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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 7-Day Budget-Friendly Couples' Travel Guide to Xiamen
Explore Xiamen's romantic spots, cultural gems, and scenic beauty without breaking the bank
Couples TravelBudget TravelCity Exploration7 Days ItineraryXiamen
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, southeastern China
Famous For: Gulangyu Island World Heritage Site,Coastal views and seafood cuisine,Cultural fusion of Chinese and Western architecture
Daily Cost: $50-70 per couple
Best Season: March-May & September-November
Introduction: Why Xiamen for Couples?
Xiamen offers the perfect blend of romantic scenery, cultural depth, and budget-friendly options for couples. With its coastal charm, Gulangyu Island, scenic Hulishan Battery, and vibrant street food culture, this city provides intimate settings for memorable experiences. The city's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike, while its extensive public transport system ensures affordable mobility.
Best Time to Visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: March-May (spring) and September-November (autumn) offer perfect weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming flowers, ideal for outdoor activities
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-32°C) but offers beach access and night markets
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (18-26°C) and clear skies perfect for island exploration
❄️Winter: Mild (10-20°C) with fewer tourists, though coastal winds can be strong
Arriving and Leaving Xiamen
Extensive metro system (Lines 1-3), bike rentals ($0.6/hour), and taxis ($3-8 USD for short rides). Bus routes cover all major attractions with fares at $0.3 USD.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
The main airport located 12km northeast of city center. Taxis cost $15-20 USD and take 30 minutes. Metro Line 3 connects to downtown in 40 minutes.
Xiamen Railway Station
Main train hub with high-speed connections to Fuzhou (2h), Shenzhen (3h), and Shanghai (11h). Taxis to city center cost $8-12 USD.
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhoods
Zhongshan Road
Historic area with colonial architecture, night markets, and proximity to Xiamen Museum and Zhonggang Creek.
Zengcuo'an Village
Quaint coastal village near Hulishan Battery with budget guesthouses and direct beach access.
Modern Downtown (Siming District)
Modern amenities near Shuangzi Gate Park with easy metro access to all attractions.
Top Things to Do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, piano museum, and romantic coastal paths.
Hulishan Battery
Historic 19th-century fortress with coastal views and Asia's largest cannon replica.
Xiamen Botanical Garden
3 square kilometers of tropical gardens, waterfalls, and pagodas with peaceful ambiance for couples.
Tips
Visit Gulangyu Island during weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring historical sites.
What to Eat: Xiamen Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Lin's Shacha Noodles
Iconic local spot serving authentic shacha noodles since 1980, $3-5 USD per bowl.
2. Shaxi Seafood Market
Catch-and-cook seafood market where couples can select fresh seafood and pay chefs to prepare it.
3. Tong'an Lou Restaurant
Historic teahouse serving traditional Fujian desserts including signature peanut soup since 1915.
Signature Dishes
1. Shacha Noodles
Noodles with peanut butter sauce and seafood in spicy broth, a local specialty at street stalls.
2. Seafood Feast
Freshly caught prawns, clams, and fish prepared at local markets like Shaxi Market for ~$15 USD per couple.
3. Peanut Soup
Sweet dessert soup with soft peanut paste served at century-old Tong'an Lou restaurant.
Xiamen Itinerary: 7 Days for Couples
DAY 1
Ferry to Gulangyu Island:Take the 20-minute ferry from Haicang terminal with scenic views of the harbor
🥗Lunch at Haiwan Restaurant:Enjoy seafood dishes with harbor views at this cliffside restaurant
Visit Kangchuan Mansion:Explore this historic Western-style mansion with tropical gardens and ocean vistas
Sunset at Sunlight Rock:Watch sunset from the island's highest point with panoramic coastal views
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Zhongshan Road night market:Try local specialties like peanut soup and fish balls at this bustling street market
Explore Xiamen Museum:Free entry to learn about Fujian coastal history and regional culture
Visit Nanshan Caihong Bridge:Walk the rainbow-patterned bridge and enjoy views of modern Xiamen architecture
🍽️Dinner at Caihong Haiwan Restaurant:Enjoy grilled seafood while watching the city lights from this riverside spot
Xiamen Travel FAQs
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