Best Time to Visit Xiamen for 7 Days Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go

Day 1 | Morning

Hulishan Fort

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 25 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: No. 2, Zengcuo Road, Siming District, Xiamen

Xiamen Hulishan Fortress Scenic Spot was built in Qing Dynasty, Guangxu Reign, 20th Year. The fort is located at the outskirts in Xiamen's southeastern end. The geographical location is very important. Hulishan Fortress is a product of the Westernization Movement of China. It is the "world's oldest 19th-century coast gun that is still preserved at its original site" and was listed in the 2000 World's Guinness Book of Records. At 10:00 and 16:00 daily, there are performances by the guards at the Hulishan Fortress.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: I visited Hulishan Fort during China spring festival. A great historical place where the details of the events that took place are well recorded and described to the visitors. the giant german cannon is the most attractive part of this tourist site.

Trip.com User: one of the nice place to visit in Xiamen

Day 1 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Hulishan Fort, Gulangyu Island next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Gulangyu Island

Opening Hours: Gulangyu 5 major attractions: Sunlight Rock, Haoyue Garden, Shuzhuang Garden: 5:30-20:30 (winter), 5:30-21:00 (summer); Organ Museum, Lettering Art Museum: 8:15-17: 45 (winter), 8:15-18:15 (summer). 2, round-trip ferry tickets: day: 7:10-17:30 (winter), 18:30 (summer); night flight: 17:30 (winter), 18:50 (summer) - the next day 6:30. 3 Gulangyu World Hall of Fame attractions: 8:30-17:30. 4. Gulangyu Red Carpet Wax Museum: 9:00-22:30

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Location: Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen City

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!

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Gulangyu island was very charming. I had some trouble as an English speaker finding the ferry terminal, but got there eventually! It’s listed as “Xiamen Youlun Center Xiagu Wharf” on Apple Maps and “International Cruise City” on English Didi. You’ll need your passport to buy a ticket. I just chose the soonest departure time listed on the board (which was leaving about an hour after I bought my ticket). Price was 50 RMB. I went through security and waited for my ferry. The gate was listed in English on the ticket. Boarding was 10 minutes before the departure time. Ferry ride was about 20 minutes. I wasn’t sure which port on Gulangyu I was going to,but ended up at NeiCuoAo. Gulangyu is beautiful! Lots of gorgeous plants and gardens, old European architecture, Chinese market-style shops, and some western style cafes. All the signs have English as well. I started by wandering a bit, and then I went to Sunlight Rock (the highest point on Gulangyu). Entrance was 50 RMB, but also gave me access to a temple at the bottom of the rock. The view was beautiful, but there were lots of steep steps so be prepared to sweat! After that, I wandered some more and then went to Huangan Park (listed as Zheng Chenggong Giant Stone Statue on Apple Maps). This is where the white big statue you can see from Xiamen is. There is also a small beach. Entrance fee was 10 RMB, but you could only pay through their wechat mini program. A nice security guard helped me click through what I needed to do. There was a golf cart shuffle system throughout the island but I didn’t feel like figuring out how it worked. I also enjoyed walking around and taking everything in as I walked site to site. I could have spent more time wandering around, but a thunderstorm was on its way, so I headed back to the ferry. The GangXin ferry is for Xiamen locals only. I took the YuSan QiuTian ferry back. I did not have to purchase a new ticket, they just scanned my departure ticket again. highly recommend as a day trip!

Miss_Traveler: I was lucky enough to have this holiday for free!!! There is a whole community that live on this little island! I mean, there are no cars, maybe 1 or 2 that are used for transportation of goods. Where do I start.... first of all, the architecture is amazingly stunning. It’s actually British style buildings because of the history behind that island. There aren’t normal roads, they are actually pathways that look like alleyways. You can walk through the entire island via them. From watching how pearls are found to yummy Taiwanese treats and food, you won’t want to miss this experience. Once you book your ferry ticket to the island, your whole journey is about to change! You can see Hong Kong from the ferry while you just enjoy the ride. There are lots of friendly people who live on the island who will want show you a whole range of sea creatures, some of which I’ve seen for the first time in my life! Make sure you get some of those tasty sweet treats I mentioned, they come in beautiful boxes and different flavors. I did not have enough time, as usual, so I’ll definitely be going back there! 😊👌🏻

Day 1 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Hotel Indigo Xiamen Haicang in advance, because all the tourists head to Gulangyu Island love staying at it.

Hotel Indigo Xiamen Haicang

The Hotel Indigo Xiamen Haicang was recently opened in 2022, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Xiamen.

The hotel is only 12km from Xiamen Railway Station and 19km from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, giving guests a number of convenient transportation options. Just a short walk from Haicang Adminitrative Center Metro Station, traveling to most city destinations is a breeze. Keeping busy is easy, with Cangjiang Theater, Haicang Ertong Gongyuan Hudie Ecological Park and Qile Square all nearby.

After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. Guests of this Xiamen hotel can make use of the parking facilities.

Day 2 | Morning

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Opening Hours: Botanical Garden opening hours: 6:30-18:00 Rainforest World Fog Sen opening hours: October 8 - April 30, 9:00-11:00, 14:00-16:00 May 1 - October 7 8:30-11:00, 15:00-17:00

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-5 Hours

Location: No. 25, Huyuan Road, Siming District, Xiamen

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.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: This garden is huge, wear comfortable shoes and plan to go around lunch time so you have time to explore it all. I walked around it for about 3 hours and still missed some areas. There are buses that will take you where you want to go around the park if you don’t want to walk. I walked the whole way though. If you are only interested in the succulent garden with the cactuses enter through the west gate. There is also a rain forest this side and if you go a little further you will get to a vine garden that is nice to walk through. I made the mistake of going during the CNY holiday. There were not many people throughout my walk in the park until I got to the succulent garden, then there was a crowd. I appreciated that you didn’t have to stay on one path in the succulent garden, you could walk through the cactuses on the sand to find a good empty spot for photos. Just be careful not to step on the small cacti or prick yourself going between the big ones!

jini : I didn't have a great expectation from the Wonrin Botanical Garden blog, but I couldn't see where I could feel the ambient feeling because the time was not right, but I started taking a exciting photo at the Cactus spot. Recommended if you want to leave!!!

Day 2 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Xiamen Botanical Garden, you can head to Riyuegu HotSprings Resort, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Riyuegu HotSprings Resort

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-11:00pm

Ticket Price: 228 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 4-4 Hours

Location: 1888 Fulian Road, Haishu District, Xiamen City

Riyuegu Hot Springs is a well-known hot spring in Xiamen. If you want to relax while in Xiamen, you must consider this hot spring. It has a rich Southeast Asian atmosphere, with a beautiful environment, a large area, a full range of pools, and very clean water. There are rich and bold white wine springs and red wine springs, refreshing and beauty-promoting milk springs and coconut juice springs, healthy and nutritious ginseng springs and angelica springs, as well as romantic rose springs and fog springs. There are also deep and shallow water swimming pools. Fish therapy and sand therapy are also available for an additional fee.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Moon_forest: I went on a shuttle bus. The dressing room, shower room is so good and the smell of shampoo, treatment, body wash and clamping foam is so good ~ The pool is spacious and there is a hanger for each hot spring, so it was good to wear towels and go around. The towels are freshly exchanged if wet. I wrote down my key number, so I paid for it, but it wasn't written in the receipt:) I think there's a bus every couple of hours when I go to work, and every few hours when I come. If you use Xiamen Airlines, take your ticket and get a discount on your ticket! I got a discount and entered 158 yuan per person! I wanted to get a massage, but I couldn't get it because it was expensive. The last picture is the shuttle bus ride!

Trip.com User: This is the most enjoyable place on my trip to Xiamen. Xiamen in December was colder than I thought, and it was really good to be able to put hot springs into the travel course! The children also say that the hot springs are the most memorable. Please go!

Day 2 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Kun City Resort & Spa in advance, because all the tourists head to Riyuegu HotSprings Resort love staying at it.

Kun City Resort & Spa

Kun City Resort & Spa (Xiamen Kuncheng Tang’an Wenquan Dujiacun) is located within easy reach of Riyuegu Hotsprings. Guests can dine on Chinese and Western food at the on-site restaurants. Those traveling on business can take advantage of the meeting rooms and business center. Guests looking to stay active can utilize the gym while those simply wanting to relax can make use of the spa. This Xiamen hotel provides free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms and free parking on site.

Day 3 | Morning

Tianzhu Mountain Forest Park

Opening Hours: 07:30-16:00

Ticket Price: 70 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days

Location: Xitang Community, Hongtang Village, Dongfu Town, Haishu District, Xiamen City

Tianzhu Mountain Forest Park is located in the Tianzhu Mountain Forest Farm in the northwest of Dongfu Township, Xinglin District. It is named after a mountainous stone like a pillar. It is a green leisure area. It is called “Xiamen Back Garden”. Some local people are leisurely. I like to come here to climb mountains and get close to nature. The forest park has rich flora and fauna resources, high forest coverage and many wonders. In the park, visitors can carry out activities such as mountaineering and summer recreation.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Chengyi Discovery Center.

Chengyi Discovery Center

Opening Hours: Open on Tue-Sun,9:00am-5:00pm;Closed on Mon

Ticket Price: 90 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: No.339, Xinglinwan Road, Jimei New City, Xiamen

Chengyi Science and Technology Discovery Center is located at Xinglinwan Road in Jimei District. The exterior of the building is a modern Jiageng style. It consists of a main exhibition hall and a special theater. The basement houses a maritime and an aviation themed restaurant. Chengyi Science and Technology Discovery Center has "Dream Flight Station", "Interplanetary Exploration", "Navigation Lab", "Navy Mobilization" and other exhibition areas.

Day 3 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Crowne Plaza Xiamen Jimei Seaview is the best places.

Crowne Plaza Xiamen Jimei Seaview

The Crowne Plaza Xiamen Jimei Seaview was recently opened in 2021, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Xiamen.

The hotel is conveniently located just 10km from Xiamen Gaoqi Railway Station and 16km from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. With Emperor Guan Temple, Xizhu Temple and Ludachuyi Culture Art Museum all within a short distance, there is no shortage of things to do in the area.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city. This Xiamen hotel offers parking on site.

If cleanliness is important to you, this hotel makes an excellent choice, as our guests consider this to be one of the cleanest hotels in the city. This hotel is particularly popular with those traveling on business.

Day 4

Xiamen Horticultural Expo Garden

Opening Hours: Open from 4/1-10/31,7:30am-7:00pm;Open from 11/1-3/31,7:30am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 60 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Days

Location: Xingqian Road, Jimei District, Xiamen City, Fujian

Xiamen Horticultural Expo Garden is located in Jimei District's Xinglin Bay. The garden is divided into Jiangnan Park, Modern Park, Northern Park, International Park, Lingnan Park, Landscape Park, Public Park, Folk Park, Fujian and Taiwan Park, and so on. Each park has very distinctive features, with unique architecture and plant life; it's perfect for taking pictures.

Day 4 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Xiamen Horticultural Expo Garden? Wanda Realm Xiamen North Bay is one of your top choices.

Wanda Realm Xiamen North Bay

The Xiamen Jingmin North Bay Hotel (Xiamen Jingmin Beihaiwan Jiudian) is a sprawling property located by the sea, close to Jimei University, College Village and Jiageng Park. An 8-minute drive sees guests to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

The hotel's attractive grounds feature blue swimming pools and palm trees and many of the well-appointed, comfortable rooms and suites offer harbor-view balconies that take in the sweeping vistas of Xiamen's North Bay. All rooms feature broadband Internet and Wi-Fi.

A large banquet hall is on hand for business and private events and meetings and other facilities include a fitness center, tennis court and spa.

Day 5 | Morning

Xiamen Old Courtyard Scenic Spot

Opening Hours: Open from 01/01-12/31,9:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 120 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 Hours

Location: No. 9 Huaxia Road, Jimei District, Xiamen City (400 meters south of Xiamen North Station, opposite to Software College)

The two major attractions of the Xiamen old courtyard scenic spot are the Old Courtyard Folk Culture Park and the Southern Fujian Legendary Performance Show. The park and show give insight into the richness of the southern Fujian Folk culture. The Old Courtyard Folk Culture Park shows scenes of typical life for a fisherman in southern Fujian, transporting you back in time and giving you a taste of the local traditional culture. "The Legend of Southern Fujian", a grand indoor performance with actual landscapes as its backdrop tells the unique history of southern Fujian.

Day 5 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Xiamen Old Courtyard Scenic Spot, Beichen Mountain next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Beichen Mountain

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-16:30; Weekend 09:00-17:00

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 4-4 Hours

Location: Beichen Mountain Scenic Spot, Wuxian Town, Tong'an District, Xiamen City

Beichen Mountain is located in the northeast corner of Tong'an District, Xiamen City, in the territory of Tong'an Wuxian Town, adjacent to Nan'an. There are many humanities and historical sites on the mountain, and the natural landscape is also very good. Here you can learn about the deeds of the five generations of the king and the king, and you can also see the magnificent statue of the king. In addition, there is Wang Gong Temple, where you can burn incense and worship. The environment is elegant and it is a good place for a relaxing holiday.

Day 5 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Wancuo Hotel in advance, because all the tourists head to Beichen Mountain love staying at it.

Wancuo Hotel

The Wancuo Hotel is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The Wancuo Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Xiamen.

The hotel is only 8km from Jiaomei Railway Station and 48km from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, giving guests a number of convenient transportation options. With multiple attractions nearby including Ganlu Temple, Guzhai and Guzhai Reservoir, guests will find plenty to keep themselves occupied.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city. This Xiamen hotel provides parking on site.

Guests tell us the location of this hotel is fantastic.

Day 6 | Morning

Jinguang Lake

Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-3 Hours

Location: Tong'an District, Xiamen City

Jinguang Lake is located in Neitian Village, Lianhua Town, 23 kilometers away from Tong'an City. It is known as "Xishuangbanna in Southern Fujian". There are lush forests and a wide variety of wild animals and plants in the scenic area, which are very precious. The total forest area is 7768 mu, with a high altitude of 845 meters. Tourists can not only enjoy the beautiful natural scenery in the scenic area, but also enjoy the fun of "Forest Oxygen Bar". At the same time, the forest area has high scientific research and tourism value.

Day 6 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Jinguang Lake, you can head to Xiamen Fantawild Dreamland, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Xiamen Fantawild Dreamland

Opening Hours: Open from 11/5-12/30,Mon-Fri,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 11/5-12/30,Sat-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 299 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Days

Location: No.1111, Shijie South Road, Tong'an District, Xiamen City (near Zhongzhou Bridge)

Xiamen Fantawild Dreamland is a cultural science and technology theme park with high-end technology as the main theme. An amusement park filled with a sense of science and technology, you will definitely enjoy your time here! There are more than a dozen large-scale theme project areas such as Story of the Jungle, the Battle of Jinshan Temple, Light of Life, and Magic Castle. Among them, the Story of the Jungle is a large-scale original magical stage play. Tourists who like to watch the stage play must not miss it.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: This theme park is absolutely amazing, as soon as you enter you will be greeted by a giant majestic water fountain. There are sections for which part of the park so there are separate ticketing queues. there is three parts of it a water park part a amusement park part and an oriental theater part. The water park contained lots of water slides and a playground for children that is filled with water, slides, and water sprinters. There was a okay selection of slides but i wouldn’t complain the fact that there is three parts. There was an area where there was a large pool where everyone can swim. Every 45 minutes the lifeguards put on waves into the water to make it more amusing like your actually in the ocean. The oriental theater was not just one theater but many. The buildings are designed to look like ancient majestic Chinese buildings. The reason is because most of the theaters show animated ancient Chinese stories. There was also a few parts that showcases animated kids short movies. There is also a drop tower in the middle of the oriental theater section. It is inside a tall Chinese style building. Left of it you can also enter the water park part. I didn’t get to check out the theme park section sadly because we ran out of time. But it was absolutely fantastic it is my favorite theme park in China. It definitely deserves 5/5.

Nevy: Spent an entire day. Fun and clean. Many water slides and there's a DJ playing great music at the main pool

Day 6 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Fantawild holiday hotel Xiamen is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Fantawild holiday hotel Xiamen

The Fantawild holiday hotel Xiamen was recently opened in 2022, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Xiamen.

The hotel is 17km from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and 35km from Xiamen Railway Station. Keeping busy is easy, with Juezhanjin Mountain Temple, 宇宙博覽會 and Xiamen Fantawild Oriental Heritage all nearby.

This hotel makes a great place to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. This Xiamen hotel provides parking on site.

There's never a dull moment at this hotel, our guests indicate that the facilities are excellent.

Day 7 | Morning

Sunlight Rock

Opening Hours: Open from 10/1-5/31(Winter Time),8:00am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 50 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen City

Sunlight Rock is formed by two boulders standing side by side. The rock is the peak of Gulangyu Island and provides an excellent view of Gulangyu Island. From there, you can see all of Gulangyu Island from end to end and the cityscape of Xiamen. Take a look around; the surrounding scenery is beautiful. If you come in the evening, there are few tourists, and you’ll be able to enjoy a stunning sunset and the scenery.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Visiting Sunlight Rock in Gulangyu Island was one of the best experiences, had too much fun and was amazing environment and scenery. The ticket for Sunlight rock is 50¥ per-adult, but there are some offers that you pay about 90¥ per-adult and you visit 4 places with one ticket. Going there, you will be taking a ferry from Xiamen to Gulangyu and you will be walking all around the Gulangyu island. It is super nice and fun walking there.

Trip.com User: I visited Sunlight Rock during my Xiamen trip in spring festival. a very beautiful sight. After climbing hundreds of steps, reached the top of the cliff, and from above, you will have a panorama view on the whole Gulangyu island and Xiamen Island. it was an amazing experience

Day 7 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Sunlight Rock, don’t forget pay a visit to Xiamen Science and Technology Museum.

Xiamen Science and Technology Museum

Opening Hours: Open from 7/23-12/31,Tue-Sun,9:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-6 Hours

Location: Xiamen Culture and Art Center, No. 95, Sports Road, Siming District, Xiamen

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.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: It was really good there were tons of exhibits. What sets this museum apart from many is that it lets you get hands on with the exhibits. Threre were tons of kids there and they were having a fun time because you can put your hands to. For instance there was a robot that can make drawings of photos you can take there. There was also like this 720 degree VR simulation where you get to sit in a robot like car and it will spin and move around according to what’s happening on the VR headset screen. The queue was not long to get tickets maybe around 10 minutes maximum when I was there. After all it was an amazing experience.

Travelsphere: The tickets were overly expensive and the stuff were racist, they denied us to participate in some rides. There was a situation but they didn’t handle it well.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.