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July 25, 2025
2 viewsUltimate 3-Day Solo Budget Travel Guide to Xiamen
Explore coastal charm, historic sites, and budget-friendly adventures
XiamenSolo TravelBudget TravelCity Exploration
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Coastal scenery,Gulangyu World Heritage Site,Min Nan architecture,Seafood cuisine
Daily Cost: $30-45 USD
Best Season: March-November
Introduction: Why visit Xiamen?
Xiamen combines tropical coastal beauty with rich cultural heritage. With its UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island, historic Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, and vibrant street food scene, it's perfect for solo travelers seeking affordable adventures. This guide helps you experience the best of Xiamen without breaking the bank.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Pleasant 20-25°C weather with blooming flowers at Xiamen Botanical Garden
☀️Summer: Hot and humid with frequent rain showers, but great for beach activities at Huang'cao Bay
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes and clear skies perfect for cycling along Huandao Road
❄️Winter: Mild compared to northern China (12-18°C) but less ideal for water activities
Arriving and leaving Xiamen
Metro Line 1 & 3 cover main areas. Bus routes extensively connect suburbs. Shared bikes ($0.4/hr) perfect for coastal bike lanes.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
Main airport 13km from city center with 120+ routes. Taxi: $8-12 USD/30 mins. Metro Line 1 available.
Xiamen North Railway Station
Major rail hub 30km from city. High-speed trains to Shanghai ($65 USD/6.5 hrs) and Shenzhen ($35 USD/2 hrs). Metro Line 1 connects directly.
Where to stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhood
Siming District
Best for first-time travelers. Walkable to Zhongshan Road and Bailuzhou Park. Budget hostels from $12/night.
Huli District
Cheaper alternatives with new metro connections. Good for longer stays near Xiamen North Railway Station.
Top Things to do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture and piano museums. Ferries depart every 20 minutes from Lujianzui Pier ($3.5 USD round trip).
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
2-km heritage street with Amoy architecture. Perfect for night markets selling mooncakes and salted duck eggs.
Xiamen Botanical Garden
15-hectare tropical gardens with bonsai collections and a waterfall. Free entry before 7AM.
Tips
Purchase Xiamen Tourist Pass for multiple attractions. Avoid weekends at Gulangyu Island to skip queues.
What to eat: Xiamen food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. 8 Market
Local seafood market with on-site cooking. 1kg tiger prawns for $10 USD. Open until 2AM.
2. Huang Ze Yuan Dumplings
Famous for shrimp dumplings in pork broth. Meals under $4 USD. 10 branches across the city.
3. Zengcuo'an Snack Street
Open-air food court with 30+ vendors. Try grilled oysters ($1.5 USD) and coconut rice pudding ($0.8 USD)
Signature Dishes
1. Sha Cha Noodles
Savory peanut butter soup noodles with seafood/meat toppings. Try at Chen's Noodle House ($2.5 USD)
2. Tuhuang Duck
Tea-smoked duck with plum sauce. Available at most night markets like Zengcuo'an Snack Street ($3 USD)
3. Shacha Bao
Pork belly buns with spicy peanut sauce. Must-try at 8 Market food stalls ($1 USD each)
Xiamen itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Shacha Noodles:Quick meal before early ferry
Visit Gulangyu Island:Explore pianos museums and colonial villas
🥗Lunch at Tuhuang Duck:Try authentic Min Nan cuisine
Walk Zhongshan Road:Souvenir shopping and heritage architecture
🍽️Dinner at Zengcuo'an Snack Street:Night market feast
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Shacha Bao:Iconic local buns
Explore Xiamen Botanical Garden:Tropical flora collection
🥗Lunch at Huang Ze Yuan Dumplings:Try their signature seafood dumplings
Visit Xiamen Science and Technology Museum:Interactive exhibits and planetarium
Bike Huandao Road:Scenic 8km coastal path
🍽️Dinner at 8 Market:Fresh seafood feast
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Local Bakery:Try pineapple tarts and coffee
Visit Jimei School Village:Explore buildings designed by Tan Kah Kee
🥗Lunch at Jimei Seafood Market:Try oyster omelettes ($2.5 USD)
Explore Huaiyuan Building:Classic Fujian tulou architecture
Return to Xiamen:Train back to city center ($3 USD/30 mins)
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Night Market:Try final snacks before departure
Xiamen Travel FAQs
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