Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
5 Days Xiamen Travel Itinerary: Budget-Friendly Couples Guide
Explore coastal charm, cultural gems, and delicious eats on a romantic budget adventure
Couples TravelBudget TravelCity ExplorationXiamen5-Days
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, China
Famous For: Coastal scenery,Gulangyu Island UNESCO site,Hakka architecture
Daily Cost: $50-70 per couple
Best Season: April - November
Introduction: Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen offers the perfect blend of coastal relaxation and cultural discovery for couples. With its tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture on Gulangyu Island, and scenic mountain temples, this coastal city provides intimate settings for romantic strolls and budget-friendly adventures. Explore centuries-old Buddhist sanctuaries, sample unique Fujian cuisine at street food stalls, and enjoy bike rides along ocean vistas without breaking the bank.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming flowers across Xiamen Botanical Garden.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) but perfect for beach activities at Baicheng Beach.
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (18-26°C) ideal for exploring Nanputuo Temple and Huandao Road cycling.
❄️Winter: Mild (10-18°C) with fewer crowds, though some outdoor activities may be limited.
Arriving and leaving Xiamen
Metro Line 1 & 3 connect major attractions. Buses cost ¥1-2 with free transfers. Bike rentals (¥2/hr) available along Huandao Road.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
8km from city center with direct metro Line 3 to Xiamen North Railway Station (40 mins). Taxis cost ¥100-130 (¥8/km).
Xiamen North Railway Station
28km from Gulangyu Island. High-speed trains connect to Fuzhou (1.5 hrs) and Shenzhen (3.5 hrs). Taxis cost ¥80-100.
Where to stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhood
Siming District
Near Huandao Road and Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. Budget options like Home Inn start at $35/night.
Huli District
Modern area with Metro Line 1 access. Hotels like Ramada offer pool facilities for $60/night.
Top Things to do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
Explore this car-free island with colonial architecture, Piano Museum, and scenic coastal paths. Spend a full day exploring.
Nanputuo Temple
Serene Buddhist temple with stunning mountain views and vegetarian cuisine at its dining hall.
Huandao Road
10km coastal road for romantic bike rides with stops at Xiamen University and Baicheng Beach.
Tips
Bring raincoat for Gulangyu Island ferry rides. Visit temples before noon to avoid crowds.
What to eat: Xiamen food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. HaoChingShiang
Budget-friendly chain serving local specialties like peanut soup. Meals under ¥15.
2. Zhangxiehe
Famous for oyster omelette and century egg appetizers. Located at Zhongshan Road.
3. Wu Chai Tiamat
Traditional tea house with Hakka cuisine. Try the claypot dishes.
Signature Dishes
1. Oyster Omelette
Fried oyster omelette with sweet chili sauce. Try at Zhangxiehe near Zhongshan Road.
2. Peanut Soup
Creamy peanut dessert soup. Best at HaoChingShiang fast food chain.
3. Taro Cake
Steamed taro cake with mushrooms and pork. Available at all morning markets.
Xiamen itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
Check into hotel in Siming District:Choose budget-friendly options near Zhongshan Road
🥗Lunch at HaoChingShiang:Try peanut soup and taro cake
Visit Nanputuo Temple:Explore temple grounds and enjoy mountain hiking
🍽️Dinner at Wu Chai Tiamat:Experience traditional tea house ambiance
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Local noodles and tea
Take ferry to Gulangyu Island:4.5 RMB ferry ride with scenic views
🥗Lunch at Linji Mansion:European-style cafe with seafood dishes
Visit Piano Museum:Explore collection of antique pianos
🍽️Dinner on Zhongchao Road:Street food stalls with local specialties
DAY 3
Rent bikes at Huandao Road:2-hour bike ride with scenic ocean views
🥗Lunch at Baicheng Seaview Restaurant:Seafood with direct beach access
Visit Xiamen Science and Technology Museum:Interactive exhibits for rainy day alternative
Sunset at Huli Mountain Fortress:Scenic coastal views with historic cannons
DAY 4
Explore Xiamen University campus:Gorgeous architecture and lakeside paths
🥗Lunch at Dailu Restaurant:Try Hakka-style braised pork
Visit Shimei Night Market:Sample local street food like grilled squid
🍽️Dinner at Zhongshan Road Night Market:Variety of budget-friendly food stalls
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at local bakery:Try pineapple buns and soy milk
Shopping at Zhongshan Road:Buy souvenirs like tea and preserved fruits
🥗Lunch at Zhangxiehe:Final meal with oyster omelette
Departure:Return transfer to airport/railway station
Xiamen Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion