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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 3-Day Family-Friendly & Budget Xiamen Travel Guide
Explore cultural gems, coastal charm, and affordable eats in this Southeast China gem
Family TravelBudget TravelCity Exploration
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Gulangyu Island UNESCO Heritage,Coastal Park & Cycling Routes,Fujian Tulou Architecture
Daily Cost: $30-50 per person
Best Season: April-October for beach weather
Introduction: Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen combines tropical coastlines with centuries-old cultural heritage, offering family-friendly attractions from Gulangyu Island's piano museums to Huandao Road's scenic bike paths. With efficient public transport and budget-friendly dining options like Shaxi noodles, this coastal city provides perfect balance between relaxation and cultural exploration for travelers seeking value without compromising experiences.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: April-October for warm weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (18-25°C) perfect for exploring Huandao Road cycling path
☀️Summer: Hot & humid (28-35°C) but great for beach activities at Bailuzhou Park
🍁Autumn: Pleasant autumn festivals and comfortable weather for Jimei School Village visits
❄️Winter: Cooler (10-18°C) with fewer crowds at Gulangyu Island museums
Arriving and leaving Xiamen
Affordable metro ($0.4-2), bike-sharing ($0.15/hour) along Huandao Road, and taxis ($3 base fare)
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
20km from city center with taxi costing $15-20 (30 mins). Metro Line 3 connects to downtown.
Xiamen North Railway Station
40km from city center with bullet trains to Fuzhou (1h) and Shenzhen (2.5h). Taxi $30 (45 mins).
Where to stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhood
Siming District
Closest to Gulangyu Island ferries and Zhongshan Road shopping street. Family-friendly hotels from $30/night.
Huli District
Budget hotels near Bailuzhou Park. 15-minute metro to major attractions.
Top Things to do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage Site with piano museums and colonial architecture. Take 10-minute ferry from Luermen Dock
Huandao Road
20km coastal cycling path with ocean views and seafood restaurants. Rent bikes for $1/hour.
Jimei School Village
Unique blend of traditional and western architecture with dragon boat lake. 30-minute metro from downtown.
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for island attractions. Use bike-sharing near coastal parks.
What to eat: Xiamen food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Lin's Fishball
Family-run shop serving handmade fishballs since 1950. $2 per bowl near Zengcuoan Night Market
2. Huangzhehe Peanut Soup
90-year-old shop with creamy peanut soup. $1.5 per bowl near Zhongshan Road
3. Xiamen Great Hall of Food
Multi-level food court with regional specialties from $2-5 per dish
Signature Dishes
1. Shachajiang
Spicy peanut sauce seafood stir-fry served at night markets like Zengcuoan Night Market
2. Hai Za Su
Deep-fried oyster omelet with sweet chili sauce found at Shimei Seafood Market
3. Tudou Chong
Jellyfish salad with chili dressing available at local breakfast spots like Sha Cha Wang
Xiamen itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Huangzhehe Peanut Soup:Try signature peanut soup and youtiao
Visit Gulangyu Music School:Historic European-style architecture with piano exhibitions
🥗Lunch at Lin's Fishball:Traditional handmade fishballs and noodles
Explore Shuzhuang Garden:Ocean-side gardens with piano museum
🍽️Dinner at Zengcuoan Night Market:Sample local street food and shacha grilled meats
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Sha Cha Wang:Try tudou chong and soy milk
Visit Hulishan Fortress:19th-century coastal defense site with giant cannon
🥗Lunch at Haiwan Restaurant:Scenic seaside dining with crab and clams
Cycle Huandao Road:20km coastal bike ride with ocean views
🍽️Dinner at Great Hall of Food:Taste regional specialties across Fujian province
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Xiamen University Canteen:Affordable student-style meals inside top Chinese university
Visit Jimei School Village:Explore dragon boat lake and unique architectural blend
🥗Lunch at Nanputuo Vegetarian Restaurant:Temple complex with Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
Explore Zhongshan Road:Pedestrian street with colonial shophouses and local snacks
🍽️Dinner at Xiao Fan Nongjia:Home-style Fujian cooking with family-style dishes
Xiamen Travel FAQs
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