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July 25, 2025
1 views3-Day Solo Travel Guide for Exploring Xiamen on a Mid-Range Budget
Discover historic architecture, scenic coastlines, and local cuisine in this vibrant coastal city
Solo TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range Budget3-Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Coastal scenery,Colonial architecture,Maritime history,Cultural fusion
Daily Cost: $80-150 USD
Best Season: March-May / September-November
Introduction: Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen combines modern coastal charm with centuries-old cultural heritage. As a key maritime hub since the 17th century, the city offers Gulangyu Island's World Heritage-listed colonial architecture, scenic mountain-coast landscapes, and exceptional seafood. With efficient public transport and walkable neighborhoods, it's ideal for solo travelers seeking both cultural immersion and beachside relaxation.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer optimal weather for exploration
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (20-28°C) with blooming flowers across Yuedao Park. Avoid Qingming Festival crowds in April.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-35°C) with frequent afternoon showers. Perfect for Baicheng Beach visits but expect typhoon season from July-September.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant weather (18-26°C) with clear skies. Mid-autumn festival brings traditional lantern displays to Zhongshan Road
❄️Winter: Cooler (12-20°C) with occasional morning fog. Lowest accommodation prices of the year but sea breeze may feel chilly
Arriving and leaving Xiamen
Metro Lines 1-4 connect key districts. For coastal areas, use Xiamen Bus Route 29 streetcars. Bike-sharing (ofo/mobike) ideal for exploring Gulangyu Island. Prepaid taxis recommended for airport transfers.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
Main international gateway (7km from city center). Taxis cost ¥100-150 (~$14-21) and take 30 minutes. Airport Metro Line 3 connects to downtown in 25 minutes.
Xiamen North Railway Station
Major high-speed rail hub (32km from city center). Bullet trains connect to Shanghai (5h), Shenzhen (1.5h), and Fuzhou (1h). Taxi ride costs ¥150-200 (~$21-28)
Where to stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhoods
Siming District
Central location near Zhongshan Road, waterfront restaurants, and night markets. Recommended mid-range: Xiamen Marriott Hotel or Seaview Millennium Hotel
Huli District
Modern business hub with Metro access. Budget-friendly options like Hilton Xiamen Residences and proximity to International Stone Harbor Plaza
Top Things to do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage site with 200+ colonial-era buildings, museums, and scenic hiking trails to Sunlight Rock
Xiamen University
Campus ranked 'China's Most Beautiful' featuring Ba Zi Men archways and Lu Gang Xi lakeside scenery
Hulishengshi Cultural Street
Traditional alleyway preservation project showcasing Minnan-style architecture and local crafts
Tips
Purchase combined tickets for South Putuo Temple + Xiamen Botanical Gardens at 20% discount
What to eat: Xiamen Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Huangzehé Peanut Soup
Legendary shop serving sweet peanut paste porridge since 1980, adjacent to Zhenhai Road Night Market
2. Linshi Fishball Restaurant
Family-run establishment famous for handmade fishballs using traditional pounding techniques
Signature Dishes
1. Shacha Noodles
Local specialty with peanut butter-based soup, shrimp, and handmade noodles
2. Tudou Shen (Earthworm Jelly)
Unique savory gelatin dish served with chili sauce and vinegar
Xiamen Itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
Arrival and hotel check-in:Check into Xiamen Marriott Hotel with luggage storage available
🍳Breakfast at Huangzehé:Start day with signature peanut soup at Huangzehé Peanut Soup
Visit Gulangyu Ferry Terminal:Purchase round-trip ferry tickets to Gulangyu Island
Explore Gulangyu Island:Tour Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gulangyu Piano Museum
🍽️Dinner at Linshi Fishball:Try house specialty fishballs at Linshi Fishball Restaurant
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Continental buffet at hotel restaurant
Visit Xiamen University:Guided tour of Xiamen University campus and Lu Gang Xi lake
🥗Lunch at Nanputuo Vegetarian Restaurant:Buddhist temple-inspired vegetarian dishes at South Putuo Temple
Explore Xiamen Botanical Gardens:Walk through tropical gardens and visit Zhongshan Memorial Hall
🍽️Dinner at Haiwan Garden Seafood:Fresh seafood dining with harbor views at Haibay Garden
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Final breakfast with skyline views
Visit Xiamen Museum:Free admission for exhibits on regional history and maritime archaeology
🥗Lunch at Zhongshan Road:Street food tasting along Zhongshan Road pedestrian street
Shopping at Siming Market:Purchase local specialties at Siming Market before departure
Transfer to airport/railway:Pre-book taxi transfer to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Xiamen Travel FAQs
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