Xiamen · Fujian, China
Xiamen Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Xiamen tours and things to do on China’s garden-island coast: stroll the car-free lanes of colonial Gulangyu Island, seek serenity at the seaside Nanputuo Temple, walk the ramparts of Hulishan Fortress, journey inland to the giant earthen Tulou roundhouses of the Hakka, and graze the city’s famous night food streets. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
217 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Xiamen
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Xiamen
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Xiamen by interest
Whatever brings you to Xiamen — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Xiamen
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Gulangyu Island
Car-free jewel.
25 toursView tours
Nanputuo Temple
Seaside temple.
15 toursView tours
Fujian Tulou
Earthen homes.
15 toursView tours
Hulishan Fortress
Coastal fort.
15 toursView tours
Zhongshan Road
Old shophouses.
20 toursView tours
Food Streets
Night markets.
15 toursView tours
Botanical Garden
Rainforest zones.
15 toursView tours
Ring Road Coast
Seaside beaches.
15 toursView tours
Inland awayFujian Tulou
Earthen homes.
from €90View trips
Ferry awayGulangyu
Car-free island.
from €30View trips
City awayNanputuo
Seaside temple.
from €25View trips
Coast awayHulishan
Coastal fort.
from €25View trips
City awayBotanical Garden
Rainforest zones.
from €20View trips
City awayFood Streets
Night markets.
from €30View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Xiamen visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm and pleasant — ideal for the island and coast.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm, dry and clear — the best time to visit.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and humid, with a risk of typhoons.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild and comfortable, rarely cold.
For the island
Spring and autumn are best for Gulangyu.
Best overall
September to November is ideal.
One day
Gulangyu and Nanputuo Temple.
Two days
Add a Fujian Tulou day trip.
Three days
Add the coast, gardens and food streets.
For the island
A full day exploring Gulangyu.
For heritage
The Tulou and Nanputuo Temple.
With kids
The island, gardens and beaches.
By ferry
Ferries link the waterfront to Gulangyu.
By metro
A modern metro serves the city.
Tours & transfers
Tours include transport to the Tulou.
On foot
Gulangyu and old streets are best explored walking.
Where to stay
Stay on Xiamen island near the waterfront.
Chinese yuan
China uses the yuan; mobile payment is common.
Gulangyu ferry
Book Gulangyu ferry tickets ahead in peak season.
Nanputuo
Visit the seaside temple and climb for views.
Fujian Tulou
Plan a full day for the inland roundhouses.
Hulishan
See the giant historic cannons on the coast.
Eat local
Try oyster omelettes and satay noodles.
Best light
Come in autumn for clear, dry days.
Gulangyu tickets
Ferry tickets sell out — book ahead.
Tulou tours
Full-day Tulou trips fill up — reserve early.
Guided temple tours
Private temple tours sell out — book ahead.
Food tours
Small-group food walks fill up — reserve early.
City tours
Private city tours sell out — book ahead.
Golden Week
Chinese holidays are very busy — book well ahead.
Gulangyu tour
Around €25–55 for a Gulangyu Island tour.
City tour
About €30–60 for a Xiamen city tour.
Tulou day trip
Roughly €90–170 for a Fujian Tulou trip.
Temple tour
Around €25–50 for a Nanputuo Temple tour.
Food tour
About €30–60 for a night food street tour.
How to save
Join group tours to cut costs.
When to visit
Xiamen through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Island & coast.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Warm sea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Sep–Nov
- Best for
- Clear & dry.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Dec–Feb
- Best for
- Mild & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Comfortable.
People also ask
Xiamen travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Xiamen?
The highest-rated experiences are Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, a city tour, and a Fujian Tulou day trip.
What should I book in advance in Xiamen?
Reserve Gulangyu ferry tickets, Tulou trips and food tours ahead, especially in peak season.
How many days do I need in Xiamen?
One day covers the island, and two let you add the Fujian Tulou.
Is Xiamen worth visiting?
Yes — Xiamen is one of China’s most relaxed and scenic coastal cities.
When is the best time to visit Xiamen?
September to November offers clear, dry and pleasant weather.
What is Gulangyu?
A car-free UNESCO island of colonial villas off Xiamen.
Is Xiamen good for families?
Yes — the car-free island, gardens and beaches make it great for families.
217 Xiamen experiencesfrom €25 · free cancellation
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