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July 25, 2025
7-Day Solo Travel Guide to Xiamen: Budget-Friendly City Exploration
Discover coastal charm, historic gems, and budget-friendly delights in Xiamen
XiamenSolo TravelBudget Travel7 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Gulangyu Island,Xiamen University,Coastal Road
Daily Cost: $35-50 USD
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Why Xiamen for Solo Travelers?
Xiamen combines coastal beauty with cultural depth, offering Gulangyu Island's UNESCO-listed architecture, modern art districts like Xiamen Museum, and vibrant street food scenes. With efficient public transport and compact districts, it's ideal for budget-conscious solo travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Optimal Seasons for Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C), blooming flowers on Gulangyu Island, perfect for coastal walks
☀️Summer: Humid 28-32°C with occasional typhoons, but excellent for indoor attractions like Xiamen Science and Technology Museum
🍁Autumn: Post-monsoon freshness (20-28°C) with fall foliage at Jinmian Park
❄️Winter: Cool but comfortable 12-18°C, ideal for exploring Nanputuo Temple and food markets
Arriving and Leaving Xiamen
Buses (¥1-2) and Metro Line 1 (¥4 max) cover major attractions. Bike rentals (¥1/hour) ideal for coastal road. Budget taxis available at all attractions.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
15km from city center - Taxis take 30-40 minutes ($10-15 USD). Metro Line 1 connects to downtown in 45 minutes.
Xiamen Railway Station
Central location with frequent bus connections. 10 minutes to Zhongshan Road by taxi ($3 USD)
Xiamen North Railway Station
18km from city center - Taxi takes 40 minutes ($12 USD). High-speed rail hub to Fuzhou and Guangzhou
Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods
Siming District
Near Zhongshan Road and Gulangyu Ferry Terminal. Budget hostels (¥50/night) with easy access to food streets and night markets
Huli District
Modern apartment rentals near Xiamen North Station. Great for self-catering travelers with metro access
Gulangyu Island
Heritage guesthouses (¥80/night) without cars. Peaceful atmosphere but requires ferry transfers
Must-See Attractions
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage site with 19th-century colonial architecture, piano museums, and cliffside tea houses
Xiamen University
Asia's most beautiful campus with traditional pavilions bordering Baicheng Beach. Free entrance with valid ID
Haicang Bridge
Night illumination spectacle - walk or cycle across Asia's longest cable-stayed bridge for panoramic harbor views
Tips
Visit museums on Mondays when locals skip them. Take early morning ferry to Gulangyu Island to avoid crowds
Xiamen's Budget Food Paradise
Recommended Restaurants
1. Huang Zehe Peanut Soup
Iconic 50-year-old stall near Zhongshan Road serving signature peanut dessert since 1975
2. Xiao Wei Da
Award-winning street-side eatery for authentic Minnan cuisine including Shacha Noodles
3. Mian Nong Noodle House
Contemporary take on traditional dishes with modern plating - ¥30-50 per meal
Signature Dishes
1. Shacha Noodles
Smoky peanut butter broth with seafood and local vegetables from Shaxian Delicacies outlets
2. Oyster Omelette
Crispy street snack found at Zhongshan Road night market - budget ¥15 per serving
3. Peanut Soup
Sweet creamy dessert from Huang Zehe Peanut Soup - soft pork ribs with peanuts
Xiamen 7-Day Solo Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport:Take Metro Line 1 to city center
🥗Lunch at Huang Zehe Peanut Soup:Peanut soup with pork ribs and fried fish cakes
Walking Tour of Zhongshan Road:Explore colonial-era shophouses and local snacks
🍽️Dinner at Shaxian Delicacies:Try local dumplings and vegetarian dishes
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Gulangyu Ferry Terminal food stalls:Local fish balls and tea eggs
Visit Sunlight Rock:Panoramic island views from highest peak
🥗Lunch at Yongfeng Shacha Noodles:Island-style沙茶面 with seafood
Piano Museum Visit:Historic European pianos in a grand villa
🍽️Return Ferry and Dinner at Xiao Wei Da:Seafood hotpot and local specialties
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hostel:Free morning for budget travelers
Xiamen University Tour:Walk through Wuyi Pool and Biyin Garden
🥗Lunch at Xiamen University Canteen:Student-priced local dishes
Huli Mountain Fortress Exploration:Historical coastal defense site with giant cannon
Baicheng Beach Walk:Sunset views opposite Xiamen University
🍽️Dinner at Mian Nong Noodle House:Modernized local cuisine with creative presentations
DAY 4
Visit Nanputuo Temple:Zen Buddhism temple with vegetarian cuisine
🥗Lunch at Nanputuo Vegetarian Restaurant:Famous vegetarian banquet including mock meat dishes
Wuzhen Street Art Walk:Contemporary art galleries and traditional studios
Kulangsu Interactive Museum:Interactive exhibits with 3D art and VR experiences
🍽️Dinner at Zhen Zhen Xie Lao:Family-run eatery serving authentic Xiamen dishes
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hostel:Prepare for day trip
Jinmian Park Adventure:Scenic hiking trails with coastal views
🥗Picnic Lunch:Buy supplies from nearby markets
Haicang Bridge Walk:Cross Asia's longest cable-stayed bridge
Return to city:Metro Line 2 back to accommodation
🍽️Dinner at Chongwu Seafood Market:Choose and cook your own seafood
DAY 6
Visit Shimei Seafood Market:Morning fish auction watching
Cooking Class at Xiamen Cooking School:Learn to make Shacha Noodles and oyster omelette
🥗Lunch with classmates:Enjoy dishes made during cooking class
Coastal Road Cycling:Rent bike for scenic 8km ride
Sunset at Baicheng Lookout:Photography session at Xiamen's most popular sunset spot
🍽️Dinner at Yanwu Market Food Court:Try various local street foods
DAY 7
🍳Breakfast at Shaxian Delicacies:Quick local meal before departure
Last-minute Souvenirs at Zhongshan Road:Buy peanut candy and tea sets
🥗Lunch at Taste of China Restaurant:Try regional specialties from other provinces
Check-in for departure:Head to airport/station based on travel plans
Xiamen Travel FAQs
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