A quieter stretch of sand on the south-east tip of Xiamen Island with a calm bay, beach cafes and fish restaurants. It is popular with families and locals for sunrise walks and swimming.
Huangcuo Beach lies on Huandao East Road in Siming District, near the south-east tip of Xiamen Island in Fujian, China. It is a quieter stretch of sand than the beaches closer to the city centre, set in a calm bay that keeps the surf gentle. The sand is fine and the water, like most of the island's coast, is greenish rather than clear, though the bay's shelter makes it comfortable for wading and swimming. The character is relaxed and family-friendly, popular with local residents for sunrise walks, morning swims and weekend outings, and noticeably less hectic than the food lanes at Zengcuoan. Facilities are good for a city-edge beach. Showers and toilets are provided, beach restaurants and seafood stalls line the back of the sand, and sunbed and umbrella rental is available in season. A walking and cycling path runs along the shore, so visitors can extend a swim into a longer coastal ride or stroll. Lifeguard hours are not confirmed here and should be checked on arrival, especially outside the peak summer months. Access is by road. The beach is about 12 km east of Zhongshan Road, roughly 30 minutes by taxi. City buses run along Huandao East Road, with routes best checked on Amap, and a Didi costs about 35 to 55 yuan. The metro does not reach the beach, so a taxi or bus connection is needed. Roadside parking exists but fills on summer weekends and holidays. Swimming is best from May to October, and many visitors time a trip for sunrise or the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Fresh seafood at the beach restaurants is a common reason to stay through lunch or dinner, and prices should be confirmed before ordering. The coastal path continues toward neighbouring beaches, which suits visitors who prefer to walk or cycle between several stretches of shore.
| Distance | About 12 km east of Zhongshan Road, 30 minutes by taxi |
|---|---|
| Getting there | City bus along Huandao East Road (check Amap), or Didi (about ¥35-55 (~$5.1-8.1)); metro does not reach the beach. |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | May to October |
| Address | Huangcuo, Huandao East Road, Siming District, Xiamen (福建省厦门市思明区环岛东路黄厝海滩) |
Amenities
- Showers and toilets
- Beach restaurants and seafood stalls
- Sunbed and umbrella rental in season
- Walking and cycling path
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, photographers
Location
Huangcuo, Huandao East Road, Siming District, Xiamen (福建省厦门市思明区环岛东路黄厝海滩)
24.4345, 118.1795 View on map
Highlights
- Calm, sheltered bay on Xiamen Island's south-east tip
- Sunrise walks and morning swims popular with locals
- Beach restaurants and seafood stalls behind the sand
- Sunbed and umbrella rental in season
Tips for visiting
- Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.
- Use a taxi or Didi, since the metro does not reach the beach.
- Confirm seafood prices before ordering at beachfront restaurants.
- Arrive early on summer weekends and holidays to find roadside parking.
- Combine a swim with a ride along the Huandao East Road cycle path.
When to visit
May to October; sunrise or late afternoon for calm conditions and comfortable temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
Is Huangcuo Beach suitable for families?
Yes. The calm bay and nearby facilities make it popular with families and local residents, particularly in summer.
How far is Huangcuo Beach from central Xiamen?
It is about 12 km east of Zhongshan Road, around 30 minutes by taxi. A Didi costs roughly 35 to 55 yuan.
Can sunbeds be rented?
Sunbed and umbrella rental is available in season, alongside showers, toilets and beach restaurants.