7 Days in Xiamen: A Relaxing Journey with 6 Nights of In-Depth Travel and a Double Itinerary of Hot Springs and Forests in the Suburbs
Xiamen isn't large, but with only three or four days, the itinerary can easily become a ferry ride and long queues. A seven-day, six-night trip allows for a slower pace, with only two or three key destinations planned each day, and rest time allowed at midday. This is suitable for travelers taking time off work, those with elderly relatives, or those with children.
Day 1: Zhongshan Road arcade buildings—Eighth Market—Lujiang Road sunset
The first day will not include a trip to the island; the focus will be on acclimatizing and exploring the old town on foot. In the afternoon, enter from the arcade street along Zhongshan Road, walk along the colonnades on both sides of the main street for a while, and then turn into the Eighth Market. The Eighth Market is most vibrant in the morning and evening; treat seafood identification, local pastries, and dried goods from both north and south as observation projects, not as a checklist task. Before sunset, walk to Lujiang Road and look towards Gulangyu Island from the First Pier side; the sky turning from blue to orange is Xiamen's most gentle opening.
Day 2 Gulangyu Island: Sunlight Rock—Shuzhuang Garden—Slow walk along Bishan Road
Gulangyu Island is perfect for a leisurely full day. Purchase your ferry tickets in advance through the official Xiamen Ferry website and choose Sanqiutian Wharf to board the ferry. In the morning, head to Sunlight Rock to avoid the morning rush hour; the light after 10 am is better for overlooking the red-tiled roofs and the sea. In the afternoon, visit Shuzhuang Garden, where winding bridges connect seamlessly with the sea view, and the Piano Museum is included in the route. In the afternoon, avoid the Longtou Road commercial area and walk along Bishan Road towards Neicuo'ao; the old villa walls, bougainvillea, and stone steps are more suitable for a leisurely stroll than the main street. Depart from Sanqiutian Wharf before evening.
Day 3-Day 4: Choose one of two routes
On the third and fourth days, two suburban routes will be provided. You can choose one based on your physical condition and interests; you don't have to visit both. Both routes will maintain two key points each day, with sufficient time allocated for lunch breaks and transportation.
Route A: Tongan Ancient Town and Tingxi Hot Spring
Day 3: Head to Tongan Old Town, first visiting the Confucius Temple and Tongyuchi area. The old town layout remains, with gentle slopes in the streets and alleys, suitable for strollers and the elderly. In the afternoon, sit down at the arcades around the old county government office and observe the rhythm of the local teahouse vendors. Day 4: Proceed to Tingxi Hot Spring Area, choosing a public hot spring with changing and rest facilities or a resort for a half-day soak. In the afternoon, take a walk along the bougainvillea fields in Gukeng. This route is suitable for tourists who want to stop and recharge.
Route B: Tianzhushan Forest Reserve and Guankou Ancient Town
Day 3: Take the MRT from the island towards Tianzhushan. After entering the Tianzhushan Forest Reserve, choose either the Haoyue Lake loop trail or the East Line gentle slope trail. Do not climb to the summit; focus on the shaded forests and reservoir scenery. Day 4: Head to Guankou Old Town. The old street and Shenqing Inn area retain the characteristics of a traditional Minnan village. In the morning, enjoy a bowl of satay noodles or braised noodles in Guankou Old Street. At noon, relax near the Fengshan Ancestral Temple. This route is more suitable for those who appreciate nature and the rural landscape.
Day 5: Xiamen University—Nanputuo Temple—Shapowei
Xiamen University requires advance confirmation of opening hours through the "Xiamen University Visitor Reservation System." If an appointment cannot be made, alternatives include visiting Nanputuo Temple and the South Gate of the Botanical Garden. After entering the campus, stroll slowly along Furong Lake and the Jiageng architectural complex, without entering the teaching area. Nanputuo Temple is located just outside the South Gate of Xiamen University. The temple is built against the mountain; simply walk to the platform behind the Hall of Heavenly Kings, no need to climb further. The afternoon is reserved for Shapowei and Ding'aozai Cat Street; the old factories and riverbanks of the typhoon shelter offer a window into the transition between old and new Xiamen.
Day 6 Mountain and Sea Health Trail - Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park
In the morning, take the gentler sections of the Mountain and Sea Health Trail, such as the Yundang Lake section or the Xianyue Mountain gentle slope branch. There are multiple entrances; choose the side with an elevator or gentle slope. The trail connects the mountain and the city, so it's best to walk it in sections; walking the entire length is not recommended. In the afternoon, visit Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park. The boardwalk is flat, and the main attractions are the bay wetlands and migratory birds. Seniors can linger in the rest pavilions, and children can exercise in the maze area on the north side.
Day 7: Jimei School Village and Dragon Boat Pool (the final destination)
On the last day, don't rush to too many places before your flight. In the morning, go to Jimei University Village and walk along the Dragon Boat Pond—Guilai Hall—Nanxun Tower area. The axis formed by the Jimei architecture and the pond is perfect for taking photos and relaxing. In the afternoon, return to the island to collect your luggage, and spend the rest of the time enjoying a cup of tea or a bowl of peanut soup.
Recommended routes for the elderly and children on gentle slopes
There are three gentle, slow-paced routes suitable for leisurely exploration in Xiamen: First, the Yundang Lake section of the Mountain and Sea Health Trail and the Xianyue Mountain gentle slope branch, which has a flat terrain and many exit points; second, the sightseeing elevator at the south gate of the Botanical Garden connects to the gentle slope within the garden, allowing you to take it halfway up the mountain and then walk down; third, the Haoyue Lake loop trail at Tianzhu Mountain, which has a flat path and high tree coverage. For Gulangyu Island, it is recommended to walk along the coastline from Sanqiutian Wharf to Shuzhuang Garden, avoiding the steep slope of Sunlight Rock.
Locally used apps and appointment tools
For travel, you can install the "Xiamen Bus" and "Xiamen Metro" apps in advance to check real-time routes; use the official "Xiamen Ferry" channel for Gulangyu ferry; visitors to Xiamen University should use the "Xiamen University Visitor Reservation System"; for municipal services, please refer to "Minzheng Tong" and "iXiamen". For attractions requiring reservations, prioritize confirming opening hours through the official portal, and be aware of motorcycle traffic under the arcades when walking.
Clothing suggestions for rainy and dry seasons
Xiamen's rainy season is concentrated from March to June and during typhoon season, characterized by high humidity and frequent showers. It is recommended that each person bring two pairs of shoes during the rainy season: one pair of waterproof hiking shoes and one pair of flip-flops. A lightweight raincoat is more practical than a folding umbrella. Clothing should consist mainly of quick-drying short-sleeved shirts and thin trousers. The dry season lasts from October to February of the following year. The climate is dry, but there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. It is windy at the beach, so a light windproof jacket is necessary.