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July 25, 2025
1 views5 Days Xiamen Family Travel Guide: Budget-Friendly Adventures
Explore coastal charm, cultural gems, and kid-friendly activities without breaking the bank
Family TravelBudget TravelCity Exploration
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Coastal scenery,Gulangyu Island UNESCO heritage,Family-friendly attractions
Daily Cost: $80-120 per person
Best Season: April-October
Why Xiamen for Family Travel?
Xiamen combines tropical island vibes with educational opportunities, offering Gulangyu Island, Xiamen Science and Technology Museum, and scenic Zengcuo'an Amoy University campus. With direct flights to major cities and well-connected public transport, this coastal gem delivers unforgettable family memories through beach play, cultural discovery, and delicious street food adventures.
Best Time to Visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: April-October for beach activities | November-March for cultural tours
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (18-25°C) perfect for exploring Xiamen Botanical Garden. Avoid Qingming Festival crowds.
☀️Summer: Hot (28-32°C) but perfect for water activities at Haicang Bridge area. Book waterpark tickets in advance.
🍁Autumn: Ideal season (20-26°C) with fewer tourists post-Moon Festival. Great for outdoor adventures.
❄️Winter: Cooler (12-18°C) with lower prices. Focus on indoor attractions like Xiamen Museum and local food markets.
Arriving and Leaving Xiamen
Subway ($0.35-1.40 per ride) covers major areas. Family-friendly options: Sightseeing buses ($2/day) and taxi apps like Didi (avg $3-8 per ride).
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
4km from city center with 24/7 airport shuttle ($8, 30min) and taxi services ($20-25, 25min)
Xiamen North Railway Station
30km from city center with bullet trains connecting Shanghai (4.5hr) and Shenzhen (1.5hr). Airport shuttle available.
Best Neighborhoods for Family Stays
Siming District
Closest to Gulangyu Wharf with family hotels like Xiamen Marco Polo ($80/night). Walking distance to Zhongshan Road Night Market.
Huli District
Budget-friendly chain hotels (Ibis/Hanting $50-70/night). Easy subway access to attractions.
Top Family Attractions in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage site with kid-friendly piano museum. Take ferry from Gulangyu Wharf ($3 round trip).
Xiamen Science and Technology Museum
Interactive exhibits including earthquake simulator and maritime history section. Great for rainy days.
Xiamen Botanical Garden
Explore tropical plants and rockeries. Combine with nearby Zhonghe Temple visit.
Tips
Combine indoor and outdoor activities to manage weather. Book museum tickets online for discounts.
Xiamen Family Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Zhongshan Road Night Market
Street food paradise with family seating areas. Must-try: Taro balls and seafood skewers.
2. Ammonite Restaurant
Ocean-themed restaurant with kid-friendly seafood platters. Located near Xiamen Aquarium.
Signature Dishes
1. Oyster Omelette
Savory street food with fresh oysters and sweet potato starch. Best at Zeng Ang Xiao Chi night market stalls.
2. Bak Ku Teh
Braising pork ribs soup served with rice. Try at Old Siming Bak Ku Teh restaurant.
Xiamen Itineraries for 5 Days
DAY 1
Visit Zengcuo'an Amoy University campus:Scenic university walk with coastal views and local student cafés
🥗Lunch at Siming Food Court:Affordable family-style Fujian dishes with air-conditioned seating
Explore Xiamen Museum:Free entry with interactive exhibits about maritime history
Check-in at Xiamen Marco Polo Hotel:Family-friendly amenities including indoor pool
🍽️Dinner at Zhongshan Road Night Market:Try street food favorites: Taro balls and grilled squid
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Buffet with Western and Chinese options
Ferry to Gulangyu Island:15-minute boat ride with scenic views
🥗Lunch at Gulangyu Seafood Restaurant:Fresh catches with kid-friendly preparation options
Visit Gulangyu Piano Museum:Interactive music exhibits in a historic mansion
Return to mainland:Sunset views from ferry
🍽️Dinner at 85°C Bakery Cafe:Local bakery chain with affordable meals and desserts
DAY 3
Visit Xiamen Botanical Garden:Explore tropical plants and waterfalls
🥗Lunch at Parkside Garden Restaurant:Farm-to-table dishes with outdoor seating
Drive to Haicang Bridge:Scenic bridge views and nearby play areas
Walk at Bailuzhou Park:Lake-side paths perfect for bike rentals
Check-in at Xiamen Peninsula Hotel:Family rooms with city views
🍽️Dinner at Tianyuan Mansion Restaurant:Local specialty restaurant with private rooms
DAY 4
Visit Nanputuo Temple:Scenic temple with vegetarian food options
🥗Lunch at Nanputuo Vegetarian Restaurant:Vegetarian dishes with temple views
Explore Xiamen Science and Technology Museum:Hands-on exhibits for children
Relax at hotel:Pool time and family relaxation
🍽️Dinner at Xiamen Marriott Hotel:International buffet with kid-friendly options
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Last chance for local breakfast items
Shopping at Baode Road Snack Market:Buy souvenirs like seaweed snacks and peanut brittle
🥗Lunch at market:Final taste of Xiamen specialties
Transfer to airport/station:Enjoy your return journey with new memories
Xiamen Travel FAQs
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