Where to Stay in Xiamen
China
|Pop. 4.6M
|4 neighborhoods covered
Xiamen at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Xiamen
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Take advantage of the Island Ring Road (Huandao Road) for cycling; rent a bike near Xiamen University or near one of the beaches for a scenic ride.
Getting Around
Purchase a rechargeable 'Easy Card' (similar to an Oyster card) for seamless travel on the metro and buses; it offers a small discount on fares.
Watch Out For
Tea ceremony scam (less common now but still possible, especially in tourist traps)
Solo Female Travel
Xiamen is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding dimly lit, deserted areas at night and being aware of your surroundings are sufficient.
Hidden Gems in Xiamen
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Xiamen University Arts College
FREEWhile the main Xiamen University campus is popular, the Arts College building often goes unnoticed. It houses impressive student exhibitions and offers a glimpse into the vibrant local art scene, with stunning architecture to boot.
Huangcuo Beach
FREEEscape the crowds of Baicheng Beach and head to Huangcuo. It's a more laid-back stretch of sand where locals come to relax, fly kites, and enjoy the sea breeze, offering a more authentic beach experience.
Shuzhuang Garden
This exquisite garden on Gulangyu Island is a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring hidden pathways, rockeries, and a sea-facing pavilion. It's a serene escape from the island's busier streets, known for its tranquil beauty.
Huandao Road Bicycle Path
Rent a bike and cycle along this scenic coastal road, often called 'Xiamen's most beautiful road'. It offers breathtaking ocean views, passing by beaches, parks, and charming seaside cafes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (Evening)
While Zhongshan Road is a known shopping street, visiting in the evening reveals its true culinary heart. Locals flock here for delicious street food like oyster omelets and peanut soup, away from the daytime tourist rush.
Eighteen Arhats Mountain Temple
FREEPerched on a hill, this lesser-known temple offers panoramic views of Xiamen city and the surrounding coastline. It's a peaceful spot for reflection and provides a unique perspective on the urban landscape.
What It Costs in Xiamen
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡77% cheaper than London
CNY 300/day
CNY 600/day
CNY 1500/day
Where to Stay in Xiamen
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Piano Museum10 min
- Shuzhuang Garden15 min
- Kulangsu Beach20 min
Pros
- +Unique, historic atmosphere
- +Beautiful scenery
- +Peaceful escape from the city bustle
Cons
- -Can be very crowded with day-trippers
- -Limited dining and shopping options compared to mainland
Top stays in Gulangyu Island
Kulangsu Sunshine Boutique Hotel
$$Offers a tranquil stay with unique architectural details.
Xiamen Gulangyu Sea View Hotel
$$$Prime location with stunning sea views and colonial charm.
Haitian Hotel Gulangyu
$$Comfortable accommodation on the island with good amenities.
Best for
Walk to
- Xiamen Ferry Terminal15 min
- Wanshi Botanical Garden30 min
- Huli Mountain Fort40 min
Pros
- +Abundant food options
- +Lively atmosphere
- +Excellent transport links
Cons
- -Can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially on weekends
- -Very tourist-oriented, some prices are inflated
Top stays in Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Xiamen International Seaside Hotel
$$Modern hotel with good amenities and convenient access to the promenade.
Hampton by Hilton Xiamen Zhongshan
$$Reliable international chain with comfortable rooms in a central location.
City Comfort Inn Xiamen Zhongshan Road
$Budget-friendly option offering clean and basic accommodations.
Best for
Walk to
- Xiamen Software Park15 min
- SM City Xiamen Mall20 min
- Island Ring Road30 min
Pros
- +Good value for money
- +Modern amenities and infrastructure
- +Access to business and tech hubs
Cons
- -Less traditional tourist charm
- -Can feel more like a residential/business area
Top stays in Huli
Novotel Xiamen Sanyuan
$$Modern hotel with good facilities, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Jinjiang Inn Select (Xiamen Software Park)
$A reliable budget chain located conveniently for those working in the tech park.
Xiamen Huli Hotel
$$Comfortable and well-equipped hotel in a central Huli location.
Best for
Walk to
- Xiamen University10 min
- Baicheng Beach15 min
- Huandao Road (Island Ring Road)5 min
Pros
- +Beautiful sea views and beaches
- +Good for outdoor activities
- +Proximity to Xiamen University
Cons
- -Can be spread out, requiring transport for some attractions
- -Can be busy during peak tourist seasons
Top stays in Siming District (Coastal Area)
Kempinski Hotel Xiamen
$$$Luxury hotel with excellent facilities, including a pool and fine dining options.
Royal Victoria Hotel Xiamen
$$Offers great sea views and is close to Xiamen University and beaches.
Xiamen International Conference Center Hotel
$$$A large, upscale hotel ideal for those attending events or seeking premium amenities.
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial zones on the outskirts: Lack of tourist attractions and amenities, can feel desolate.
- Remote areas of Haicang District: Primarily residential and industrial, far from main tourist sites and can lack convenient transport.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the Island Ring Road (Huandao Road) for cycling; rent a bike near Xiamen University or near one of the beaches for a scenic ride.
Safety in Xiamen
SafeSolo Female Travel
Xiamen is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding dimly lit, deserted areas at night and being aware of your surroundings are sufficient.
At Night
Main tourist areas like Zhongshan Road and coastal promenades are well-lit and populated. Residential areas are quiet. Exercise usual caution in less crowded spots.
Emergency
110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Tea ceremony scam (less common now but still possible, especially in tourist traps)
- 2Fake tour guides offering inflated prices or taking you to overpriced shops
- 3Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (stick to official taxis or Didi)
Getting Around Xiamen
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi: ~100-150 CNY, 40-60 mins. Airport Bus: ~15-25 CNY, 60-90 mins to various points.
🎫
Day Pass
Not typically available for metro/bus, single rides are cheap.
Single: Metro: 2-8 CNY. Bus: 1-3 CNY.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good25-75 Mbps (download in cafes/hotels)
Public Transport
Xiamen Metro (Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6) is efficient and connects major areas. Buses are extensive but can be crowded. Ferries to Gulangyu.
Ride-share
Didi (China's Uber): Similar pricing to taxis, often cheaper for longer distances. Typical cost: 30-80 CNY for moderate distances.
Transport Tip
Purchase a rechargeable 'Easy Card' (similar to an Oyster card) for seamless travel on the metro and buses; it offers a small discount on fares.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public transport hubs offer free Wi-Fi (often requires a local phone number for registration).
Coworking
Several options in Huli and Siming districts, popular among digital nomads. Daily costs range from 50-150 CNY.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Nov, Dec
Hotels & Accommodation in Xiamen
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Who Is Xiamen Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Provides a vibrant introduction to Xiamen's culture, food, and shopping scene with easy access to transport.
Couples Seeking Romance
Offers a charming, car-free escape with beautiful colonial architecture and a peaceful ambiance.
Budget Backpackers
Presents more affordable accommodation and dining options while still being well-connected.
Beach Lovers
Direct access to beaches like Baicheng and scenic coastal paths for relaxation and recreation.
Digital Nomads
Features modern infrastructure, numerous cafes, and coworking spaces with good value for money.
Xiamen on TripAdvisor
Read traveller reviews, tips, and photos
About Xiamen
Xiamen, historically romanized as Amoy, is a sub-provincial city in southeastern Fujian, People's Republic of China, beside the Taiwan Strait. It is divided into six districts: Huli, Siming, Jimei, Tong'an, Haicang, and Xiang'an. All together, these cover an area of 1,700.61 square kilometers (656.61 sq mi) with a population of 5,163,970 as of 2020 and estimated at 5.35 million as of 31 December 2024.
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Xiamen Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel