Plizio Visual Lab

Xiamen

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Aug 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Xiamen

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Book your ferry tickets to Gulangyu Island several days in advance, as they sell out very quickly.
Rent a bicycle to ride along the scenic Huandao Road that hugs the city's beautiful coastline.
Try to avoid visiting during Chinese national holidays when domestic tourist crowds are overwhelming.
Carry mosquito repellent for the evening, especially when walking near parks or the waterfront.

🍽 Food

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Shacha Noodles

Try this local staple featuring a savory peanut-satay broth in the narrow alleys of the old town.

🍽

Oyster Omelette

A popular, savory night market snack cooked fresh on hot griddles across the city.

🍽

Peanut Soup

Taste this warm, sweet local dessert; the Huangzehe shop on Zhongshan Road is highly recommended.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Zhongshan Road

Wander down this bustling pedestrian street lined with historic colonial-style arcade buildings.

🛍

Eighth Seafood Market (Bashi)

Dive into the authentic local atmosphere and browse the incredible variety of fresh catches.

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Zengcuo'an

Explore this former fishing village, now transformed into a trendy maze of boutique shops and food stalls.

🧘

Xiamen Botanical Garden

Seek out the massive succulent area and the misty rainforest zone for a peaceful retreat.

🧘

Nanputuo Temple hills

Climb the rocky paths behind the busy temple to find quiet spots with sweeping views of the sea.

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Gulangyu's back alleys

Wander away from the main commercial paths on the car-free island to discover quiet historic mansions.

Xiamen, situated on the southeastern coast of Fujian Province, is a dynamic island city celebrated for its scenic beauty and high quality of life. The city has a long-standing tradition as a gateway to the outside world, a role amplified by its proximity to Taiwan and its designation as one of China's first four Special Economic Zones in 1980. Historically known as Amoy, Xiamen became a major hub for the international tea and silk trades during the 19th century. A significant cultural highlight is the pedestrian-only Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colonial architecture and piano heritage. Modern Xiamen is characterized by clean boulevards, lush urban parks, and a thriving high-tech sector. Xiamen University is frequently cited as one of China's most beautiful campuses, contributing to the city's animated and youthful atmosphere. Despite rapid urbanization, Xiamen maintains a relaxed coastal charm, enhanced by refreshing sea breezes and the rich culinary traditions of Fujian province.

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Location: China
Highlights: Cycad Garden · Rose Garden · Peculiar Plant Garden
Nearby: Gulangyu (5 km)
Population: ~4.617.251 (2024)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	13	14	16	20	24	27	28	28	27	23	19	15
Rain mm	57	59	115	130	205	222	141	188	134	42	60	49

Geography

Population

4,617,251 (2024)

Coordinates

24.47980, 118.08940

Facts

Xiamen was established as one of China's first four Special Economic Zones in 1980.
Gulangyu Island is famous for having the world's highest number of pianos per capita.
Nanputuo Temple, located near the university, dates back to the Tang Dynasty.
Xiamen is consistently ranked among the cleanest and most livable cities in China.
The city serves as a premier global hub for the stone processing and export industry.
The Hulishan Fortress houses a massive 19th-century Krupp cannon imported from Germany.