China Travel FAQ

Xiamen Travel FAQ & Tips

Weather

When is the best time to tour Xiamen?

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) is regarded as the best travel time for their best temperature, but still prepare for the year-round changeable rain weather.

Transportation

How can I get to Xiamen?

By Air

Gaoqi Airport, is just 10 km far from Downtown Xiamen, has convenient connection with most destinations in China, including Wuyi Mountain as well as other Asian cities.

Airport shuttle bus (RMB 6/person), taxi ride (RMB 40-50) or public bus (RMB 1/person) can make the transfer between the airport and downtown Xiamen.

By Train

Xiamen Railway Station has service with Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Nanchang, Xian, Chongqing, Kunming, etc.

By Bus

There are three long-distance bus stations in Xiamen, respectively named Songbai Bus Station, Hubin Bus Station and Jimei Bus Station. All of them link with Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, Fuzhou, etc.

How do I get around Xiamen?

  • Taxi flag down fare in Xiamen is RMB 8 to 10.
  • Public bus service (RMB 1-9) is easily available in Xiamen from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm.
  • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) frequently departs from 6:10am to around 10pm. The present 3 routes cover the ports, railway station, airport, etc.

How can I go to the Gulangyu Islet?

Xiamen Ferry Pier (Lundu Matou) offers ferry boats to Gulangyu Islet. The ferry departs frequently from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm. The outbound ferry is free and only the return one charges RMB 8 per person.

Cuisine

What are the local specialties and where can I have them?

Local flavor snacks are Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎), Shacha Noodle (沙茶面), Soil Bamboo Frozen(土笋冻), Rice Noodle Paste (米线糊), Roast Rice Dumpling(), Gulangyu Islet Cake(), Peanut Soup Fried Spices (花生汤), etc.

Xiamen, as a port city, is endowed with fresh seafood, especially the oysters and shrimp. The cuisines are easily dizzyingly available at Zhognshan Lu (中山路), Hexiang Dong/Xi Lu (禾详东西路), Hubin Road (湖滨路), etc.

If you like vegetarian flavor, you can try local favorite canteens--South Putuo Temple (南普陀寺, add: Siming Nanlu) and Dafang Sucaiguan (大方素菜馆,opposite of South Putuo Temple), Xinsu (心素, add: Hexiang Xilu) .

Shopping

Where can I go for shopping?

There are some business centers gathering many shopping stores, supermarkets, department stores on Zhongshan Lu, Longtou Lu in Gulangyu Islet, SM City on Jiahe Lu, and World Trade Tower on Xiahe Lu. Many antique and cuisines can be explored in the busy streets. Night Markets of Anding Square, Huli, Qianpu, etc. offer couple of night hangout options.