Private Journeys in Xiamen

Discover Xiamen: A Charming Coastal City with History, Beaches, and Culture

Xiamen, a historic port city on China’s southeast coast, stands out for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful European architecture, and long sandy beaches. Spread across the mainland coastline and Xiamen Island—separated by a narrow strait—the city also includes the charming Gulangyu Island, a former European and Japanese settlement known for its Victorian-era buildings and pedestrian-only streets.

With warm temperatures year-round, Xiamen attracts many domestic tourists and is gradually gaining attention from international travelers. Highlights include visiting Gulangyu Island, exploring the unique Fujian tulou communal homes, wandering the battlements of Hulishan Fort, and experiencing Buddhist culture at Nanputuo Temple.

Things to See and Do in Xiamen

Fujian Tulou: The Earth Houses of the Hakka Minority
Located about two hours west of Xiamen, the tulou are distinctive ring-shaped communal homes built by the Hakka people between the 12th and 20th centuries. These massive earthen buildings housed up to 800 people and doubled as fortresses to protect inhabitants from attacks. Over 3,000 tulou are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visiting them offers insight into Hakka culture and communal living.

Gulangyu Island
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, Gulangyu Island charms visitors with sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and Victorian colonial architecture. Its pedestrian-only streets and small electric vehicles preserve a peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss panoramic views from Sunlight Rock, the bamboo forests and caves of Shuzhuang Garden, and the Piano Museum with over 100 historic instruments.

Hulishan Fort
Perched on the southern coast of Xiamen Island, Hulishan Fort overlooks the Taiwan Strait and features a collection of over 50 iron cannons from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, including the world’s largest 19th-century breech-loading Krupp cannon. Built between 1894 and 1896, the fort defended China from Japanese invasions and offers informative guided tours.

Xiamen Beaches
Xiamen’s sandy beaches provide a refreshing escape. Huangcuo Beach is quieter and perfect for peaceful strolls, while Baicheng Beach offers water sports like jet skiing and a scenic cycling path along the shoreline.

Nanputuo Temple
This 1,000-year-old Buddhist site features traditional Qing architecture and serene grounds with terraces, pools, and pagodas. The temple’s main halls—the Heavenly King Hall, Great Treasure Hall, and Hall of Great Compassion—offer spiritual and cultural insight against the backdrop of the Wulao Peaks and the sea.

Xiamen Museum
Explore around 20,000 cultural relics from Fujian and Taiwan provinces at this modern museum, which showcases ancient ceramics, paintings, jade, calligraphy, and more. With free entry, English audio guides, and professional guides available, it’s an enriching stop for history enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit Xiamen

For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, visit between April and May or October and November. Avoid summer months and Chinese national holidays when domestic tourists flock to the city’s beaches.