Gulangyu Island, seafood & sea views
Xiamen
Xiàmén · Island city & colonial charm
A breezy, garden-like port city on China's southeast coast. Xiamen is all sea air, palm-lined promenades and the piano-filled colonial island of Gulangyu — one of the most relaxed and livable cities in the country.
Top sightsSights
Gulangyu Island
A car-free UNESCO islet of colonial villas, gardens and pianos — take the ferry across the harbor.
Xiamen University
Often called China's most beautiful campus, set between hills and the sea.
Nanputuo Temple
A serene seaside Buddhist temple backed by a rocky hill of inscriptions.
Zhongshan Road
An arcaded old shopping street of Minnan architecture running down to the waterfront.
Huandao Road
A scenic coastal boulevard for cycling past beaches and sea views.
What to eatFood
Oyster omelette
A crisp-edged omelette of fresh oysters and sweet-potato starch.
Satay noodles
Noodles in a rich, nutty Southeast Asian–influenced satay broth.
Popiah spring rolls
Soft fresh rolls packed with braised vegetables — a Minnan classic.
Good to know
- Book Gulangyu ferry tickets online in advance — daily visitor caps apply.
- The climate is mild and pleasant most of the year; avoid typhoon season peaks.
- A great gateway to the Fujian tulou earthen roundhouses inland.
Getting there
Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) and high-speed rail up the coast to Fuzhou (1.5h), Shenzhen (3.5h) and beyond.
Next city
Qingdao