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July 25, 2025
3 views5-Day Xiamen Family Budget Travel Guide
Affordable Itinerary for Exploring Xiamen's Culture, Nature, and Food
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Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, China
Famous For: Coastal Scenery,Historical Architecture,Seafood Cuisine
Daily Cost: $80-120 per person
Best Season: April-October
Introduction: Why Visit Xiamen
Xiamen combines coastal charm with cultural depth, offering Gulangyu Island's UNESCO heritage, Xiamen Science and Technology Museum's interactive exhibits, and Hu Li Mountain Fortress's ocean vistas. With family-friendly transportation like bike rentals and budget-conscious dining options, it's ideal for multi-generational travelers seeking both education and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Pleasant 18-25°C temperatures with blooming flowers in Xiamen Botanical Garden
☀️Summer: Hot and humid with beach activities at BaiCheng Beach, but occasional typhoons
🍁Autumn: Perfect 22-28°C weather for exploring Jimei School Village
❄️Winter: Mild 12-18°C with fewer tourists, though ocean breezes feel cooler
Arriving and Leaving Xiamen
Metro Line 1 (¥3-7), buses (¥1), shared bikes (¥1.5/hour), and Didi taxis. Purchase a Yikatong card for seamless transfers.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
7km from city center with 24/7 operations. Airport Metro Line 1 connects to downtown in 30 minutes. Taxis cost ¥100-150 ($14-21) with 25-minute travel time.
Xiamen North Railway Station
28km from city center with high-speed trains to Beijing (7h), Shanghai (11h), and Guangzhou (5h). Metro Line 1 connects in 40 minutes. Taxis cost ¥180-220 ($25-30) with 40-minute travel time.
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhood
SM City/Xiamen North
Modern shopping district with budget hotels like Xiamen City Square Hilton Garden Inn near Metro Line 1
Gulangyu Island
Historic villas and mid-range options like NOA Hotel Xiamen with ferry access
Huli District
Economical choice with Xiamen Xihai Art Hotel offering easy access to food streets
Top Things to Do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, classical music museum, and scenic coastal walks
Xiamen Science and Technology Museum
Interactive exhibits including earthquake simulation and 3D planetarium shows
Hu Li Mountain Fortress
19th-century coastal defense site with giant German Krupp cannon and panoramic ocean views
Tips
Book ferry tickets to Gulangyu Island in advance during peak seasons
What to Eat: Xiamen Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. JiaJia Sha Cha Mian
Local chain serving authentic Shacha Noodles for ¥15-25 per bowl
2. Lian Huan Oyster Omelet
Specializing in crispy oyster omelets at ¥20-35 per serving
3. Zhongshan Road Night Market
Open-air food street with 50+ stalls offering budget-friendly local delicacies
Signature Dishes
1. Shacha Noodles
Spicy peanut butter-based noodles with seafood and pork slices
2. Oyster Omelet
Crispy starch batter with fresh oysters, topped with sweet chili sauce
3. Thousand-layer Cake
Multi-colored steamed cake with 16 distinct layers
Xiamen Itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Zhongshan Road:Try local snacks like peanut soup at street stalls
Visit Shuzhuang Garden:Explore oceanfront classical garden with hidden pathways
🥗Lunch at Linjia Xiao Gu Lou:Traditional Xiamen dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall
Explore Longhai Church:Admire gothic architecture and classical music concerts
🍽️Dinner at Yanwuzong Seafood Market:Select fresh catches and have them cooked at market stalls
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Huli Seafood Market:Local-style seafood porridge with pickled vegetables
Visit Xiamen Science and Technology Museum:Interactive exhibits for all ages
🥗Lunch at Booms Shake:Modern cafe with fusion dishes like curry crab pasta
Explore Hu Li Mountain Fortress:Walk around massive 19th-century coastal defense structure
Stroll BaiCheng Beach:Relax at oceanfront beach near Xiamen University
🍽️Dinner at Great Noodles Alley:Try multiple local specialties in food court setting
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Lian Huan Oyster Omelet:Crispy oyster omelet with homemade chili sauce
Visit Xiamen City Museum:Learn about coastal city's 2000-year history
🥗Lunch at Xin Cai Zhen Restaurant:Modern interpretation of Fujian cuisine
Explore Xiamen BRT System:Ride the elevated bus system connecting city districts
Walk West Harbour Bridge:Take in views of harbor and distant islands
🍽️Dinner at Xi Yue Restaurant:Contemporary Chinese cuisine with harbor views
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Zengcuo'an Food Street:Try local snacks like fish balls and sweet tofu pudding
Visit Zengcuo'an Fisherman Village:Explore preserved traditional coastal community
🥗Lunch at Old Town Restaurant:Home-style cooking in historic building
Explore Jimei School Village:See unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture
🍽️Dinner at Chaozhi Seafood Restaurant:Creative seafood preparations in modern setting
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Xiamen Botanical Garden:Enjoy tropical plants while having coffee at garden cafe
Morning Bike Ride on Ring Island Road:Rent bikes for 15km coastal cycling path
🥗Lunch at Haiwan Restaurant:Try local favorite seafood hot pot
Shopping at Baolong Star Plaza:Modern mall for last-minute souvenirs and gifts
Departure to Airport/Station:Return transportation arranged based on departure method
Xiamen Travel FAQs
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