If you’re looking for a destination in China that combines sea breezes, colonial buildings, and mouthwatering food, you have to set your sights on Xiamen.
At Asiahop, we love this corner of the world because it breaks away from the chaos of the big metropolises. It’s relaxed, clean, and has a unique personality.
Where is Xiamen?
Xiamen is located on the coast in southeastern China, directly across from the island of Taiwan in Fujian Province.
The heart of the city is a large island connected to the mainland by impressive bridges. Its strategic location historically made it one of the country’s most important ports.
What you can’t miss
Xiamen is a perfect blend of old and new. With its long, fine sandy beaches and lush green spaces, it’s the ideal place to slow down during your trip through China.
Bashi Market (八市): A market with a wide variety of fresh seafood and fish where you can choose what you want to eat and have it cooked right there. Very close to Zhongshan Road, it’s the perfect place for dinner and to discover local specialties.
Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿): A large pedestrian island. Famous for its Victorian architecture and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as “Piano Island.”
It houses numerous historical buildings that served as foreign embassies during the colonial era. It also boasts a wonderful variety of spectacular beaches and coves with white sand, perfect for swimming.
It’s connected to the main island by a ferry line that carries passengers regularly. The island also has shops, a large number of hotels, restaurants, and cafes to spend the day.
Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺): A spectacular Buddhist temple at the foot of a mountain. With several areas, stone sculptures, and city viewpoints, the views from the top are totally worth the climb.
Xiamen University (厦门大学): They say it’s the most beautiful university in China. It has gorgeous gardens and is right next to the beach.
Beaches: The main island has spectacular fine sandy beaches perfect for strolling and swimming. Huangcuo (黄厝海滩) and Baicheng (白城沙滩) are two examples. The latter is near Nanputuo Temple. There are snack, food, and drink stalls nearby, as well as some restaurants for a break. If you go to these beaches, remember to protect yourself from the sun, as there isn’t much shade available.
Climate: When to go?
Xiamen has a subtropical monsoon climate, with short, mild winters and long, humid summers. It’s still quite hot well into September.
The best time to visit is from October to December. The skies are clear and the temperature is perfect for walking.
Gastronomy: A Seafood Feast
If you love seafood, Xiamen will be your paradise. The local cuisine is part of the Min tradition. You can’t leave without trying the satay noodles, with an addictive peanut and spice sauce. Or their famous oyster omelet, super juicy, a classic street food. Ginger duck is also very popular, cooked so slowly that it melts in your mouth.
Plan your trip with Asiahop
Xiamen has that certain something that captivates you from the first minute. Are you dying to stroll through the streets of Gulangyu or try the best seafood in China?
Don’t stress about the logistics. Contact the Asiahop team and we’ll design a fully customized travel plan for you so you can focus on enjoying yourself.