Xiamen Island Leisure Tour | A 3-Day, 2-Night Selected Itinerary and Guide for Families
Xiamen, a city known as the "Garden on the Sea," is a top choice for family trips due to its unique maritime charm, rich Minnan culture, and pleasant climate. This curated guide presents a relaxed, family-friendly 3-day, 2-night itinerary, designed to allow you and your family to fully enjoy the poetic beauty of the seaside and the charm of its people on this tranquil island.
Day 1: Gulangyu Island | Stroll through the international architecture and listen to the melodious sound of the waves.
Morning: Upon arrival in Xiamen, it is recommended to go directly to the ferry terminal (passengers need to take the ferry from the Xiamen-Gulangyu Cruise Terminal or the First Terminal) and take the ferry to Gulangyu Island, a World Cultural Heritage site. It is advisable to book ferry tickets online in advance to avoid delays. After arrival, check into your pre-booked accommodation on the island, or leave your luggage near the pier.
Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Gulangyu Island. A walking tour is recommended for a more in-depth experience. Start by visiting Sunlight Rock for panoramic views of Gulangyu and Xiamen Island. Then stroll through the island's diverse collection of international architecture , experiencing its unique historical character. Pass by Shuzhuang Garden , admiring its exquisite garden design and ingenious "hidden sea" concept, and visit the Piano Museum to immerse yourself in the musical atmosphere of this "Piano Island." In the evening, enjoy quality time with your family at Gangzaihou Beach or Dadeji Beach , letting your children play on the sand and feel the gentle sea breeze.
Dinner: Enjoy local delicacies on Gulangyu Island, such as oyster omelets, fish ball soup, and satay noodles. The island offers a wide variety of dining options to suit family preferences. In the evening, you can continue your stroll on the island, experiencing its tranquility and romance under the night sky.
Day 2: Island Scenery | Coastal Cycling, Fishing Village Life
Morning: Return to Xiamen Island from Gulangyu Island. A visit to Nanputuo Temple is recommended to experience the solemnity and tranquility of Minnan Buddhist culture. The temple is nestled against the mountain and overlooking the sea, boasting a beautiful environment where you can enjoy vegetarian cuisine. Afterwards, you can visit Xiamen University (some areas are open to the public; advance reservations and adherence to campus regulations are required) to experience the academic atmosphere of one of China's most beautiful universities and the unique charm of the Tan Kah Kee architecture. If time is limited or children are not particularly interested in temples or universities, you can also head directly to the Island Ring Road.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch near Huandao Road or in the Zengcuo'an area, choosing local seafood or specialty snacks.
Afternoon: Experience the coastal scenery along the Island Ring Road . We recommend renting bicycles and cycling along the beautiful seaside greenway. The sea breeze is refreshing, and the scenery is delightful – perfect for families. Along the way, you can see signs proclaiming "One Country, Two Systems: Unifying China," as well as attractions like Coconut Wind Village and Huangcuo Beach. Afterwards, arrive at the artistic Zengcuo'an Fishing Village . Once an ordinary fishing village, it now boasts various guesthouses, cafes, unique shops, and food stalls, exuding a lively atmosphere and chic charm. Here you can sample various creative snacks and select unique handicrafts.
Dinner: In Zengcuo'an or back in the city, choose a seafood restaurant to enjoy fresh and authentic seafood.
Day 3: Nature exploration or cultural visit | Choose one of the two options in the suburbs, a leisurely getaway from Xiamen.
Morning: Choose one of the following options based on family interests and physical condition:
Option 1: Wanshi Botanical Garden | Urban Green Lung, Tropical Rainforest Wonder
Visit Xiamen Botanical Garden (Wanshi Botanical Garden) . This is the "green lung" of downtown Xiamen, boasting several specialized areas such as the succulent plant area, Rainforest World, and Palm Island. Rainforest World is a highlight for family trips; the timed misting creates a rainforest wonderland, making children feel as if they are in a tropical rainforest, experiencing the mystery and charm of nature. The botanical garden has well-maintained trails and a tranquil environment, making it a great place to get close to nature and relax. You can take the park's sightseeing bus to save energy.
Option 2: Jimei School Village | The Spirit of Tan Kah Kee, the Splendor of a Century-Old University
Head to Jimei School Village in northern Xiamen. Founded by the renowned patriotic overseas Chinese businessman, Mr. Tan Kah Kee, this educational base boasts a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. Visit Ao Garden to learn about Mr. Tan Kah Kee's life and patriotic spirit; stroll along the Dragon Boat Pond to experience the profound heritage of this century-old institution. Jimei School Village is not only a temple of architectural art but also an important window into understanding Minnan culture and the spirit of overseas Chinese. For families interested in history and culture, this will be a profound experience.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch near your chosen attraction. If you choose the Botanical Garden, you can dine at restaurants inside or nearby; if you choose Jimei University Village, you can sample local Jimei snacks.
Afternoon: Depending on your flight or high-speed train schedule, proceed to the airport or train station to conclude your pleasant trip to Xiamen.
Transportation and travel tips
Traffic Overview:
- Arrival in Xiamen: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) offers direct flights to major domestic cities. Xiamen North Railway Station and Xiamen Railway Station are the main stops for high-speed and regular trains.
- City Transportation: Xiamen's metro lines cover the main urban areas, offering convenience and speed. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) is an important mode of transportation connecting the island and the mainland. Bus routes are extensive, but congestion may occur during peak hours. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available.
- Gulangyu Ferry: Tourists need to take the ferry from the Xiamen-Gulangyu Cruise Terminal (daytime) or the First Terminal (nighttime) to Gulangyu Island. It is recommended to book ferry tickets in advance through the official WeChat account or website of Xiamen Ferry Co., Ltd., especially during holidays.
Accommodation recommendations:
- Near Zhongshan Road/Ferry Terminal: Convenient transportation, many dining and shopping options, and easy access to Gulangyu Island.
- Zengcuo'an: It has a strong artistic atmosphere, many guesthouses to choose from, and is close to the sea, but a bit far from the city center.
- The area around Xiamen University/Shapowei has a rich cultural atmosphere and a relatively quiet environment.
Restaurant Recommendations:
- Local specialties include: satay noodles, oyster omelet, peanut soup, rice noodle soup, sea worm jelly, and braised pork rice dumplings.
- Seafood: Enjoy fresh seafood at Zengcuo'an, Shapowei, or various seafood stalls.
Pitfall Avoidance Guide:
- Book your ferry tickets in advance: It is essential to book your Gulangyu ferry tickets in advance. Purchasing tickets on-site may result in long queues or the risk of not being able to buy tickets at all.
- Sun protection measures: Xiamen has strong sunshine, especially in summer, so be sure to take precautions against the sun, such as applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and sunglasses.
- Comfortable footwear: The trip involves a lot of walking, especially in Gulangyu and the Botanical Garden, so a pair of comfortable shoes is essential.
- Avoid peak seasons: During holidays and summer vacation, Xiamen is crowded with tourists, making attractions more congested and increasing accommodation and transportation prices. If possible, it is recommended to travel during off-peak times.
- Rational consumption: When shopping or dining near tourist attractions, be discerning and avoid overspending.
We hope this guide will provide you with useful information for your family trip to Xiamen. We wish you and your family a wonderful and unforgettable holiday on the island of Egret Island!