Xiamen Itinerary: How to Plan 3, 5, and 7 Days in 2025

A perfect Xiamen itinerary doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or 7 days, this Xiamen travel plan will help you effortlessly explore the highlights of this coastal city.

Xiamen is renowned for its pristine environment, rich history, and modern amenities. The city’s iconic symbol is Gulangyu—a car-free island brimming with colonial-era architecture.
This Xiamen travel guide provides a comprehensive 2025 itinerary.

Essential Pre-trip Reading: 2025 Xiamen Travel Tips

Visa: Most foreign visitors require a visa to enter China.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather.
Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in China. Carry some cash in Chinese yuan and ensure your credit cards work overseas.
Transportation: Xiamen boasts an extensive public transit system, including subways and buses. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi are also convenient.
Xiamen private car with driver: airport transfer, private driver service. Email: gaoteng9996@gmail.com

Xiamen Itinerary Planning: 3-Day, 5-Day, and 7-Day

Below are flexible Xiamen itineraries tailored for different timeframes.

3-Day Xiamen Itinerary (Classic Highlights Tour)

This 3-day Xiamen itinerary is perfect for time-conscious travelers, covering all the most famous attractions.

Day 1: Gulangyu Island & Zhongshan Road
Morning: Take the ferry to Gulangyu Island. Be sure to book ferry tickets online several days in advance! Stroll along the car-free streets, admiring historic villas. Visit Shuzhuang Garden and its Piano Museum.
Afternoon: Ascend Sunlight Rock for panoramic views of Gulangyu and downtown Xiamen. This is the highlight of any 3-day itinerary.
Evening: Return to the main island and explore Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. It’s a prime spot for shopping and sampling local snacks.

Day 2: Nanputuo Temple & Hulishan Battery
Morning: Visit serene Nanputuo Temple, an active Buddhist monastery. Climb Wulao Peak behind the temple for city and ocean views.
Afternoon: Head to Hulishan Battery. See historic cannons and the famous “Kissing Stone.” The coastal scenery here is spectacular.
Evening: Indulge in a seafood feast at a restaurant near the fish market.

Day 3: Xiamen University and Botanical Garden
Morning: Stroll through the beautiful campus of Xiamen University. Don’t miss the Lotus Tunnel, covered in student graffiti and artwork.
Afternoon: Visit Xiamen Botanical Garden. This expansive park features a giant cactus and succulent zone, as well as a rainforest area.
Evening: Unwind at a unique café or small bar in Zengcuoan, a popular gathering spot for young travelers.

Five-Day Xiamen Itinerary (In-Depth Cultural Experience)

This 5-day Xiamen itinerary allows ample time for deeper exploration and relaxation.

Days 1-2: Follow the itinerary outlined in the 3-day Xiamen plan above.
Day 3: Fujian Tulou Day Trip
This is a long but highly rewarding journey. Fujian Tulou are massive ancient earthen structures built by the Hakka people, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can join a tour group or hire a private car for the trip. Though time-consuming, it’s an absolute highlight worth including in your 5-day Xiamen itinerary.

Day 4: Zengcuoan and the Beach
Morning & Afternoon: Spend a leisurely morning and afternoon in Zengcuoan Fishing Village. Now a bohemian-style spot, it features unique boutiques, cafes, and street food stalls. You can also visit nearby Baicheng Beach.
Evening: Experience Zengcuoan’s vibrant nightlife and enjoy dinner here.

Day 5: Coastal Road & Departure
Morning: Rent a bicycle and cycle along the Coastal Road. This scenic coastal highway features dedicated bike lanes.
Afternoon: Complete final souvenir shopping or visit a museum before heading to the airport.

7-Day Xiamen Itinerary (Comprehensive Exploration)

This 7-day Xiamen itinerary lets you experience the city’s charms at a leisurely pace.

Days 1-3: Follow the core 3-day Xiamen itinerary.
Day 4: Overnight Tulou Experience
Instead of a rushed day trip, consider staying overnight at a tulou or nearby guesthouse. This allows you to truly experience the village’s tranquil atmosphere at dawn and dusk, after the day-trippers have departed. This is a unique highlight of the 7-day Xiamen plan.

Day 5: Island Recharge
Return to Xiamen from the Tulou. Relax, revisit your favorite spots, or explore a new neighborhood.

Day 6: Culture & Coffee
Morning: Visit the Xiamen Museum to learn about the city’s history.
Afternoon: Explore Siming District’s Coffee Street or Bar Street—ideal spots to unwind and observe local life.

Day 7: Final Farewell & Departure
Enjoy an authentic Xiamen breakfast, take one last seaside stroll, then prepare for your journey home.

Must-Try Xiamen Delicacies

No Xiamen travel guide is complete without its culinary highlights!
Shacha Noodles: Noodles served in a rich broth infused with peanut and shrimp paste flavors.
Oyster Omelette: A beloved street snack—a savory pancake made with eggs and oysters.
Sweet Peanut Soup: A sweet, warm soup often enjoyed for breakfast.

May this detailed Xiamen itinerary help you effortlessly plan an unforgettable trip. Whether you choose a 3-, 5-, or 7-day journey, remember to book Gulangyu ferry tickets in advance, pack comfortable walking shoes, and prepare to embrace a perfect blend of modern convenience and traditional culture. This Xiamen travel guide aims to make your 2025 travel planning simple and efficient.