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July 25, 2025
7-Day Xiamen Solo Travel Guide: Budget-Friendly Food & Culture
Explore Xiamen's iconic sites, street food, and hidden gems without breaking the bank
XiamenSolo TravelFood TravelBudget Travel7 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Gulangyu World Heritage Site,Hokkien cuisine,Coastal scenery,Minnan architecture
Daily Cost: $35-50 USD
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Why Visit Xiamen?
Known as the 'Garden on the Sea', Xiamen combines coastal beauty with rich cultural heritage. With its subtropical climate, historic neighborhoods, and renowned street food scene, it's perfect for budget-conscious solo travelers seeking authentic experiences. From Gulangyu Island's colonial villas to Bailuzhou Park's serene gardens, every corner tells a story.
Best Time to Visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer ideal temperatures (15-28°C) with minimal rainfall.
🌱Spring: Cherry blossoms at Xiamen University and mild temperatures perfect for coastal hikes
☀️Summer: Hot and humid with occasional typhoons, but great for night markets and beach activities
🍁Autumn: Harvest season brings fresh seafood festivals and comfortable sightseeing weather
❄️Winter: Cooler (8-15°C) but dry season ideal for budget travelers avoiding crowds
Arriving and Leaving Xiamen
Affordable metro system (Lines 1-3), bus network (¥1-2), and bike-sharing (Mobike). Day passes available for ¥15.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
15km from city center with metro Line 3 connection (25min). Taxis cost ¥80-120 (~$11-16)
Xiamen Railway Station
Central location with frequent metro connections. Bullet trains to Fuzhou (1h30min) and Shenzhen (3h)
Xiamen North Railway Station
30km north of city center, less convenient than Gaoqi Airport
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhoods
Siming District
Closest to main attractions like Zhongshan Road and Nanputuo Temple, with budget hotels from ¥150/night
Huli District
Modern area with good transport links and mid-range options near Bailuzhou Park
Top Things to Do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage site with historic mansions, pianos museums, and scenic coastal paths. Ferry: ¥35
Xiamen University
One of China's most beautiful campuses with traditional architecture and free public access days
Baicheng Beach
City-center beach perfect for sunset walks and budget seafood dinners at nearby stalls
![Baicheng Beach Tickets [2025] - Promos, Prices, Reviews & Opening ...](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fak-d.tripcdn.com%2Fimages%2F0101412000h45qsnh9E63.jpg%3Fproc%3Dsource%252Ftrip&w=1920&q=75)
Tips
Buy combo tickets for multiple attractions to save 20-30%
Xiamen Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes
Recommended Restaurants
1. Eighth Market Food Court
Fresh seafood at wholesale prices. Budget: ¥30-50 per person
2. Cai'an Temple Peanut Soup
Famous street stall serving sweet peanut soup since 1930. ¥5 per bowl
3. Zhenxiang Restaurant
Local chain with authentic Minnan cuisine. Try their clay-pot dishes for ¥25-40
Signature Dishes
1. Sha Cha Noodles
Signature Hokkien dish with peanut butter broth, seafood, and BBQ pork. Try at Eighth Market stalls for ¥15-20
2. Oyster Omelette
Crispy seafood specialty with sweet chili sauce. Best from Zhongshan Road street vendors
3. Honey-Glazed Pork Belly
Local sweet-savory favorite. Sample at family-run restaurants like Yongle Restaurant
Xiamen 7-Day Itinerary: Culture, Nature & Food
DAY 1
Morning ferry to Gulangyu Island:Purchase round-trip ferry ticket (¥35) at First Ocean-going Ferry Terminal
🥗Lunch at Shuzhuang Garden Seafood:Fresh catch-of-the-day dishes with ocean views
Visit Sunlight Rock:Panoramic island views from highest peak (entrance ¥60)
🍽️Dinner at Piano Museum Courtyard:
DAY 2
Morning tour of Xiamen University:Guided walks through historic campus buildings
🥗Lunch at Deshun Restaurant:Vegetarian Buddhist cuisine with mock meat dishes
Visit Nanputuo Temple:5-minute walk from university. Incense offering ¥10-30
Relax at Baicheng Beach:Free entry. Sunset view with local street performers
DAY 3
Morning walk along Zhongshan Road:Tree-lined boulevard with preserved colonial buildings
🥗Lunch at Yongle Restaurant:Try their signature honey-glazed pork belly
Explore Eighth Market:Local seafood market with budget-friendly stalls
🍽️Dinner at Bailuzhou Night Market:Sample street food like stinky tofu and tropical fruits
DAY 4
Rent bike at Hubin East Road:Mobike/Hello Bike hourly rentals from ¥1.5
Cycle Huandao Road to Huangcuo Overlook:20km ride with ocean vistas and photo stops
🥗Lunch at Cai'an Temple Area:Family-run restaurant with local specialties
Visit Xiamen Botanical Garden:Extensive tropical plant collections (entrance ¥30)
DAY 5
Visit Xiamen Museum:Free admission with English exhibits on local history
🥗Lunch at Cunben Sha Cha:Award-winning Sha Cha noodles since 1940
Tour Jimei School Village:Unique architecture combining Chinese and Western styles
View 鳌园 Gardens:Stonework museum with calligraphy carvings (entrance ¥20)
DAY 6
Join Xiamen Food Workshop:Hands-on Sha Cha noodles and dumpling-making session (¥120)
🥗Lunch with instructors:Taste creations from morning session
Visit Zengcuo'an Village:Artists' village with boutique shops and street performances
🍽️Farewell dinner at Tianfu Restaurant:Sample 8-treasure duck and preserved oyster soup
DAY 7
Souvenir shopping at Zhongshan Road:Purchase traditional crafts and local specialties
Last meal at Hongzhang Small Food:Try their famous egg pancakes and coconut jelly
Taxi to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport:Pre-book taxi through hotel for fixed ¥100 fare
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