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Written by
Anthony
Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China’s Fujian Province, is known as “Egret Island” for its natural beauty and subtropical marine monsoon climate.
Covering 1,700.61 square kilometers, it features iconic sites like Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, and Hulishan Fortress.
Renowned as an economic special zone and a modern industrial hub, Xiamen blends rich history with vibrant innovation.
If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Xiamen Travel Guide.
| Category | Detail | Category | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic Attractions | Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, Hulishan Cannon Fort, Zengcuo’an Village. | Historical Sites | Jimei School Village, South Putuo Temple, Hulishan Fortress, Haiwan Park. |
| Local Culture | Mid-Autumn Festival Bo Bing, Minnan Opera, Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. | Traditional Crafts | Lacquer Thread Carving, Minnan Wood Carvings, Handcrafted Paper Umbrellas. |
| Nature | Xiamen Botanical Garden, Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park, Gulangyu Sunlight Rock, Riyue Valley. | Wildlife | White Egrets, Egret Island Park, Wanshi Botanical Birds, Coastal Wetlands. |
| Museums | Piano Museum, Overseas Chinese Museum, Gulangyu Organ Museum, Xiamen Museum of Anthropology. | Special Foods | Seafood Delicacies (shrimp, crab, oysters), Shacha Noodles, Peanut Soup, Fried Sea Worm Jelly. |
![Lacquer Thread Sculpture - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey](https://www.thechinajourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lacquer-Thread-Sculpture-e1732541250166.webp "Lacquer Thread Sculpture - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey")
A traditional Minnan craft, featuring intricate lacquer threads molded into elegant patterns. Listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
![Micro Carving - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey](https://www.thechinajourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Micro-Carving-e1732541630840.webp "Micro Carving - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey")
A craft of engraving fine details on tiny surfaces, with over 500 characters per square centimeter. Renowned for its precision and artistry.
![Bead Embroidery - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey](https://www.thechinajourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bead-Embroidery-e1732541527643.webp "Bead Embroidery - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey")
Originating in the Tang Dynasty, this art uses colorful beads to create vivid patterns. Known for its luxurious and dazzling appearance.
Xiamen has a subtropical monsoon climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is comfortable, with less rain and moderate temperatures, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like Gulangyu Island and Nanputuo Temple.
You can take a ferry from the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal or Dongdu Terminal to Gulangyu Island. The ferry ride takes about 10-20 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the terminal or online. Make sure to bring identification, as it is required for ticket purchase.
Xiamen is famous for its seafood and Fujian cuisine. Popular dishes include:
Xiamen has an efficient public transportation system, including:
Xiamen offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for visitors from certain countries, allowing you to explore the city and nearby areas without a visa if you are transiting through Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and that you meet the requirements of the policy.
![2004 Chinese Zodiac Wood Monkey forecast cover with monkey bamboo study career wealth relationships health and lucky elements - 2004 Chinese Zodiac: Wood Monkey 2026 Forecast - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey](https://www.thechinajourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2004-Chinese-Zodiac-Wood-Monkey-forecast-cover-with-monkey-bamboo-study-career-wealth-relationships-health-and-lucky-elements-1024x768.webp "2004 Chinese Zodiac Wood Monkey forecast cover with monkey bamboo study career wealth relationships health and lucky elements - 2004 Chinese Zodiac: Wood Monkey 2026 Forecast - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey")
Discover the 2004 Wood Monkey zodiac meaning and 2026 forecast, including study, early career, wealth, relationships, health, lucky elements, and practical advice.
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Explore Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, stunning skyline, delicious cuisine, and top attractions. Discover why this dynamic city is a must-visit destination.
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In ancient China, yellow roofs in the Forbidden City signified imperial authority, cultural symbolism, and strict architectural hierarchy reserved for the emperor.
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In Chinese astrology, the Fire Snake corresponds to individuals born in the years 1917, 1977 and 2037, and is associated with the Fire element in the Five Elements system.
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Explore Shenzhen, a city renowned for its technological innovation, rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and exciting dining scene. Discover Shenzhen’s unique attractions and vibrant culture.
![Yuyuan Garden lit up with traditional Chinese architecture at dusk - Do You Need a Passport for Yu Garden? 2026 - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey](https://www.thechinajourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Yuyuan-Garden-lit-up-with-traditional-Chinese-architecture-at-dusk-e1775965273477-1024x740.webp "Yuyuan Garden lit up with traditional Chinese architecture at dusk - Do You Need a Passport for Yu Garden? 2026 - The China Journey - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [October 2026] - The China Journey")
Yu Garden blends classical Ming-style beauty, symbolic rockscapes, and vibrant folk traditions in the heart of modern Shanghai—a living time capsule of Chinese culture.
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Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
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Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
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Hi there!
Just a quick heads-up — a helpful user named Volker let me know that some of the non-English content on this site may not be accurate.
This site is a one-person project I run part-time. I research and publish all the content myself, and the translations are currently done by machine (Google Translate). Balancing accuracy and accessibility across multiple languages is a real challenge.
If you spot any errors, I recommend switching to the English version using the button at the bottom left. I’ll continue working to improve the translations over time.
I truly appreciate your understanding. And if you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment — it means a lot to me.
— Anthony 2025.6.18
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