Xiamen Travel: 8 Must-Visit Attractions & Hidden Gems (2025 Guide)

Xiamen Travel: 8 Must-Visit Attractions & Hidden Gems (2025 Guide)

Xiamen, this coastal city known as the “Garden on the Sea,” captivates travelers with its azure waters, clear skies, red-brick architecture, and artistic, romantic ambiance, making it an unforgettable destination.
Among the 8 top attractions recommended for 2025, you can immerse yourself in the traditional charm of ancient fishing villages while experiencing the innovative trends of modern art. Follow this guide to discover Xiamen’s enchanting allure.

1.Huan Dao Road
Hailed as “the most beautiful marathon route,” Huan Dao Road connects attractions like Yefeng Village, Zengcuoan, and Baicheng Beach. Cycling along its winding coastline, you’ll be flanked by azure skies and the sea on one side, and lush greenery and blooming flowers on the other. Colorful pathways and music squares along the route exude a vibrant artistic ambiance. At dusk, the setting sun over Baicheng Beach paints the sky orange-red, while waves gently lap against the rocks—a scene straight out of a movie.
✅ Tip: Rent a shared bike and ride from Huangcuo Beach to Zengcuoan, stopping anytime for photos. Winter brings fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to enjoy the sea breeze and tranquility.

2.Shapowei Art District
This emerging cultural landmark in Xiamen was transformed from an old fishing port. Container markets, artisan workshops, and retro cafes dot the area. Vibrant murals adorn the walls, while street performances catch the eye. Weekend creative markets showcase the works of independent designers, and nighttime light shows transform the fishing port into a dreamlike scene.
🔍 Recommended: Ascend the Bifengwu Viewing Platform to witness fishing boats blending with the cityscape; savor local snacks at “Shapowei Food Fort” in the evening.

3.Xiamen University
Dubbed “China’s most beautiful university,” Xiamen University’s campus nestles between mountains and sea. Its distinctive architecture harmonizes with tropical greenery. The Furong Tunnel is adorned with student graffiti, while the Shangxian Field lawn serves as a popular photo spot. The campus becomes especially poetic when flamboyant trees bloom in spring and kapok flowers in autumn.
🌅 Best Time: Stroll along Furong Lake at dawn when crowds are sparse, embracing the tranquil beauty of “facing the sea, spring flowers in bloom.”

4.Gulangyu Island
This “Garden on the Sea” is renowned for its blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The Piano Museum in Shuzhuang Garden, the panoramic views from Sunlight Rock, and the retro charm of Bagua Pavilion—each spot deserves a leisurely exploration. With no cars on the island, stroll through red-brick alleys where the aroma of coffee mingles with the sound of waves, and time seems to slow down.
🎭 Experience Tips: Book in advance for a Nanyin performance at Haitian Hall to experience traditional Min Nan art; Evening lighting creates soft, flattering conditions for portrait photography.

5.Nanputuo Temple
This renowned Buddhist monastery in southern Fujian dates back to the Tang Dynasty, drawing devoted worshippers whose incense smoke mingles with the temple’s resonant bells. Ascend Wulao Peak for panoramic views of Xiamen University and Lujiang River, where ancient carvings and towering trees deepen the serene atmosphere. The temple’s vegetarian cuisine is renowned, with the “Luohan Vegetarian Meal” offering light yet flavorful dishes.
🙏 Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds, try copying sutras for meditation, or join the morning chanting session; reserve vegetarian meals in advance, and don’t miss the “Nanputuo Vegetarian Pastries.”

6.Zengcuoan
Once a humble fishing village, Zengcuoan has transformed into a bohemian haven. Narrow alleys brim with boutique hotels, cafes, and artisanal shops. Come nightfall, the bustling night market tempts visitors with mouthwatering delights like satay noodles, oyster omelets, and bamboo shoot jelly.
📸 Recommended Viewpoints: Overlook Zengcuoan from Congyu Bookstore’s terrace; witness fishermen mending nets at dawn by the harbor to immerse in local life.

7.Jimei Academy Village
Founded by Mr. Tan Kah Kee, Jimei Academy Village blends education with architectural beauty. Red-brick buildings and traditional eaves showcase Min Nan architectural charm. Nanxun Building and Daonan Building by the Dragon Boat Pond reflect beautifully in the water, while flamboyant flowers in spring and ginkgo leaves in autumn enhance the scenery.
🧭 Recommended Experience: Explore the relief-carved corridor at Aoyuan Garden to learn about Mr. Tan Kah Kee’s legacy; stroll by the Dragon Boat Pond at dusk to savor the village’s tranquility.

8.Mountain-Sea Health Trail
This 23-kilometer trail connects mountains and sea, traversing forests and urban areas. Ascend the “Spiral Observation Tower” for a 360-degree panorama of Xiamen—on foggy days, it feels like stepping into a fairyland.
🚶 Hidden Gem Route: Start from Xianyueshan entrance and hike to “Hexi Building,” where bougainvillea and bamboo groves along the way lift your spirits.

Transportation:

• Airport to City Center: Take Metro Line 1 directly to Zhongshan Road, then transfer to buses or shared bikes for attractions.
• City Transportation: Metro covers major areas; use the “Xiamen Bus” app for QR code boarding. Walk or cycle in the old town.

Accommodation:

• Luxury Options: Seaside hotels along Huan Dao Road (e.g., W Hotel, Conrad)
• Value-conscious: Homestays near Zhongshan Road

Cuisine:

• Seafood: Visit Bashi Seafood Market to select fresh ingredients for cooking. Try ginger duck and oyster omelette.
• Snacks: Don’t miss Jukou Mixed Noodles, Sili Satay Noodles, and Huang Zehe Peanut Soup.

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:

• Beware of taxi drivers recommending “overpriced seafood stalls”; opt for chain restaurants with clearly marked prices.
• Book ferry tickets to Gulangyu Island one day in advance, choosing the route from “Xiamen Gulangyu Ferry Terminal at Cruise Center” to “Sanqutian Pier.”

Some call Xiamen the “Venice of the East,” where blue seas and red-brick architecture weave poetic charm; Others call it “the bohemian’s paradise,” where cafes and bookstores hide life’s simple joys. From cycling along Huan Dao Road to savoring Gulangyu’s slow pace, from Nanputuo Temple’s serenity to Jimei Academy Village’s scholarly charm—this city always finds ways to captivate you between mountains and sea.
Xiamen awaits your visit in 2025!