Xiamen Attractions Guide 2026

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Xiamen.

1. 1

   Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿)

   UNESCO heritage islandIsland access free; ferry round trip about ¥35 (~$5) with passport; sights charged separately (Core Attraction Pass about ¥90, ~$13)Full day (6-8 hours)

   Car-free island a short ferry ride from Siming District, inscribed by UNESCO in 2017 as Kulangsu, a historic international settlement. Its lanes hold colonial consulates, churches, overseas-Chinese villas and the Piano Museum.

   Tip: Buy ferry tickets in advance through the official app, WeChat mini-program or terminal counters with a passport number · Take one of the first ferries around 07:00 to beat tour groups · Consider the Core Attraction Pass (about ¥90) if visiting several sights · Wear comfortable shoes; lanes are uneven and hilly · Avoid weekends and public holidays when ferry queues grow long · Stay overnight for quiet evening lanes after day-trippers leave

2. 2

   Sunlight Rock (日光岩)

   viewpoint / landmark¥50-60 (~$7-9) individually, or included in the Core Attraction Pass about ¥90 (~$13)1-1.5 hours

   The granite summit on Gulangyu at about 93 m, with a stepped path to a panoramic deck over the island, Xiamen's skyline and the harbour. Koxinga is said to have drilled his troops here in the 17th century.

   Tip: Climb before 10:00 on weekdays to avoid single-file queues · Wear shoes with grip; the final steps are steep · Carry water, as facilities near the summit are limited · Check whether the Core Attraction Pass (about ¥90) is cheaper for the day's plan · Allow extra time at holidays when the narrow rock passage bottlenecks

3. 3

   Shuzhuang Garden and Gulangyu Piano Museum (菽庄花园 / 钢琴博物馆)

   garden / museum¥30 (~$4) individually; in the Core Attraction Pass1-1.5 hours

   Seafront garden built in 1913 with a winding sea-view corridor, rockeries and pavilions, hosting the Piano Museum with antique pianos from the Australian collector Hu Youyi. The museum is part of the garden ticket.

   Tip: Visit on weekday late mornings when tour groups are elsewhere · The museum is included in the garden ticket, so no second purchase is needed · Visit near high tide to see waves beneath the corridor · Check the Core Attraction Pass if visiting several island sights · Arrive an hour before closing for fewer crowds

4. 4

   Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺)

   templeFree; incense available for purchase1-2 hours (3 with the Wulaofeng trail)

   Active Buddhist temple at the foot of Wulao Peak with its origins in the Tang dynasty, entered through the Heavenly Kings Hall and Mahavira Hall. A vegetarian restaurant operates beside the temple.

   Tip: Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees · Visit on weekday mornings to avoid lunar 1st and 15th crowds · Keep voices low and do not photograph worshippers closely · Combine with Xiamen University next door, which needs advance booking · Try the vegetarian restaurant after the visit

5. 5

   Xiamen University (厦门大学)

   university campus / landmarkFree with advance reservation and passport1.5-2 hours

   Campus founded in 1921 by Tan Kah Kee, set between hills and the sea, with Furong Lake, Jiannan Auditorium and Minnan-style academic halls. Visitors must book a free slot in advance and carry a passport.

   Tip: Reserve a free visiting slot in advance via the campus mini-program · Carry a passport, which is checked at the gate · Visit on weekday mornings in spring or autumn · Slots may be paused during exams or university events, so check ahead · Respect students: keep noise low near classrooms and dormitories

6. 6

   Hulishan Fortress (胡里山炮台)

   fortress / military heritageAbout ¥25-30 (~$4); reduced rates for students and seniors1-1.5 hours

   Coastal artillery fort built in 1894 at the southeast tip of Xiamen Island, holding an 1891 Krupp 280 mm cannon, among the largest surviving of its kind. A walking route crosses the ramparts and sea-facing batteries.

   Tip: Go on weekday mornings for cooler, quieter ramparts · Bring sun protection; the ramparts have little shade · Ask about reduced rates if a student or senior · Pair with Zengcuo'an, a 10-minute walk away · Check Amap for the current bus route to the Hulishan Pao Tai stop

7. 7

   Zengcuo'an Fishing Village (曾厝垵)

   village / street food districtFree2-3 hours

   Former fishing village turned lively lane district of seafood stalls, bubble-tea shops, hostels and cafes, busiest after dusk. Its stalls sell oyster omelettes, grilled squid and iced sweet soups.

   Tip: Arrive around 17:30 to see the village before the evening crush · Check seafood prices per weight before ordering · Visit on weekday evenings for fewer crowds · Pair with Hulishan Fortress, a short walk away · Light sleepers should ask about noise before booking a hostel

8. 8

   Shapowei Art Zone (沙坡尾)

   art district / harbourFree1-2 hours

   The old fishing-boat sheltering harbour next to Xiamen University, now a creative quarter of galleries, bars, record shops and harbourside cafes. Fishing boats still tie up at the dyke.

   Tip: Visit from late afternoon to catch sunset on the dyke · Some shops open late, so avoid very early weekday visits · Combine with Xiamen University and Nanputuo Temple nearby · Weekend afternoons get crowded around cafes · Check Amap for the current bus route

9. 9

   Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (中山路步行街)

   historic streetFree1.5-2 hours

   Xiamen's oldest commercial street, lined with 1920s arcade shophouses (qilou) of mixed Western and Minnan style. It runs from the Gulangyu ferry area through to Jukou Street and has snack shops and souvenir stores.

   Tip: Visit in the evening for lighting and food stalls · Compare souvenir prices before buying · Avoid weekends and ferry rush hours for fewer crowds · Look up at the upper floors to see the facade details · Combine with a ferry to Gulangyu

10. 10

    Overseas Chinese Museum (华侨博物院)

    museumFree (passport required)1-1.5 hours

    Museum founded by Tan Kah Kee in 1959 on the history of Chinese emigration to Southeast Asia and the work of returned overseas Chinese. Passport entry is required for the free admission.

    Tip: Bring a passport, which is required for free entry · Check that it is not Monday, when the museum is closed · Use a translation app for Chinese-only captions · Combine with Nanputuo Temple and Xiamen University nearby · Call +86 592 2085345 to confirm hours

Attractions by category

Explore by your interests.

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Hours

Most temples and parks open about 07:00-18:00; museums usually close on Mondays; Gulangyu sights close around 17:30-18:00.

Fees

Gulangyu ferry round trip about ¥35 (~$5); Sunlight Rock ¥50-60 (~$7-9); Shuzhuang Garden about ¥30 (~$4); Hulishan Fortress about ¥25-30 (~$4); Nanputuo Temple and the Overseas Chinese Museum are free.

Best Times

October-December and March-May for mild, drier weather; weekday mornings for the shortest queues.

Booking

Foreign visitors buy real-name Gulangyu ferry tickets with passport details via the official ferry operator channels, up to about 15 days ahead; Xiamen University entry needs an advance reservation.

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Frequently asked questions