Xiamen — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Xiamen.
Coastal garden city with the pedestrian-only Gulangyu island.
🍜 Signature dishes in Xiamen
- 沙茶面Shacha Noodles
- 海蛎煎Oyster Omelette
- 土笋冻Tusundong Jelly
- 花生汤Peanut Soup
- 姜母鸭Ginger Duck
- 烧肉粽Braised Meat Zongzi
- 鱼丸汤Fish Ball Soup
- 面线糊Mianxian Hu
- 五香条Five-Spice Roll
- 芋包Taro Bun
🎟️ Top things to do
- Riguangyan
Gulangyu viewpoint
- Huandao Road
Coastal cycling road
- Gulangyu Island
Car-free island, sea views
- South Putuo Temple
Seaside temple
- Zengcuo'an
Art village & seafood street
- Huandao Road Cycling
Coastal cycling road
- Xiamen University
Beautiful campus
- Zhongshan Road
Old-town shopping street
- Hulishan Fort
Historic coastal fort
- Xiamen Botanical Garden
Greenhouses & trails
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Xiamen?
Take the metro or a taxi from XMN (Gaoqi) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Xiamen on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Xiamen. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Xiamen visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (XMN (Gaoqi)) · verify with official sources before travel.