2-Day Xiamen Escape: Island to University

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by Brooklyn

May 8, 2024 · 2 min read

Xiamen 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day journey to Xiamen, a coastal gem where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Day 1 is dedicated to exploring the enchanting Gulangyu Island, a pedestrian-only locale known for its characteristic neighborhoods and colonial architecture. Roam the winding alleys, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the island's laid-back atmosphere. Before the day ends, take a thrilling ride on the Zhonggu Cableway, offering panoramic views of the city from above. Day 2 invites you to the serene Xiamen Botanical Garden, a green oasis that houses a diverse collection of flora and a tranquil temple. Spend the day wandering through the themed gardens and basking in the peaceful ambiance. Conclude your trip with a visit to the prestigious Xiamen University, where academic excellence meets architectural beauty. This 2-day itinerary promises a blend of relaxation, education, and scenic beauty, making your Xiamen visit truly memorable.

ShanghaiXiamen
From HK$368
Cheap Flights
Top 6 Hotels in Xiamen
TOP 1
Echeng Hotel (Xiamen Zhongshan Road kulangsu)
Echeng Hotel (Xiamen Zhongshan Road kulangsu)
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Xiamen Wutong Fliport Hotel
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Xinan Yihao Hotel(Xiamen Railway Station Mixc City Store)
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Home Inn Plus (Zhongshan Road Garden Botanical Garden Store)
Home Inn Plus (Zhongshan Road Garden Botanical Garden Store)
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3015 reviews
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Hisilk Artwork Center Fliport Coso Hotel
Hisilk Artwork Center Fliport Coso Hotel
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Crystal Orange Xiamen Zhongshan Road Garden Botanical Garden Hotel
Crystal Orange Xiamen Zhongshan Road Garden Botanical Garden Hotel
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2 Days in Xiamen Itinerary: Day 1

1

Gulangyu Island

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Kickstart your Xiamen adventure with a full day immersed in the charming ambiance of Gulangyu Island. This pedestrian-only haven is a tapestry of historical architecture and quaint streets, inviting you to meander through its characteristic neighborhoods. As you explore, the island's rich cultural heritage unfolds, offering a serene escape from the bustle of the city. With an entire day to uncover its secrets, you'll have ample time to soak in the island's artistic atmosphere and discover why it's a jewel in Xiamen's crown.

Attraction Info

  • Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen City
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Ocean View Restaurant
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Jinjia Harbor Seafood Food Stall (Zhongshan Road Branch)
4.9/5 · 921 reviews
0.9 km from attraction
BashiAjiewuxiang
BashiAjiewuxiang
4.6/5 · 186 reviews
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Jiang Mu Ya A Qiang Jian Xie·Xin A Qiang Hai Xian Te Se Cai( Zhong Shan Lu Dian)
Jiang Mu Ya A Qiang Jian Xie·Xin A Qiang Hai Xian Te Se Cai( Zhong Shan Lu Dian)
4.8/5 · 454 reviews
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cceveryday Shimao Strait Building
cceveryday Shimao Strait Building
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ASHORE TO KULANGSU
ASHORE TO KULANGSU
4.6/5 · 136 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
9 min,5.09 km
2

Zhonggu Cableway

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After a day of cultural indulgence, elevate your Xiamen experience with a visit to the Zhonggu Cableway. This one-hour journey offers a unique perspective of the city as you glide above it, encapsulated in the comfort of a cable car. As you ascend, the panoramic views of Xiamen's landscape unfurl beneath you, providing a breathtaking backdrop to your aerial adventure. The cableway is not just a means of transportation but a destination in itself, promising an exhilarating conclusion to your first day in Xiamen.

Attraction Info

  • No. 25-110, Huyuan Road, Siming District, Xiamen
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-1.5 hour
  • Open from 8:30am-5:30pm;Closed during New Year's Eve

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Jinjia Harbor Seafood Food Stall (Zhongshan Road Branch)
Jinjia Harbor Seafood Food Stall (Zhongshan Road Branch)
4.9/5 · 921 reviews
1.8 km from attraction
Ocean View Restaurant
Ocean View Restaurant
4.6/5 · 793 reviews
2.0 km from attraction
Jiang Mu Ya A Qiang Jian Xie·Xin A Qiang Hai Xian Te Se Cai( Zhong Shan Lu Dian)
Jiang Mu Ya A Qiang Jian Xie·Xin A Qiang Hai Xian Te Se Cai( Zhong Shan Lu Dian)
4.8/5 · 454 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
cceveryday Shimao Strait Building
cceveryday Shimao Strait Building
4.7/5 · 18 reviews
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BashiAjiewuxiang
BashiAjiewuxiang
4.6/5 · 186 reviews
2.1 km from attraction
ASHORE TO KULANGSU
ASHORE TO KULANGSU
4.6/5 · 136 reviews
2.6 km from attraction

Where to Stay Tonight

4.4/5844 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent844 Reviews
Zhongshan Road Area
Xiamen
|0.22km from city center
4.3/51336 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent1336 Reviews
Zhongshan Road Area
Xiamen
|0.31km from city center

2 Days in Xiamen Itinerary: Day 2

1

Xiamen Botanical Garden

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Begin your second day in Xiamen with a serene stroll through the Xiamen Botanical Garden, a lush sanctuary nestled at No. 25, Huyuan Road, Siming District. This verdant oasis offers a full day's escape into nature, with a variety of plant species and tranquil landscapes. The garden's layout integrates natural hills, water features, and a temple, creating a harmonious blend of cultural and ecological beauty. It's the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and admire the meticulous care that has gone into the preservation and presentation of the flora.

Attraction Info

  • No. 25, Huyuan Road, Siming District, Xiamen
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 10/08-04/30,6:30am-5:30pm;Open from 05/01-10/07,6:30am-6:00pm,Rainforest World Fog Forest: October 8th to April 30th of the following year: 9:00-11:00, 14:00-16:00. May 1st to October 7th: 9:30-11:30 14:30—16:30

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Linjia Minnan Cuisine(Huandao Road)
Linjia Minnan Cuisine(Huandao Road)
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Jinjia Harbor Seafood Food Stall (Zhongshan Road Branch)
Jinjia Harbor Seafood Food Stall (Zhongshan Road Branch)
4.9/5 · 921 reviews
3.4 km from attraction
Ocean View Restaurant
Ocean View Restaurant
4.6/5 · 793 reviews
3.6 km from attraction
cceveryday Shimao Strait Building
cceveryday Shimao Strait Building
4.7/5 · 18 reviews
2.6 km from attraction
Jiang Mu Ya A Qiang Jian Xie·Xin A Qiang Hai Xian Te Se Cai( Zhong Shan Lu Dian)
Jiang Mu Ya A Qiang Jian Xie·Xin A Qiang Hai Xian Te Se Cai( Zhong Shan Lu Dian)
4.8/5 · 454 reviews
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BashiAjiewuxiang
BashiAjiewuxiang
4.6/5 · 186 reviews
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15 min,9.29 km
2

Xiamen University

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After refreshing your senses at the botanical garden, shift gears to the intellectual realm with a visit to Xiamen University. Located at No. 422 Siming South Road, Siming District, the university is renowned for its rich academic atmosphere and stunning architecture. Allocate around two hours to explore the campus, which is often praised as one of the most beautiful in China. With its traditional style buildings set against the backdrop of lush greenery and scenic views, Xiamen University is not just an educational institution but also a cultural landmark that reflects the city's dedication to learning and aesthetics.

Attraction Info

  • No. 422 Siming South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Linjia Minnan Cuisine(Huandao Road)
Linjia Minnan Cuisine(Huandao Road)
4.7/5 · 665 reviews
2.9 km from attraction
Jinjia Harbor Seafood Food Stall (Zhongshan Road Branch)
Jinjia Harbor Seafood Food Stall (Zhongshan Road Branch)
4.9/5 · 921 reviews
3.0 km from attraction
Ocean View Restaurant
Ocean View Restaurant
4.6/5 · 793 reviews
3.2 km from attraction
cceveryday Shimao Strait Building
cceveryday Shimao Strait Building
4.7/5 · 18 reviews
1.2 km from attraction
Jiang Mu Ya A Qiang Jian Xie·Xin A Qiang Hai Xian Te Se Cai( Zhong Shan Lu Dian)
Jiang Mu Ya A Qiang Jian Xie·Xin A Qiang Hai Xian Te Se Cai( Zhong Shan Lu Dian)
4.8/5 · 454 reviews
2.9 km from attraction
BashiAjiewuxiang
BashiAjiewuxiang
4.6/5 · 186 reviews
3.6 km from attraction

Where to Stay Tonight

4.6/5493 Reviews
4.6/5Outstanding493 Reviews
Xiamen University Area
Xiamen
|0.22km from city center
4.6/5576 Reviews
4.6/5Outstanding576 Reviews
Xiamen University Area
Xiamen
|0.39km from city center

Top Things to Do in Xiamen-2024

TOP 1
Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island
4.4/5 · 39,929 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 5,728 review
Highlights:
Gulangyu Island is a tiny island located on the estuary of the Chiu-lung River, facing the city of Xiamen. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site that used to be an important window for Sino-foreign exchanges during the 19th and 20th century. The island is a popular attraction for architecture enthusiasts, providing a mixture of different architectural styles including Traditional Southern Fujian Style, Western Classical Revival Style and Veranda Colonial Style. You can hike up the Sun Rock to overlook the whole island, take a walk in the Shuzhuang Garden (including the Piano Museum) which is one of the finest Jiangnan classical gardens, visit the Hao Yue Garden containing architectures from the Ming Dynasty (including a statue of national hero Zheng Chenggong), the organ museum, and the international letter carving art museum. Don't forget to send yourself a postcard from the future at local stores!
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TOP 2
Xiamen Botanical Garden
Xiamen Botanical Garden
4.6/5 · 11,415 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 246 review
Highlights:
Xiamen Botanical Garden, also known as Wanshi Botanical Garden is set amidst Wanshi Mountain in the Southeastern part of Xiamen Island. It is an integral part of the Gulangyu Islet – Wanshi Mountain National Key Scenic Spot, covering an area of 4.93 square kilometers. The garden has more than ten segments that showcase a variety of rare plants, including Chinese larch, hoop pine, strangely-shaped cacti, and other exotic foliage. In addition to the unique foliage, the park also brings together many natural wonders and human creations, including stone carvings, lakes, lawns, temples, and other attractions.
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TOP 3
Zhonggu Cableway
Zhonggu Cableway
4.6/5 · 5,254 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 14 review
Highlights:

It is said that traveling means going from a place where you are tired of playing to a place where others are tired of playing, so the Bell and Drum Cableway is a place where you will never get tired of staying. There are 82 gondolas, which avoids the trouble of long queues. From a high position, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the Botanical Garden, and enjoy the panoramic view of Gulang Island, overlooking Taiwan's Sandan, Sidan and Wudan. It is nothing more than a "smart view of Xiamen" ideas.

The cableway tourist cable car offers a panoramic view of Xiamen. The cableway route has lush trees, uneven heights, rugged rocks on the mountain, and a unique scenery. It is said to be the natural oxygen bar on Xiamen Island! Furthermore, it is also the original tunnel left over from the war in Xiamen Island, and the wind-driven boulders are even more reminiscent of the past. The cable car travels to the middle station. There is a viewing point where you can have a bird's eye view of the entire Xiamen city. It is equipped with a cable car as a means of transportation. It is a good place for couples and families to relax, relax and cultivate their sentiments on weekends and holidays.

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TOP 4
Xiamen University
Xiamen University
4.6/5 · 10,327 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,274 review
Highlights:
Xiamen University is one of China's most beautiful universities. Situated at the foot of green hills and facing the blue ocean, one can have an incredible view of the ocean from the dormitory windows. At the campus, whether you are taking a stroll or reading a book, you will definitely be filled with peace and contentment. The architectural styles of the buildings on campus blend both eastern and western elements, drawing many visitors each day due to their fame. The campus has its share of romantic and tranquil sites, including Furong Lake, Furong Tunnel, and the Lover Valley Reservoir. Newly weds often choose to take their wedding photographs on the beach just off campus.
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TOP 5
Xiamen Science and Technology Museum
Xiamen Science and Technology Museum
4.6/5 · 8,488 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 14 review
Highlights:
Xiamen Science and Technology Museum is located at the intersection of Xianyue Road and Tiyu Road. It is a science education center that aims to promote scientific knowledge among the general public. It is a very large science and technology museum with a high amount of technical content. The museum has a total of more than 400 items on display and is equipped with a dynamic 4D cinema and a flying cinema, with some amazing experiences available for visitors; visitors with children are especially encouraged to try it out.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Xiamen 2 Days Itinerary