Explore the glamour of cosy Xiamen in 72 hours

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Facing the Taiwan Strait, Xiamen, also known as Amoy, is arguably one of the best places to live in China due to its year-round mild weather, its fantastic air quality, amazing landscapes and enchanting scenery.

It is also easy for visitors to navigate the city as its rapid transit system runs smoothly to almost every corner of the surrounding areas and, since Xiamen City has implemented the 72-hour visa-free transit for foreigners, it is time to seize the opportunity, plan a trip to Xiamen and discover the charm of the city. We recommend you check out these hotspots and delicious foods for your short stay in Xiamen.

Xiamen cityscape, Fujian Province, China. /VCG Photo

Must-see places in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

Known for its varied architecture and multicultural history, Gulangyu Island was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list last year. It's just by a short ferry ride to reach Gulangyu, and when you arrive at the island, you will quickly find that no cars are allowed on this island! Thus, visitors can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the natural scenery, as well as the colonial European architecture of the churches and some museums. As a popular holiday destination, there are also many boutiques and shops for visitors to buy souvenirs.

View of Gulangyu Island, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. /VCG Photo

The beaches of Gulangyu Island are quite clean, with white sand and swaying palm trees all around. You can easily spend a lazy afternoon here. The sunsets are also amazing and can be seen from all the island's beaches, making it an incredible place for shutterbugs to take photos.

Surrounded by the sea, and with enchanting sunshine, superb beaches and exquisite shops, this car-free island is aptly known as “the garden of the sea.”

Shops on Gulangyu Island, Xiamen. /Photo via blog.sina.com.cn

Tip: Even though Gulangyu Island is approximately only five minutes away from downtown Xiamen by ferry, it is better to buy Xiamen-Gulangyu ferry tickets online via the official website or from its official WeChat account in advance.

Normal ticket price: 35 yuan for one person

Luxury ticket price: 50 yuan for one person

Xiamen's ferry dock. /VCG Photo

South Putuo Temple

Originally built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), South Putuo Temple is a famous ancient temple in Xiamen. The temple got this name because of its location to the south of Putuo Mountain, one of the four holy Buddhist fields in Zhoushan of Zhejiang Province.

A statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin is enshrined in the temple, which attracts many pilgrims every year. After worshiping the statues, you can walk around the park for a few hours to find your inner peace. The tickets are free for all visitors.

South Putuo Temple is considered to be one of the must-see tourist attractions in Xiamen.

South Putuo Temple, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. /VCG Photo

Xiamen University

Xiamen University can be your next stop as it stands just next to South Putuo Temple. If you want to recall your memories of campus life and get lost in the charming park-like grounds, Xiamen University is well worth visiting.

What interests the visitors the most are the black swans on the university lake, making it a good place to get closer to nature. Known for its fantastic location and beautiful scenery, this university is considered to be one of the most beautiful universities in China.

In addition to the beautiful scenery on the campus, Xiamen University is also one of the best higher education institutions in the country.

Tip: Remember to bring your ID with you before entering the university

Xiamen University, Fujian Province, China. /VCG Photo

Baicheng Beach

Looking for somewhere to relax? There are a bunch of enchanting beaches on Xiamen, but Baicheng Beach is the best one for an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Located just south of Xiamen University, Baicheng might be the most convenient place for swimmers as many bus lines stop close to the beach.

After strolling around Xiamen University, you can walk down to the Baicheng Beach for a relaxing afternoon swim and then go for a romantic sunset walk along the coast.

Baicheng Beach, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. /VCG Photo

Zengcuo’an

Since the completion of Huandao Road, Zengcuo’an has gradually become a fully-fledged destination, bustling with both students and tourists. Situated on the south side of Xiamen, Zengcuo’an used to be a fishing village, but it is now full of galleries, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. It is an ideal nightlife hotspot.

Just follow Huandao Road, a scenic ring road that skirts the ocean, from Baicheng Beach and Hulishan Fortress about two kilometers to get there.

Tip: To get the most from just one day, follow this travel route: South Putuo Temple – Xiamen University – Baicheng Beach – Zengcuo’an

Aerial southern scenery in Zeng Cuo An, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. /VCG Photo

Zhongshan Road Walking Street

Regarded as the central commercial area of Xiamen, the Zhongshan Road Walking Street is about 1.2 kilometers long and offers a cutting edge, fashionable shopping experience. Most of the buildings along the street were constructed by Chinese returning from overseas in the 1920s. Founded in 1925, this street is now a commercial street that represents the richness and prosperity of Xiamen, and here you can enjoy the unique street food like oyster omelets while you shop. It is also praised for being one of the most famous streets in China.

Crowded Zhong Shan Road, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. /VCG Photo

A taste of Xiamen

Besides the famous tourist attractions, Xiamen is also a paradise for foodies. When you come to Xiamen, make sure you don’t miss the delicious local food here.

Topped with dried fish, onion and sweet chili, Shachamian noodles are one of the locals' favorite street foods. It's a vastly customizable dish and other ingredients can include tofu, shellfish or pork.

Shachamian, Xiamen. /Photo via www.huitu.com

Another special snack is Xiamen Pie. More than a century old, this food is another favorite with the locals. Typically there are sweet and salty flavors for you to choose from, including mung bean and pork flavor. If you get hungry when exploring, try a Xiamen Pie, as it is designed to be eaten on the go.

Xiamen Pie. /Photo via www.3dkezhan.com

By the end of 2018, Xiamen's autonomous rail rapid transit system is expected to be complete, putting the island on the fast track to becoming one of the most modern and dynamic areas in China.