Xiamen 4-Day Itinerary: Perfect 2026 Travel Plan with Gulangyu & Tulou

Xiamen Four-Day Travel Guide

Xiamen is a city best savored slowly. Four days is just the right amount of time to deeply experience its World Heritage sites, artistic atmosphere, and island scenery, while also exploring the stunning Tulou earthen buildings nearby. This guide is designed specifically for first-time foreign visitors, offering a classic itinerary that balances history, culture, nature, cuisine, and leisure to help you fully experience the charm of the “Garden City by the Sea.”

Xiamen 4-Day Itinerary: Perfect 2026 Travel Plan with Gulangyu & Tulou

Xiamen Itinerary Overview

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (October–November). Enjoy pleasant weather and gentle sunshine.
Core Experiences: Gulangyu’s historic architecture, Minnan cuisine, coastal cycling, Fujian Tulou, and artistic fishing villages.
Transportation Hubs: Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) and Xiamen North Railway Station serve as primary gateways. Local transportation is convenient, with extensive coverage by subway, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services (Didi).
Accommodation Recommendations:
Gulangyu: Immersive historical experience, but luggage must be transported by ferry.
Near Zhongshan Road/Ferry Terminal: Most convenient transportation, abundant dining and shopping options.
Zengcuo’an/Huangcuo: Seaside artistic atmosphere, close to Huan Dao Road, ideal for leisurely travelers.

Four-Day Xiamen Itinerary

Day 1: Gulangyu Island—International Architecture and Island Romance

Theme: World Heritage Exploration.
Focus: Walking tours, historic buildings, island panoramas.
Accommodation Suggestion: Stay overnight on the island or return to the Xiamen mainland.

Morning (8:30-12:00): Island Arrival & Classic Route

Ferry: Pre-purchase tickets via the “Xiamen Ferry+” mini-program for the route from 【Xiamen Cruise Center Xiamen-Gulangyu Pier】 to 【Sanqutian Pier】 (standard cabin: 35 RMB round-trip). This is the primary pier for daytime visitors.
Highlights Tour: After disembarking, visit sequentially:
Most Picturesque Corner & Boat Houses: Quick photo stops.
Organ Museum (Bagua Building): Admire the landmark architecture from the outside.
Longtou Road Commercial Street: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Enjoy a simple lunch or purchase snacks here (e.g., Shen’s Min Nan Rice Rolls, Ye’s Glutinous Rice Cakes).

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Cultural Immersion & Panoramic Views

Shuzhuang Garden: A must-visit attraction. Admire the ingenious garden design that “hides the sea and fills the mountains,” and visit the Piano Museum inside (admission fee approximately ¥30).
Gangzihou Beach: Relax on the sand outside the garden, listening to the waves and gazing at the sea.
Sunlight Rock: Climb to Gulangyu’s highest point (ticket approx. ¥50) for a 360-degree view of the entire island and Xiamen city—especially spectacular at sunset.
Leisurely Stroll: After descending from Sunlight Rock, veer off the main paths and explore historic villas along quiet alleys like Fujian Road and Lujiao Road.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM):

Option A (Staying on the Island): Find a stylish restaurant for a quiet dinner. As night falls, Gulangyu sheds its bustle, becoming exceptionally serene.
Option B (Returning to the Mainland): Take the ferry back from Sanqiutian Pier (night ferries dock at the ferry terminal opposite Zhongshan Road). Enjoy a lively dinner along Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street or at the Baishi Seafood Market.

Day Two: Xiamen Island—Mountain-Sea Gardens and the Pulse of Culture

Theme: Natural Wonders and Modern Art.
Core Attractions: Botanical Garden, Coastal Road, Cultural Creative District.

Morning (9:00-12:30): Xiamen Botanical Garden (Wanshi Botanical Garden)

Key Areas:

Rainforest World: Visit during misting times (typically 9:11 AM, 2:00-4:00 PM). Sunlight filtering through mist creates a stunning Tyndall effect, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere.
Desert Plants Zone: Giant cacti and succulents create visually striking photo opportunities, evoking a desert landscape.
Tip: The park features many slopes; consider taking the sightseeing shuttle to conserve energy.

Lunch (12:30-14:00):
Dine near the botanical garden or head to the Shapowei area, home to numerous specialty cafes and casual eateries.

Afternoon (14:00-18:00): Shapowei & Coastal Road

Shapowei Art District: Explore this vibrant cultural hub transformed from an old fishing boat factory. Browse designer boutiques and immerse yourself in Xiamen’s contemporary art scene.
Huan Dao Road Cycling: Rent a shared bike near Baicheng Beach and cycle along one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads. Pass by Hulishan Battery (exterior view), Zengcuo’an, Music Square, and continue to Huangcuo Beach. Enjoy the sea breeze and picturesque scenery all the way.

Evening (6:30–8:30 PM):

Dinner: Dine in the artsy fishing village of Zengcuo’an. This bustling area is packed with food stalls and restaurants where you can sample various Minnan snacks like bamboo shoot jelly and oyster omelette.
Nightlife: Relax at one of Zengcuo’an’s small bars, or return to Shapowei to admire the night views of the shelter harbor.

Day Three: Southern Fujian Culture—Ancient Temples, Universities, and Local Life

Theme: Cultural Heritage and Local Living.
Focus: Buddhist culture, higher education institutions, and local markets.

Morning (9:00-12:00): Nanputuo Temple and Xiamen University

Nanputuo Temple: Free admission to this sacred site of Southern Fujian Buddhism. Experience the temple’s solemn atmosphere and offer prayers voluntarily. The Five Old Peaks behind the temple offer excellent vantage points for panoramic views.
Xiamen University: Adjacent to Nanputuo Temple. If campus access is available to visitors (must check availability and book in advance via the “Xiamen University Visitor Reservation System” WeChat account), explore the campus hailed as “China’s Most Beautiful University.” Highlights include Furong Lake, Kang-style architecture, and the creatively designed Furong Tunnel.

Noon (12:00-13:30): Lunch
Find restaurants near Xiamen University’s Xicun or Ding’aozi Cat Street to experience student-style cuisine.

Afternoon (14:00-17:00): Eighth Market & Zhongshan Road

Eighth Market: Xiamen’s oldest and most vibrant seafood market. Visit not for shopping, but for the experience: Admire the dazzling array of seafood, sample authentic snacks (like Ajie Five-Spice or Zhu Ji Hand-Shredded Chicken), and immerse yourself in the authentic local life of Xiamen.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street: Accessible via narrow alleys from the Eighth Market. Admire the continuous arcade buildings. This is the main shopping district for souvenirs (like Huang Yuantao Pineapple Cakes or Huang Shengji Dried Meat).

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Min Nan Cuisine Feast

Find a restaurant recommended by locals and enjoy a formal Min Nan meal featuring dishes like ginger duck, soy sauce-boiled small fish, and stir-fried vermicelli noodles. This marks the perfect conclusion to your cultural journey.

Day 4: Fujian Tulou—Exploring the Enchanted World of Big Fish & Begonia

Theme: One-day tour of the World Heritage Hakka Tulou.
Core Highlights: Architectural marvels, Hakka culture, pastoral landscapes.
Important Note: This day involves a long round trip; booking a day tour or chartered vehicle in advance is recommended.

Full Day (approx. 7:00-19:00): Fujian Tulou Complex

Primary Options:

Nanjiang Tulou Cluster (More Popular): Includes Tianluokeng “Four Dishes and a Soup” (classic bird’s-eye view), Yuchanglou “Leaning Tower,” and Tashaxia Village. Relatively compact itinerary with diverse landscapes.
Yongding Tulou Cluster (More Authentic): Includes Hongkeng Tulou Folk Culture Village (Zhencheng Lou) and Gaobei Tulou Cluster (Chengqi Lou, “King of Tulou”). Offers deeper cultural insights.
Sample Itinerary (Group Tour):
7:00 Depart from Xiamen hotel (approx. 2.5-3 hour drive).
10:30 Arrive at Tulou scenic area for sightseeing and enjoy Hakka farmhouse cuisine for lunch.
Afternoon: Continue exploring to learn about Hakka history and the architectural ingenuity of the Tulou.
16:00 Depart for return to Xiamen.
19:00 Arrive in downtown Xiamen, concluding the tour.

Evening:

After returning, enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel. Alternatively, depending on timing, consider attending the “Min Nan Legend Show” (at the Old Courtyard Scenic Area) for an immersive experience of Min Nan culture.

Xiamen Travel: Practical Tips

Gulangyu Ferry Tickets: This is the most crucial step! Be sure to book several days in advance, as tickets are scarce during peak season.
Transportation Apps: Download Gaode Maps or Baidu Maps (with English language option) and DiDi Chuxing for hassle-free travel.
Payment Methods: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, but carry some cash for street stalls.
Must-Try Foods: Satay Noodles, Oyster Omelette, Bamboo Shoot Jelly, Ginger Duck, Peanut Soup, Roasted Pork Rice Dumplings, and various seafood.
Budget Guide (per person per day, excluding flights):
Budget: ¥300-450 (hostels/budget hotels, public transport, street food).
Comfort: ¥500-800 (3-star hotels, mixed transport, restaurants, attractions).
Premium: ¥1000+ (4-star+ hotels, private/dedicated transport, specialty dining).

Why Four Days?

Three days might feel rushed, while five days offer too much leisure. Four days strike the perfect balance to experience Xiamen’s essence. This duration allows you to:
Immerse yourself deeply in Gulangyu’s history rather than merely ticking off attractions.
Leisurely explore the island’s diverse landscapes, blending mountains, sea, and urban charm.
Gain systematic insight into Minnan’s religious, educational, and street-level culture.
Make round-trip visits to the UNESCO-listed Fujian Tulou earthen buildings—elevating this journey far beyond expectations.

This itinerary balances pace with depth, covering essential classics while leaving room for unexpected discoveries. Wishing you an unforgettable time in Xiamen!