【Xiamen InterContinental｜Panoramic Views of Gulangyu and Sunsets from Your Room】

Stayed three nights at the InterContinental Xiamen, and the floor-to-ceiling window views completely won me over. Tucked away on Huandao East Road, the hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport, with convenient taxi access to Shapowei and Bashi Market. But the real showstopper is its location—offering a full-frontal view of Gulangyu Island, with the cruise terminal to the left and Huangcuo Beach to the right. Even the sunrise and sunset feel like a perfectly staged theater. The Deluxe Ocean View Room left me speechless the moment I opened the balcony door: an unobstructed 180-degree sea vista unfolded before me, with Gulangyu’s red rooftops, white lighthouse, and ferry boats forming a living wallpaper. At 4 PM, sunlight slanted in, casting a warm glow on the wooden furnishings. Sipping tea while lounging on the daybed, time seemed to slow down. The Executive Lounge takes the view up a notch. Sip a signature cocktail at dusk as the sunset dyes the sea gold and crimson, while Gulangyu’s lights flicker to life across the water—like stepping into a movie scene. Don’t miss the breakfast *sha cha noodles*, cooked fresh by local chefs and paired with crispy *tusun dong* (a Fujian delicacy), delivering an authentic Southern Fujian flavor. The hotel itself resembles a tropical garden, with a pool nestled among coconut palms. The water is just right by evening—after a swim, lounge on a poolside chair and watch stars peek through the palm fronds. A 10-minute walk to Guanyinshan Beach lets you hunt for seashells at dawn or stroll along the shore as fishing boats return at dusk, striking the perfect balance between local charm and resort luxury. Pro Tips: ❶ Opt for a high-floor ocean view room for unobstructed vistas. ❷ The Executive Lounge serves freshly prepared seafood after 6 PM. ❸ The hotel’s shuttle can drop you at the beach entrance. On my last day in Xiamen, I couldn’t bear to leave the hotel. Turns out, the best trips are the ones where every moment becomes the view itself.