China
Xiamen is a breezy port city on the southeast coast of China, an island of leafy streets, arcaded old lanes and sea views that sits across a short ferry ride from the car-free heritage island of Gulangyu.
Visitors come to wander colonial-era villas, climb to temples and a seaside university campus, eat oyster omelette and fish ball soup in busy markets and drink Fujian tea. The city is also the gateway to the Fujian Tulou, the round and square earthen homes of the Hakka that are listed as World Heritage, and to day trips to Quanzhou, a medieval Silk Road port, Anxi tea country and island beaches. Twickly gathers the best sights, tours, hotels and local guides in one place, so you can plan a trip that mixes heritage, food and coast with confidence.
Gulangyu Island Highlights Tour
Gulangyu is the car-free island a short ferry ride from central Xiamen, a World Heritage settlement of colonial villas, winding lanes, music and sea views. A guided half day makes the ferry, the crowds and the layout easy.
Zhongshan Road and Seafood Market Experience
Zhongshan Road is the old commercial spine of Xiamen, lined with arcaded buildings, snack shops and souvenir stalls, with a busy seafood market nearby. A private guided walk turns browsing into a tasting tour.
Xiamen City Highlights Private Day Tour
A private day tour of the main sights of Xiamen island, from the university and temple district to the seafront roads, with a driver and guide who handle the logistics.
Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster Day Tour
Tianluokeng is the most photographed tulou cluster, four round earthen buildings arranged around a square one on a terraced hillside. A private day tour from Xiamen covers the long drive and the best viewpoints.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Gulangyu is the car-free island a short ferry ride from central Xiamen, a World Heritage settlement of colonial villas, winding lanes, music and sea views. A guided half day makes the ferry, the crowds and the layout easy.
See Gulangyu after the day crowds have thinned: lit villas, quiet lanes, harbour lights and the skyline of Xiamen across the water. An evening tour suits travellers who want atmosphere and fewer people.
Zhongshan Road is the old commercial spine of Xiamen, lined with arcaded buildings, snack shops and souvenir stalls, with a busy seafood market nearby. A private guided walk turns browsing into a tasting tour.
A four-hour private visit to a local food market, where a guide explains Fujian ingredients, tea, sauces and street breakfast. Ideal for travellers who want to understand what Xiamen people really eat.
A private day tour of the main sights of Xiamen island, from the university and temple district to the seafront roads, with a driver and guide who handle the logistics.
A four-hour private city tour covering the Buddhist temple at the foot of the hills and the celebrated seaside campus of Xiamen University, with other island sights. It leaves Gulangyu for another day.
The Jimei School Village is the educational legacy of the overseas Chinese businessman Tan Kah Kee, a waterfront cluster of schools and halls with distinctive roofs. A private half day explains the story and the architecture.
Yuanbo Garden is a landscaped waterfront garden park built around a gardening exposition, with regional garden styles, bridges and pavilions. A flexible private half day suits a slow, scenic outing.
A hillside botanical garden on the island with tropical plants, themed collections and quiet shaded paths. A private half day suits plant lovers and anyone who wants a cool, green break.
Tianluokeng is the most photographed tulou cluster, four round earthen buildings arranged around a square one on a terraced hillside. A private day tour from Xiamen covers the long drive and the best viewpoints.
Hongkeng is a charming Hakka village in Yongding with a famous grand round tulou and a stream flowing through old lanes. A one-day tour from Xiamen brings the highlights of the Yongding side of the heritage group.
Chuxi is often called the most picturesque tulou cluster, a line of earthen buildings beside a stream and rice fields. A private day tour from Xiamen suits photographers and slow travellers.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Xiamen city
Swiss Grand Xiamen is a large, upscale hotel that suits travellers who want space, a polished lobby and a full range of restaurants and facilities under one roof.
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$$$Xiamen city
The Sheraton Xiamen Hotel offers the reliable comfort of an international brand, with spacious rooms, several dining options and the service travellers expect from a large city hotel.
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Xiamen Marriott Hotel and Conference Centre combines a well-known brand with large event facilities, which makes it popular with business groups and with leisure guests who like a full-service stay.
Check rates →Xiamen island
Xiamen International Conference Center Hotel is a long-established address linked to the city main convention venue, with extensive meeting space and a practical, business-friendly atmosphere.
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Courtyard by Marriott Xiamen is a modern mid-range hotel with the clean, simple design and dependable standards of a well-known brand, a sensible base for sightseeing and business alike.
Check rates →Haicang
Courtyard by Marriott Xiamen Haicang is a mid-range brand hotel on the Haicang side of the bay, handy for business in that district and a quieter alternative to staying in the busiest tourist areas.
Check rates →Gulangyu Island
Guxiang Bieyuan Family Inn is a small guesthouse on Gulangyu Island, where an overnight stay lets you enjoy the car-free lanes after the day visitors have left.
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Four Seasons Star Hotel Gulangyu is a small island hotel for travellers who want to sleep among the villas and lanes of Gulangyu rather than commute from the city.
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Xiamen Gulangyu Yangshan Hotel is another option on the island, suited to travellers who value being in the middle of the lanes, gardens and sea views of Gulangyu.
Check rates →Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Gulangyu Island Highlights TourStay
Guxiang Bieyuan Family Inn Gulangyu IslandGulangyu Island
Do
Zhongshan Road and Seafood Market ExperienceStay
Swiss Grand XiamenXiamen city
Do
Xiamen City Highlights Private Day TourStay
Xiamen International Conference Center HotelXiamen island
A practical first-timer guide to Xiamen: how the city is laid out, how to reach Gulangyu, what to see first, how to pay and get around, and when day trips make sense.
A guide to choosing where to stay in Xiamen: international hotels, the mainland districts, and small guesthouses on Gulangyu Island, with tips on location and transport.
A three-day Xiamen itinerary: Gulangyu and the old streets, temples and gardens, and a choice of tulou, Quanzhou or tea country for a day trip.
A food guide to Xiamen: Minnan seafood, oyster omelette, noodles, spring rolls, sweet jellies, Hakka dishes on the road, and the tea culture of southern Fujian.
When to visit Xiamen: how the seasons feel, typhoon and rainy periods, holiday crowds, and the best times for Gulangyu, tulou trips and tea country.
How to choose a Fujian Tulou day trip from Xiamen: Tianluokeng, Hongkeng, Chuxi and Yongding, with travel times, tips and what to expect inside the earthen buildings.
