Xiamen Travel Itinerary, Plan a Trip in Xiamen from 1 to 7 Days

Palm trees lining the streets, unrestrained sunshine, sea-scented air, and clean, orderly roads — this is the impression Xiamen leaves on every visitor. Surrounded by the azure sea, this "garden on the sea" weaves Minnan charm and Southeast Asian flair into a living, breathing scroll. As you set foot on this land, you'll discover the poetic essence of "a city in the sea, and the sea within the city" through the melodies of pianos on Gulangyu, the chants from ancient temples, and the rhythmic sound of the coastal tides.

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Xiamen itinerary, please contact us.

1-day Xiamen Itinerary

Gulangyu

Xiamen can be divided into two main parts: Xiamen Island and Gulangyu Island. Xiamen Island itself can be roughly categorized into five tourist areas. Among them, the Nanputuo Scenic Area and the Jimei Tourist Area are must-visits for most travelers. If you're short on time, the Tong'an, Wanshi Mountain, and Haicang areas can be saved for a future trip.

For the average visitor, 2 to 3 days are usually sufficient to explore Xiamen. If you have more time, consider spending a full day on Gulangyu Island. However, if you want to explore Xiamen in depth, a 5-day to 7-day itinerary is recommended.

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2-day or 3-day Xiamen Itinerary

In a typical 2-day to 3-day trip, travelers often dedicate one full day to the charming Gulangyu Island, which encapsulates nearly all of Xiamen's distinctive features. The remaining time is well spent exploring the scenic areas along the Huandao (Island Ring) Road.

Of course, places like Zengcuo'an, Shapowei, Wuyuan Bay, and the Xiamen Science and Technology Museum also deserve a visit, whether you're drawn to artistic vibes, dynamic energy, or novel experiences, there's something for every type of traveler to enjoy.

Day 1: Arrive in Xiamen and check in to your hotel, then visit the South Putuo Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple known for its serene atmosphere and stunning architecture. Explore the Gulangyu Island, a small island known for its colonial-style architecture, beaches, and scenic views. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Visit the Xiamen University, a prestigious university known for its beautiful campus and gardens. Then explore the Gulangyu Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the island, and visit the Sunlight Rock, a large hill that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, visit the Xiamen Botanical Garden, a large park that features a variety of plant species and gardens. Return to your hotel for a restful evening.

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4-day or 5-day Xiamen Itinerary

Piano Museum

A four-day to five-day trip is ample time for most visitors, giving you the opportunity to fully experience both the natural beauty and cultural charm of Xiamen. Beyond the main island, unforgettable destinations include Tianzhu Mountain and Riyue Valley in Haicang, the Shuitou settlement and Zhaishan Tunnel on Kinmen Island, as well as Yunshuiyao and the Nanjing Tulou in neighboring Zhangzhou.

Of course, the main island itself is also home to many interesting spots—like the Garden Expo Park in Jimei, Xiaodeng Island in Xiang’an, and Guanyin Mountain in Huli District—each offering its own unique appeal.

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7-day Xiamen Itinerary

If time allows, you can explore more distant or off-the-beaten-path attractions. These include Tong'an's Film and Television City, Beichen Mountain, and Fantawild Dreamland; Jinjiang's Jinguang Lake and Laoyuanzi in Jimei; Xiangshan in Xiang'an; or Cat Street, the Yacht Marina, and Yefeng Village on Xiamen Island.

Day 1: After arriving in Xiamen, first check into your hotel and take a short rest, then head to Shapowei. At dusk, head up to the ABOVE THE CLOUDS · XIAMEN observation deck and let your gaze drift toward the glowing, radiant horizon. After that, start your delicacy journey on Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.

Day 2: In the morning, take the Zhonggu Cableway to visit the South Putuo Temple and Xiamen University. Rent a tandem bicycle, ride along the Huandao Road to Zencuo'an. In the afternoon, head back to Baicheng Beach at dusk to watch the romantic sunset and enjoy the scenic coastal views walking along the wooden boardwalk.

Day 3: Travel from Xiamen to the Yunshuiyao Scenic Area, capture the pebble path and the century-old banyan tree, and visit the Tianluokeng Scenic Area and admire the Nanjing Tulou cluster from above. In the afternoon, head to Yongding to witness the large Yongding Tulou cluster. In the evening, return to Xiamen.

Day 4: Land on Gulangyu. Climb Sunlight Rock, explore Shuzhuang Garden, and visit the Organ Museum, while take your time strolling through the international architecture. In the evening, you can stay on the island, which appears more attractive bathing in dazzling lights, and you can also stay overnight here.

Day 5: After having breakfast, leave the island and then visit the Xiamen Science and Technology Museum, with full of fun and engaging interactive exhibits. In the afternoon, head to the yacht marina and set sail. As the tide recedes, enjoy beachcombing and crab-catching on the shore, then savor your catch for dinner.

Day 6: In the morning, visit the Xiamen Botanical Garden to admire its rich and rare plant landscapes, a true feast for the eyes. In the afternoon, explore Cat Street to experience feline culture, or head to Egret Island (Bailuzhou) Park for birdwatching, where these little creatures bring peace and comfort to the soul.

Day 7: In the morning, take a ride to Jimei School Village to admire the unique Jiageng-style architecture and snap memorable photos at the popular Miles Long Dike, experiencing the unique charm of the South.

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Customize Your Egret Island Xiamen Tour

If you are interested in the Xiamen itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Xiamen Tour, please visit our Xiamen Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Xiamen Trip

Meat Zongzi

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, culture, etc.
• Weather: best time and seasons to visit Xiamen
• Top attractions: sightseeings to watch in Xiamen
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, food, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Xiamen
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Unique perspective: top interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Xiamen
• Luxury hotels: accommodation to stay in Xiamen
• Xiamen Tours: customized tours for your reference