The city of Xiamen, located on the southeastern coast of China, features beautiful colonial architecture combined with a modern vibe. It is located in Fujian Province. Xiamen’s scenic Gulangyu Island is car-free and known for its mix of architectural styles from around the world. Its historic buildings, clean beaches and relaxed pace of life offer a quieter contrast to China’s larger cities, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and beach activities.

Given its history as a treaty port, Xiamen is home to many European-style buildings alongside the traditional architecture of southern China. The subtropical climate and ocean setting make Xiamen a desirable city for outdoor recreation. Xiamen is renowned for its thriving artistic community, offering an authentic yet accessible experience of China.

How to reach Xiamen?

• By air: Book your flight to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), conveniently located just 10 kilometres from the city centre on the island's northeastern coast, or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), which handles both international flights and domestic routes. Xiamen Airport receives direct flights from major cities worldwide. For travellers from India, IndiGo operates flights to Xiamen via/direct hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, or flights to Hong Kong. Indian citizens require a Chinese visa before travel. Apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate with your passport, application form, photographs, flight bookings, and hotel reservations.
• Getting around/local transport in Xiamen: Xiamen has an efficient and cost-effective public transit system, making it easy to navigate the city. The most effective way to explore Xiamen is by using the Xiamen metro, which connects many major neighbourhoods, tourist sites, and the airport. The most convenient way to use public transportation in Xiamen is to obtain a transportation card for the metro and buses. Xiamen's city bus system offers extensive coverage at low fares. Ferries connect Xiamen Island to Gulangyu Island.

From tea shops to beachside boutiques, Xiamen offers a rich shopping experience featuring local crafts, tea, and unique souvenirs. Here are the top shopping destinations:

• Zhongshan Road Walking Street: Xiamen's main commercial pedestrian street stretches over one kilometre through the old town district. This bustling thoroughfare combines historic arcade-style buildings with modern shops selling everything from fashion and electronics to snacks and souvenirs. The street comes alive at night with illuminated shops, street performers, and food vendors. Perfect for buying Xiamen specialities, including pineapple cakes, dried seafood, traditional pastries, and local tea.
• SM City Xiamen: SM City is one of the city's largest shopping malls and offers comprehensive retail therapy with multiple floors of international and domestic brands, electronics, cosmetics, fashion, and home goods. The mall includes a supermarket for groceries and local products, numerous restaurants serving various cuisines, and entertainment facilities like cinemas.
• Gulangyu Island Shops: Gulangyu features charming boutiques and speciality shops tucked into colonial buildings and narrow lanes beyond its tourist attractions. Find unique souvenirs, including handmade crafts, vintage items, local artwork, and Gulangyu-themed products. Numerous shops sell famous Xiamen pineapple cakes, mung bean cakes, and other traditional pastries in beautiful packaging, perfect for gifts.
• Zengcuo'an Cultural and Creative Village: The former fishing village has now evolved into a hip bohemian zone with creative shops, cafes, and guesthouses, retaining traditional character through its many small alleyways filled with artists and their creations. Meander through winding alleyways to find local boutique shops selling handmade jewellery and vintage clothing, as well as independent art and other creative items for your home.

Xiamen's attractions extend beyond famous landmarks. Here are additional experiences worth exploring:

• Jimei School Village: Jimei School Village is located in Jimei District and is a unique educational complex established by philanthropist Tan Kah Kee in the early 20th century. The campus features stunning architecture blending Western and Chinese styles called "Jiageng Style." Visit the massive Turtle Garden, explore the Tan Kah Kee Memorial Museum, learn about the overseas Chinese leader's contributions, and admire beautifully maintained buildings housing schools and universities.
• Wanshi Botanical Garden: Wanshi Botanical Garden is located on the hillside just behind Nanputuo Temple, covering a huge area with a wide variety of plant collections arranged in different themes, including tropical rain forest, desert plants, herbs with medicinal properties, rare plant species, cactus gardens, palm valleys, and seasonal flowers.
• Zhongshan Park: Located in the centre of Xiamen Island, it features extensive grassy areas, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions. In addition to open spaces for practising tai chi and traditional exercises at the East Gate, the park offers a boating facility on the central lake.
• Xiamen Science and Technology Museum: A modern interactive museum that encourages individuals of all ages with many hands-on exhibits focusing on science, technology, and innovation. Some of the major themes of the exhibits include earthquakes/disasters, aviation/aerospace, human biology, and robotics, each arranged in sections.