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July 25, 2025
3-Day Xiamen Itinerary for Couples: Romantic Escapes & Hidden Gems
Discover Xiamen's charm with a curated 3-day plan for couples, blending cultural landmarks, scenic coastlines, and budget-friendly luxury
Couples TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range TravelXiamen
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Coastal architecture,Gulangyu World Heritage Site,Seafood cuisine
Daily Cost: $80-120 per person
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Why Xiamen for Couples' Getaway
Xiamen offers a perfect romantic escape with its tropical coastline, colonial-era charm, and tranquil islands. From the piano melodies of Gulangyu Island to the serene trails of Wanshi Botanical Garden, this coastal gem combines cultural depth with natural beauty. Couples can explore centuries-old temples, savor fresh seafood at bustling markets, and cycle together along the scenic Huandao Road, making it ideal for both adventure and intimate moments.
Best Time to Experience Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer perfect weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (18-25°C) with blooming flowers at Zhongshan Park. Ideal for outdoor activities and avoiding summer crowds.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) with frequent afternoon showers. Best for beach lovers at Baicheng Beach, but book accommodation early.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant 20-26°C weather with clear skies. Perfect for hiking Hongdu Lingding Trail and enjoying seafood festivals.
❄️Winter: Cooler (10-18°C) with fewer tourists. Great for exploring Nanshan Temple and enjoying off-season hotel deals.
Arriving and Leaving Xiamen
Metro (Lines 1/2/3), taxis ($2 base + $0.4/km), and bike rentals along Huandao Road. Metro cards available at airport/station. Budget ~$5-8 daily for transport.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
40 minutes from city center by taxi ($15-20). Modern terminal with direct metro Line 3 connections to downtown. 24/7 operations with frequent international flights.
Xiamen Railway Station
20 minutes from downtown by taxi ($7-10). High-speed rail links to Fuzhou (1.5h), Shenzhen (3h), and Shanghai (7h). Modern facility with luggage storage services.
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhoods
Siming District
Heart of Xiamen near Zhongshan Road shopping. Home to luxury hotels like Xiamen Mandarin Oriental Hotel and boutique options near Nanshan Temple.
Huli District
Modern area with business hotels like Huli Kaiyue Business Hotel. Good base for exploring industrial parks and night markets.
Gulangyu Island
Romantic villas and heritage homes like Gulangyu International Youth Hostel. Reachable via 20-minute ferry ($3.5) from First Harbor Park.
Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, piano museum, and cliffside vistas. Explore hidden lanes and enjoy sunset at Sunlight Rock
Nanshan Temple
Stunning hilltop temple complex with golden statues and panoramic city views. Visit during morning incense rituals for spiritual tranquility.
Huandao Road
Scenic 9km coastal cycling path with ocean views. Rent tandem bikes ($2/hour) and stop at seafood restaurants like Baicheng Seafood Garden
Tips
Book ferry tickets to Gulangyu Island in advance during holidays. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Tulou villages.
What to Eat: Xiamen Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Lin's Seafood Restaurant
Waterfront dining at Zhonggang Wharf. Must-order: Tiger Crab Hotpot ($45) and Sweet Glutinous Rice Wine dessert
2. Yuehua Snack Shop
Local favorite for breakfast. Try the Peanut Soup ($3) and Sesame Cake ($1.5). Open since 1940 with retro decor.
3. Chunqiu Pavilion
Fine dining in a Qing-era mansion. Book sunset terrace for five-course Fujian tasting menu ($60/pair)
Signature Dishes
1. Shacha Noodles
Local specialty with peanut butter broth, shrimp, and hand-pulled noodles. Best at Huang Zehe Shacha Noodles (est. 1958)
2. Oyster Omelette
Crispy egg pancake with fresh oysters and chili sauce. Authentic version at Dada Seafood night market stall
3. Taro Balls
Chewy purple dumplings filled with pork/sesame. Try the seasonal black sesame version at Old Chen Taro Shop
Xiamen 3-Day Itinerary for Couples
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Yuehua Snack Shop:Start with traditional Fujian breakfast: Sesame Cake and Peanut Soup
Visit Nanshan Temple:Walk the temple grounds and light incense together for blessings
🥗Lunch at Lin's Seafood Restaurant:Try their signature Lobster Fried Rice and Steamed Grouper
Explore Zhongshan Road:Shop for local crafts and sample street food like Coconut Jelly
Sunset at Huli Bridge:Enjoy panoramic views of Xiamen's skyline during golden hour
🍽️Dinner at Chunqiu Pavilion:Indulge in Michelin-recommended Fujian cuisine in a historic setting
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at The Watermark Café:European-style café in a heritage building with ocean views
Visit Sunlight Rock:Climb to the island's highest point for breathtaking panoramic views
🥗Lunch at Zhang Sanfeng Dumpling House:Famous pork dumplings made with family recipe from 1918
Explore Piano Museum:World's only museum showcasing antique pianos and pipe organs
Beach Walk at Gangtou Park:Stroll along the shore collecting seashells and watching boat traffic
🍽️Dinner at Hai Tuo Restaurant:Traditional island home converted to romantic seafood eatery
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at The Westin Xiamen:Luxury breakfast buffet with ocean vistas from the 32nd floor
Bike Ride on Huandao Road:Rent tandem bikes and cycle 5km to Huandao Park
🥗Lunch at Baicheng Seafood Garden:Oceanfront dining with freshly caught seafood prepared to order
Explore Wanshi Botanical Garden:Walk through tropical plant collections and the tranquil Japanese Garden
Relax at Mandarin Oriental Spa:Enjoy couples' massage with ocean views at this 5-star spa
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Skyline Restaurant:Dine on international cuisine while watching the city lights from 45 floors up
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