal for quiet seaside moments. - Morning: Xiamen Botanical Garden (Address: 25 Huyuan Road, Siming District) ✨Highlights: Don’t miss the Rainforest Zone (mist sprays at 9:00/10:00/15:00/16:00, creating a fairy-tale vibe) and the Cactus Zone (giant cacti for epic photos). Entry fee: just ¥30. - Afternoon: Huandao Road Cycling (recommended route: Music Square to Yefengzhai) ✨Highlights: Rent a bike (~¥30/hour) and ride along the coast, passing Pearl Bay’s white sands and the Calligraphy Square’s stone carvings. Pause at a seaside café to relax. Day 4: Slow Island Time on Gulangyu (book ferry tickets in advance via "Xiamen Ferry" WeChat; recommended route: International Cruise Center → Sanqiutian Pier) - Morning: International Architecture Expo (mainly along Fujian Road, Zhangzhou Road, and Anhai Road) ✨Highlights: Over 1,000 buildings in diverse styles, like the red-domed Bagua Building (Organ Museum) and British-style Xilin Villa—each with its own story. - Noon: Longtou Road Food Street (Gulangyu’s core area) ✨Highlights: Ye’s Mochi (made fresh by an elderly vendor, ¥5/piece), Shen’s Minnan Rice Rolls (rich sauce), and Lin’s Fish Balls (chewy and juicy)—endless snacking. - Afternoon: Sunlight Rock + Shuzhuang Garden (Address: Huangyan Road/Gangzaihou Road, Gulangyu) ✨Highlights: Sunlight Rock, the island’s highest point, offers 360° views of red rooftops and Xiamen. Shuzhuang Garden’s "hidden sea" design and Piano Museum (featuring century-old instruments) are mesmerizing. 2. Accommodation Picks: By Need - Zhongshan Road/Ferry Area: Lujiang Hotel Xiamen (classic sea-view hotel, 5-minute walk to Gulangyu Pier, night views of Lujiang River). Ideal for exploring the old town or catching early ferries. - Zengcuo’an/Huangcuo: Xiamen Shanhaiguan Seaview B&B (some rooms have sea-view terraces, 10-minute walk to the beach, great value). Perfect for sunrise chasers or nightlife lovers. - Gulangyu: Linshi Mansion Hotel (a century-old villa, peaceful yet central). Best for travelers wanting an immersive island experience. 3. Must-Try Eats: Specific Spots - Satay Noodles: Yuehua Satay Noodles (Jukou Street, Zhongshan Road)—peanut butter and satay broth with squid and tofu. - Ginger Duck: Haodelai Ginger Duck (Hubin South Road, Siming District)—tender duck infused with ginger. - Peanut Soup: Huangzehe Peanut Soup (Zhongshan Road flagship)—creamy peanut soup paired with fried dough sticks. 4. Tips - Book Gulangyu ferry tickets 3 days early for peak seasons (holidays). Morning slots are less crowded. - For Huandao Road cycling, sunscreen is a must. Evenings after 5 PM are cooler with sunset views. - Buy seafood at Bashi (8th Market, Siming District) and have it cooked nearby for the best deals. Follow this guide to hit Xiamen’s classics and uncover hidden gems—let’s go!