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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 3-Day Xiamen Solo Travel Guide for Food Lovers on a Budget
Discover budget-friendly eats, hidden gems, and must-see attractions in Xiamen
XiamenBudget TravelFoodie GuideSolo Travel3-Day Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 厦门
Location: Fujian Province, Southeast China
Famous For: Gulangyu Island World Heritage,Seafood street food,Hakka architecture,Tropical coastal scenery
Daily Cost: $35-50 USD
Best Season: October-March
Introduction: Why Xiamen for Solo Food Travelers?
Xiamen combines coastal charm with culinary excellence, making it perfect for budget-conscious solo travelers. From Gulangyu Island's colonial architecture to Zengcuo'an's street food stalls, this guide helps you experience the city's best flavors without breaking the bank. With efficient public transport and walkable neighborhoods, Xiamen offers an ideal balance of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty.
Best time to visit Xiamen
Ideal Seasons: October-March
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming jasmine flowers create perfect exploration conditions. Avoid Qingming Festival crowds.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) with occasional typhoons, but ideal for trying fresh seafood and tropical fruits like longan and lychee.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant weather with cultural events like Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake markets at Zhongshan Road Walking Street.
❄️Winter: Cooler temperatures (10-20°C) perfect for enjoying warm Shacha Noodles without excessive sweating.
Arriving and leaving Xiamen
Affordable metro system (Lines 1-3), ¥2-5 per ride. Shared e-bikes available near tourist areas. Use Alipay-linked transportation card for seamless transfers.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport [Recommended]
The main airport (IATA: XMN) located 13km from city center. Taxi costs ¥90-120, 30-minute ride. Metro Line 3 connects airport to downtown (¥6).
Xiamen Railway Station
Major high-speed rail hub with connections to Shanghai (7.5hr), Shenzhen (3hr), and Fuzhou (1.5hr). Taxis from station cost ¥40-60 to city center.
Where to stay in Xiamen: Best Neighborhoods
Siming District
Central location near Zhongshan Road Walking Street and Xiamen Museum. Budget hostels from ¥60/night with easy access to food streets.
Zengcuo'an
Historic village with converted Hakka courtyard houses. Dorms from ¥40/night and direct access to street food vendors at Huandao Road market.
Top Things to do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island
Car-free UNESCO site with colonial mansions and Sunlight Rock views. Catch ferry from Gulangyu First Pier (¥35 round-trip).
Xiamen Botanical Garden
Tropical oasis with Cactus Valley and ancient Yuquan Temple. Entry ¥30 includes rock garden access.
Nanputuo Temple
Active Buddhist monastery known for vegetarian Nanputuo Cuisine restaurant and mountain hiking trails.
Tips
Visit morning markets before 9am to avoid crowds. Combine temple visits with nearby tea shops for free tastings.
What to eat: Xiamen food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Huangzhehe Seafood Porridge
24-hour restaurant serving freshly cooked seafood congee (¥20-45). Popular with night owls after Huandao Road night rides.
2. Zhang San Feng Tofu House
Family-run tofu workshop offering handmade soy products and traditional breakfast sets (¥12-22).
3. Mama's Kitchen
Homestyle Fujian cooking with daily changing menus based on market ingredients (Set meal ¥38).
Signature Dishes
1. Shacha Noodles
Broth-based noodles with peanut butter sauce and seafood. Best at 8 o'clock Market roadside stalls (¥15-25).
2. Oyster Omelette
Crispy potato starch omelette with fresh sea oysters. Try Lianhuan Oyster Omelette near Zhongshan Road (¥18-30).
3. Braised Duck with Bamboo Shoots
Traditional Teochew-style duck dish cooked in clay pot. Available at Zhenxiang Restaurant (¥48-88 set).
Xiamen Itinerary: 3 Days & 3 Nights
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at 8 o'clock Market:Try steamed rice dumplings and soy milk at local favorite stall
Visit Nanputuo Temple:Explore temple courtyards and enjoy vegetarian lunch at temple restaurant
Walk along Huandao Road:Coastal path between Xiamen University and White City Beach
🍽️Dinner at Zhang San Feng Tofu House:Sample handmade tofu with locally grown vegetables
DAY 2
Ferry to Gulangyu Island:Early ferry avoids crowds and catches sunrise over Sunlight Rock
🥗Lunch at Lin's Mansion Courtyard Restaurant:Elegant setting with traditional Fujian dishes served in historical building
Piano Museum Tour:Collection of 19th-century pianos in coastal garden mansion
🍽️Return Dinner at Hualian Seafood Market:Select fresh catch for market cooks to prepare with house sauces
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Zengcuo'an Market:Try morning specialties like sweet taro balls and fish ball soup
Hakka Courtyard Exploration:Wander through traditional multi-generational clan homes converted to cafes
Bike Ride to Baita Park:Rent shared bike for coastal ride ending at pagoda viewpoint
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Mama's Kitchen:Enjoy seasonal set menu with regional specialties
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