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July 25, 2025
Xiamen Family Food Adventure: 3 Days of Coastal Cuisine & Culture
Explore seaside charm and family-friendly flavors in this 3-day culinary journey through Xiamen
Family TravelFood TravelXiamenCoastal Adventures
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province
Famous For: Coastal Scenery,Colonial Architecture,Local Delicacies
Daily Cost: $150-200
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Visit Xiamen?
Xiamen combines tropical beaches, preserved colonial architecture, and vibrant food markets to create an ideal family destination. From Gulangyu Island's car-free lanes to Zhongshan Road's bustling shopping street, this coastal city offers perfect balance between relaxation and cultural exploration, especially for food-loving families seeking authentic Fujian flavors.
Best Time to Visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Mild spring and autumn seasons with comfortable temperatures
🌱Spring: March-May brings warm weather (18-25°C) perfect for exploring Xiamen Botanical Garden. Spring Festival period offers special food markets along Zengcuo'an.
☀️Summer: June-August has hot, humid weather (28-32°C) with occasional typhoons. Better to focus on indoor attractions like Xiamen Science and Technology Museum during this season.
🍁Autumn: September-November offers perfect 20-26°C weather for beach activities at Baithengzhu Island. Mid-Autumn Festival brings mooncake-making workshops at Huli Park.
❄️Winter: December-February averages 15-20°C with occasional cold snaps. Best time to try warming specialties like Shacha hotpot at Chongwu Restaurant.
Arriving and Leaving Xiamen
Family-friendly options include taxi ($3-5 starts at airport), metro (Lines 1 & 3 connect major districts), and sightseeing buses ($15/day family pass covers鼓浪屿 ferry). Bike rentals available along Huandao Road (15-30¢/hour).
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
30 minutes from city center by taxi ($15-20) or free airport shuttle buses. Direct flights from major Chinese cities and Southeast Asian destinations.
Xiamen Railway Station
Xiamen North Railway Station
Further out (40 min from city). Less convenient for direct transfers but connects to more western destinations.
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhoods
Siming District
Historic heart near Zhongshan Road and Gulangyu Island ferries. Family hotels like Xiamen Marco Polo Oriental Hotel offer connecting rooms and breakfast buffets.
Huli District
Modern business area with family suites at Puli Hotel & Spa. Nearby SM City Plaza offers indoor play areas and food courts.
Top Things to Do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
Car-free island with European architecture and Sunlight Rock views. Rent family bikes ($3/hour) for exploring museums and street musicians.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Colonial-era shopping street lined with food stalls selling peanut soup and fried oysters. Night markets offer glow-in-the-dark squid sticks for kids.
Xiamen Science and Technology Museum
Interactive exhibits perfect for rainy days. Kids love the earthquake simulator and 4D space station ride.
Tips
Book Gulangyu Island ferry tickets in advance during peak seasons. Wear waterproof shoes for Shuzhuang Garden paths.
What to Eat: Xiamen Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Longtou Road Snack Street
24-hour street food paradise with kid-friendly options like fried banana and grilled tofu skewers. Budget $20-30/family.
2. Jacky Angela Steakhouse
Western-style steakhouse with pasta stations and kids' menus. Average $50-60 for family dinner.
Signature Dishes
1. Shacha Noodles
Local specialty with peanut butter-infused broth and seafood toppings. Best at Longtou Road street vendors.
2. Geguliang Scrambled Eggs
Gulangyu-style eggs with condensed milk sweetness. Must-try at Gulangyu Food Street during daylight hours.
3. Huli Zongzi
Pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings with pork and chestnuts. Find fresh ones at Xiamen Cultural Center Market.
Xiamen Itinerary 3 Days & Family-Friendly Adventures
DAY 1
Arrival at Xiamen Gaoqi Airport:Use family taxi lane for quick transfers to hotel. Start exploring Zhongshan Road with kid-friendly architecture tours.
🥗Lunch at Longtou Road Snack Street:Try local specialties like Oyster omelette and Peanut soup. Budget $2-3 per item.
Gulangyu Island ferry:30-minute ferry ride to Gulangyu Island. Rent family bike at arrival dock.
🍽️Dinner at Huli Zongzi Stand:Try traditional Fujian dumplings at this popular night market stall.
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Buffet breakfast with both local and international options.
Xiamen Science and Technology Museum:Hands-on exhibits perfect for kids. Allocate 3 hours for all zones.
🥗Lunch at SM City Food Court:Variety of options from noodles to burgers in family-friendly setting.
Huandao Road Bike Ride:Family bike rental along scenic coastal road. Stop at Baithengzhu Island viewpoint.
🍽️Dinner at Jacky Angela Steakhouse:Western-style meal with kids' menus. Try local seafood pasta options.
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Try local Braised duck with preserved vegetables option.
Zengcuo'an Fishing Village:Explore converted fishermen's houses now offering handicraft workshops and snack bars.
🥗Lunch at Zengcuo'an Local Restaurant:Sample Seafood porridge and Bamboo rice in traditional setting.
Return to hotel for departure:Taxi back to airport/railway station. Budget 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
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