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Summary

This travel guide provides a comprehensive itinerary for exploring Xiamen, a beautiful coastal city in China. It highlights the best times to visit, top attractions, and unique experiences, including Gulangyu Island, South Putuo Temple, and the Minnan Old Streets. The guide also offers practical tips on transportation, accommodation, and local cuisine.

🌟 Day 1: Exploring Xiamen Highlights

Start your journey by exploring the key highlights of Xiamen, including the famous South Putuo Temple, the bustling Zhongshan Road, and the artistic Zengcuo'an. Enjoy the local delicacies and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city.

🏯 South Putuo Temple

South Putuo Temple, a famous temple in southern Fujian, offers a serene escape with its beautiful peaks and a stunning view of the dark blue seaport. The temple is renowned for its delectable vegetarian dishes and the must-try vegetarian biscuits, available in sweet and salty flavors, making for a delightful souvenir.

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Tips

Take a 30-50 minute hike to the top of Wulao Peak behind the temple for a breathtaking panoramic view of Xiamen University, the twin towers of Xiamen, and the vast sea.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 592 208 8554
📍   Address: China, Fujian, Xiamen, Siming District, 思明南路515号 邮政编码 - 361005

🛍️ Zhongshan Road

Zhongshan Road, a well-known commercial street in Xiamen, is an ideal place to experience the city's prosperity. It offers a charming blend of old-world charm and modern trends, featuring time-honored gourmet restaurants and a plethora of trendy fashion shops. The street is a haven for food enthusiasts and avid shoppers, boasting a diverse range of local flavors and unique souvenirs.

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Tips

Explore the "food circle" between Shengping Road, Datong Road, and Zhongshan Road to savor the best local flavors and discover hidden culinary gems.

🏖️ Zengcuo'an

Zengcuo'an, once a quaint fishing village, has transformed into a vibrant hub for gourmets, coffee aficionados, and art enthusiasts. During the day, visitors can indulge in delectable street food, peruse the eclectic array of souvenir shops, and capture the area's artistic essence through captivating photographs. As night falls, the village comes alive with charming cafes and lively bars, offering the perfect setting to unwind and savor the enchanting ambiance.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Xiamen, Fujian Chinese Street Food in Zeng Cuo An Village ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2nc3T1aYkk", "channel": { "name": "DuckTravel走鴨旅行"}, "published_date": "May 12, 2023", "length": "40:00" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Xiamen Zeng Cuo An Village Walking Tour | \u53a6\u95e8\u66fe\u539d\u57b5\u6751 ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy6jsINTuXk", "channel": { "name": "Mottodong"}, "published_date": "Mar 1, 2024", "length": "16:19" }</div>

Tips

Visit Zengcuo'an during the day to experience its lively daytime atmosphere, and return in the evening to revel in the laid-back charm of its cafes and bars.

Day2: Gulangyu Island Adventure

Spend the day on Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site known for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and museums. Enjoy the local delicacies and unique shops on Longtou Road.

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Gulangyu Island

A picturesque island with exquisite bungalows, historical architecture, and popular attractions like Shuzhuang Garden and Sunlight Rock.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Gulangyu Island, Xiamen, China Walkabout (Part 1)", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNwj364crCI", "channel": { "name": "Walkabout Rojo"}, "published_date": "Oct 17, 2018", "length": "6:59" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Charming Piano Island (Gulangyu) in Xiamen China", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASspL3DEjso", "channel": { "name": "Glopen"}, "published_date": "Jul 28, 2023", "length": "16:50" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Walking In Xiamen's Gulangyu Island | Garden On The Sea ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xp5OSs_XnU", "channel": { "name": "Walk East"}, "published_date": "Dec 21, 2020", "length": "39:40" }</div>

Tips

Buy a 'Chapter Book' and get it stamped at various shops on the island. Visit Sunlight Rock for the best views.

Longtou Road

The commercial center of Gulangyu Island, filled with specialty gift shops, coffee shops, and snack bars.

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Tips

Try the local delicacies and explore the unique shops for souvenirs.

🌆 Day 3: Cultural and Historical Exploration

Dive into the rich culture and history of Xiamen by visiting the Minnan Old Streets, Xiamen University, and the nearby Tulou clusters. Experience the traditional architecture and the vibrant student life.

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🏘️ Minnan Old Streets

The Minnan Old Streets are a captivating representation of the southern Fujian culture, boasting well-preserved ancient buildings and characteristic arcade streets that date back centuries.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf3 The business center of the Minnan people, Xiamen ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlXy2P_rqn4", "channel": { "name": "WalkingCloud"}, "published_date": "Aug 9, 2023", "length": "4:03" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Xiamen Night Walk | The Pedestrian Street & Night Food ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf7jow-xV8M", "channel": { "name": "Walk East"}, "published_date": "Jul 6, 2021", "length": "56:49" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "A Day of Leisure in Xiamen: Exploring Old Town and Beaches ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_jXQ4fbX5M", "channel": { "name": "Lulu's daily in China"}, "published_date": "Oct 12, 2023", "length": "9:09" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Hidden Chinese Street Food Only The Locals Know in Xiamen ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk3K63fAIRU", "channel": { "name": "DS Travel"}, "published_date": "Sep 12, 2020", "length": "16:25" }</div>

Tips

Explore the "four verticals and one horizontal" streets, including Zhongshan Road and West Xiahe, to immerse yourself in the unique experience of old Xiamen. Wander through the mottled walls and messy window edges to truly feel the essence of the old city.

🏫 Xiamen University

Xiamen University, renowned as one of the most beautiful university campuses in China, is steeped in history and architectural splendor. The campus exudes a vibrant student life, with its historical buildings adding to the allure of the surroundings.

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Tips

Take a leisurely stroll around the campus to soak in the youthful atmosphere and visit the historical buildings, allowing yourself to be transported back in time to the days of student life.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 592 218 0000
🌐   Website: https://www.xmu.edu.cn/
📍   Address: 422 Siming S Rd, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, China, 361005

🏯 Nanjing Tulou

Located approximately 98km from Xiamen, Nanjing Tulou is a national 5A scenic spot with a history spanning over 1,000 years. It showcases a remarkable collection of Tulou (Earth buildings), including the tallest, largest, smallest, and most well-protected ones, offering a glimpse into ancient architectural marvels.

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Tips

Immerse yourself in the rich history by visiting the diverse Tulou structures, each with its own unique characteristics, to gain a comprehensive understanding of these fascinating Earth buildings.