Xiamen One-Day Tour Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary (2026 Guide)
Xiamen One-Day Tour Guide: How to Experience the Essence of the “Garden City by the Sea” in 24 Hours
Xiamen ranks among China’s most livable and tourist-friendly coastal cities, celebrated as the “Garden City by the Sea.” Even with just a brief 24-hour stopover—whether as a cruise port call, business transit, or respite during a long journey—you can deeply appreciate this city’s unique charm. This guide meticulously plans an efficient, fulfilling, and well-paced itinerary to ensure you experience Xiamen’s core island culture, historic architecture, coastal scenery, and authentic cuisine within a single day.
Xiamen One-Day Itinerary Guide
Within a limited day, our goals are:
- Visit Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to experience its international architecture and tranquil alleys.
- Stroll along China’s most beautiful coastal promenade, enjoying sea breezes and sunshine.
- Sample at least two iconic Xiamen snacks.
- Immerse yourself in Minnan’s unique tea culture or artistic atmosphere.
Classic Efficient One-Day Xiamen Itinerary
Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours total
Pace: Compact yet unhurried, with clear highlights.
Transportation: Primarily taxis/ride-hailing, ferry, and walking for maximum efficiency.
Ideal Start: Depart from your hotel around 8:00 AM.
Morning (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM): In-Depth Stroll of Gulangyu Island
1. Travel to Gulangyu Island (8:30–9:15)
Key Step: Purchase daytime ferry tickets (35 RMB round-trip for standard class) from 【Xiamen Cruise Center Xiamen-Gulangyu Terminal】 to 【Gulangyu Sanqutian Terminal】 via the official “Xiamen Ferry+” WeChat account or mini-program 1–3 days in advance.
Why Sanqutian Pier? It’s closest to Gulangyu’s core historic district, allowing you to start exploring immediately upon disembarking.
Note: Bring your passport (for ticket collection/verification) and arrive at the pier 30 minutes early for security checks.
2. Gulangyu Highlights Tour (approx. 3 hours)
After disembarking, explore on foot following this suggested route. No need to search deliberately—enjoy the pleasure of getting lost:
Most Beautiful Corner & Boat Houses: Exit Sanqiutian Pier and walk 2 minutes to the Instagram-famous “Most Beautiful Corner”—perfect for photos. Nearby are uniquely shaped boat houses.
Architectural World Expo: Wander freely along Longtou Road and Fujian Road. You’ll see old villas blending South Seas, European, and Min Nan styles, such as Haitian Tang and Huang Rongyuan Hall. No need to enter every building—external viewing suffices.
Shuzhuang Garden (Must-Visit): A 15-20 minute walk away. This exquisite seaside garden masterfully blends private landscaping with breathtaking ocean vistas. The on-site Piano Museum, housing numerous antique pianos, is also worth exploring (admission approx. ¥30).
Gangzihou Beach: This beautiful stretch of sand begins immediately beyond Shuzhuang Garden. Pause here to feel the sea breeze and gaze across to Xiamen Island.
Morning Tip: No motorized vehicles operate on the island—walking is essential. Comfortable shoes are crucial. Snack on local treats like Zhang San Feng milk tea from street stalls or pastries from Miss Zhao’s shop.
Noon (12:30 – 14:00): Return to Xiamen Island and Lunch
- Return to Xiamen Island: Take the ferry back from Sanqiutian Pier on Gulangyu Island. Daytime return ferries first stop at Xiamen Cruise Terminal, but you may opt for a ferry to Xiamen Ferry Terminal (near Zhongshan Road) instead (approx. 5-7 min ride). This terminal is located in Xiamen’s old town, convenient for subsequent activities.
- Authentic Lunch: After disembarking, walk to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street or nearby old alleys.
Recommended: Find a restaurant frequented by locals to savor Xiamen Satay Noodles or Oyster Omelette.
Quick Option: “Huang Zehe Peanut Soup Shop” on Zhongshan Road offers fast service for their famous peanut soup and various Xiamen snacks (like Satay Noodles, Mianxianhu).
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:30 PM): Seaside, Culture & Art
- Nanputuo Temple (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Take a taxi from near Zhongshan Road; the ride is approximately 10 minutes.
Experience: Visit this renowned Buddhist temple in Southern Fujian and immerse yourself in its serene, solemn atmosphere. If energy permits, hike partway up the mountain path behind the temple for panoramic views of the temple complex (no need to reach the summit to save time).
Note: Free admission; dress appropriately for temple entry. - Xiamen University Exterior (3:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Adjacent to Nanputuo Temple. If the campus is open to the public (policies change frequently—check in advance), briefly tour Furong Lake and the K.C. Tsao buildings. If closed, take photos at its iconic West Gate entrance.
- Cycling or Strolling along Huan Dao Road (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM):
Take a taxi from XMU/Nanputuo Temple to areas near Baicheng Beach or Hulishan Battery.
Best Experience: Rent a shared bike (e.g., Hello Bike—download the app and top up in advance) and cycle along the wooden boardwalk of Huan Dao Road.
Recommended Route: Cycle from Baicheng Beach to Zengcuoan, passing Music Square and Calligraphy Square. With the sea on one side and mountains on the other, the scenery is breathtaking.
End Point: Cycle to the artistic fishing village of Zengcuoan. This is a great spot to explore creative boutiques, cafes, and street food stalls.
Evening to Night (5:30 PM – 8:30 PM): Artistic Fishing Village and Farewell Dinner
- Explore Zengcuo’an (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM):
Stroll through this vibrant cultural and creative village. Pick up some stylish souvenirs or relax at a seaside café.
Must-try snacks: Sample Tusun Dong (a unique jelly made from sea cucumber) and grilled oysters along Zengcuo’an’s snack street. - Seaside Sunset (Optional): Weather permitting, watch the sunset on the beach opposite Zengcuo’an.
- Farewell Dinner (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM):
Option A (Seafood Feast): Choose a well-reviewed seafood restaurant in Zengcuoan or near Zhongshan Road for a dinner featuring fresh fish and shellfish.
Option B (Min Nan Cuisine): Savor authentic Min Nan dishes like ginger duck and soy sauce-braised assorted fish.
If you prefer not to visit Gulangyu Island, try this “Xiamen Mainland Highlights” itinerary:
Morning: Xiamen Botanical Garden (Wanshi Botanical Garden), focusing on the Desert Plant Zone (giant cacti) and Rainforest World (enchanting mist displays at scheduled times).
Lunch: Dine near Zhongshan Road or Shapowei.
Afternoon: Explore the Shapowei Art District (a renovated old fishing boat factory turned art zone), then stroll or cycle leisurely along Huan Dao Road.
Evening: Ascend the observation deck of the Shimao Straits Tower (Twin Towers) for panoramic views of Xiamen, then head to Ba Shi (Eighth Market) to experience local street life and enjoy a seafood dinner.
Xiamen Travel Guide & Transportation:
Airport/High-Speed Rail Station Transfers: Both Gaoqi Airport and Xiamen North Station connect to downtown via subway. For day trips, use DiDi Chuxing (China’s Uber equivalent, which accepts international credit cards) or taxis to save time.
City Travel: Subway Line 1 connects major areas, but taxis are more efficient between attractions.
Payments: Almost all venues accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. Ensure your accounts are set up and have a sufficient balance. Carry a small amount of cash as backup.
Internet: Ensure your phone has data access (purchase a local Chinese SIM card or use international roaming).
Language: Basic English communication is possible in major tourist areas, but downloading a translation app (like Google Translate) is highly recommended.
Most Important Reminder: Must book Gulangyu ferry tickets online in advance! Tickets may not be available for immediate purchase on-site.
A day in Xiamen is a feast for the senses—witness colonial architecture blending with azure skies and seas, listen to the whisper of waves mingling with old alleyways, savor the unique flavors of seafood and sweet soups. Though time is limited, this carefully planned itinerary allows you to efficiently capture the essence of Xiamen’s harmonious blend of “slow living” and “artsy vibes.” Wishing you a perfect and fulfilling day in Xiamen!
Related Reading：
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- Xiamen Gulangyu Island One Day Itinerary Your Perfect 2026 Guide & Map
- Xiamen Itinerary: How to Plan 3, 5, and 7 Days in 2026
