Xiamen Travel Guide: Gulangyu Island, Fujian Tulou & Coastal Charm
Last updated: April 2026 · By Nebula Trip
Xiamen is a charming coastal city in Fujian Province, famous for the UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island, stunning Fujian Tulou roundhouses, and a laid-back café culture. This guide covers the best of Xiamen for international visitors.
1. Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this car-free island features colonial architecture, winding alleys, piano museums, and stunning sea views. Take the ferry from Xiamen and spend a full day exploring.
2. Fujian Tulou: Ancient Earthen Roundhouses
A 3-hour drive from Xiamen, the Fujian Tulou are massive earthen buildings housing entire Hakka clans. UNESCO-listed and unlike anything else in the world.
3. Nanputuo Temple & Xiamen University
Nanputuo Temple(南普陀寺) sits at the foot of Wulao Peak, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Adjacent Xiamen University is considered China's most beautiful campus.
4. Xiamen Food: Fujian Flavors
- Satay noodles (沙茶面) — Xiamen's signature dish with peanut-based satay broth
- Oyster omelette (海蛎煎) — Crispy Fujian street food classic
- Spring rolls (春卷) — Fresh and thin Xiamen-style
- Peanut soup (花生汤) — Sweet, creamy Xiamen dessert
5. Zhongshan Road & Huandao Road
Zhongshan Road is the main pedestrian shopping street with Minnan-style arcade buildings. Huandao Road is a scenic coastal drive circling the island.
6. Best Time to Visit
October-December offers the best weather. Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week (Oct 1-7) for fewer crowds. Typhoon season: July-September.
7. Practical Tips
- Getting there: Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (XMN) with direct flights from many Asian cities
- Getting around: BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), Metro, DiDi, and ferries
- Budget: ¥200-500/night hotels, ¥20-50/meal street food