Discover hidden gems and upscale experiences in Xiamen's historic lanes and seaside resorts
Family TravelLuxury TravelCity Exploration
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Gulangyu Island,Coastal Road Cycling,Hakka Architecture,Tea Culture
Daily Cost: $200-300 per person
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Xiamen for Family Luxury Travel?
Xiamen combines historic charm with modern luxury, offering Gulangyu Island's UNESCO-listed heritage, scenic coastal drives, and world-class resorts. Families enjoy seamless access to cultural experiences and curated adventures, all while staying at top-tier accommodations like Waldorf Astoria Xiamen and Mandarin Oriental's private villas.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for perfect temperatures
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (18-25°C) with blooming flora on Gulangyu Island, ideal for outdoor activities
☀️Summer: Humid (28-35°C) but perfect for water activities at Baicheng Beach, early booking recommended
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (20-28°C) during Mid-Autumn Festival with mooncake-making experiences
❄️Winter: Mild (12-20°C) with Christmas markets at Xiamen Happy Valley, occasional fog affects flights
Arriving and leaving Xiamen
Luxury options: Uber SELECT/GrabLux (BMW/Toyota Alphard), hotel limo services ($60-100/day). Public: Metro Line 1 (Huli District to ZXD) with luggage-friendly compartments
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
12km from city center - 25 min taxi ride ($15). Modern terminals with luxury car hire (Mercedes/Volvo from $80/hr). Domestic flights arrive at T3, international at T4
Xiamen North Railway Station
45min bullet train from Fuzhou (G1673), taxi to city ($20). Includes business class waiting lounges
Where to stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhoods
Gulangyu Island
Boutique villas like Amanyangyun with private boat transfers and spa services
Huli District
Luxury business hotels like Waldorf Astoria with family suites and rooftop pools
Haicang District
Resort-style stays at Mandarin Oriental with direct beach access and kids' clubs
Top Things to do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
Explore Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden with private boat transfers. Luxury option: VIP evening tour with traditional tea ceremony
Xiamen Coastal Road
Private chauffeur-led e-bike tours with stops at Huaiyuan Cliff and sunset viewing points
Nanshan Nanshan Temple
Family-friendly cultural workshop with tea tasting and calligraphy lessons in serene gardens
Tips
Book private guides for UNESCO sites, reserve sunset cruises in advance during peak seasons
What to eat: Xiamen food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Waldorf Astoria Xiamen
Harbor-view dining with modern Fujian fusion cuisine and kids' menu options
2. Nanputuo Vegetarian Restaurant
Monastery-style meals with intricate Buddhist-inspired dishes (book family banquet)
3. The Waterfront
Private yacht dining experience with personalized menus for children
Signature Dishes
1. Shacha Noodles
Smoky peanut broth with fresh seafood at Haiwan Restaurant (Michelin-recommended)
2. Oyster Omelette
Premium version with Hokkaido scallops at Mooncake House's private dining room
3. Braised Pig's Trotter
Tang Dynasty-style preparation at Xiamen Club with aged soy sauce infusion
Xiamen itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Waldorf Astoria:Continental and Asian breakfast buffet with ocean view
Visit Sunlight Rock:VIP guided tour with panoramic island views and exclusive photo session
🥗Lunch at Shuzhuang Garden:Garden-side seafood lunch with live lobster preparation
Explore Gulangyu Piano Museum:Private piano recital and interactive exhibits for children
🍽️Dinner at Mandarin Oriental:Fusion cuisine with personalized chef interaction
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at The Waterfront:Harbor-view breakfast with made-to-order omelettes