It was Chinese New Year and my 2 weeks of freedom finally began. This time around, I desperately needed to go somewhere warm enough for me to not feel like a hermit. Chengdu may have mild winters, although the cold in general just ain’t for me.
Xiamen it was. I actually quarantined in Xiamen when I came back to China in early 2021 due to Covid. Although I was stuck in a hotel room for 2 weeks and only traveled from the airport to my hotel, I knew it was a city I wanted to visit properly.
If you’re planning to visit this wonderful coastal city, here’s a short and sweet itinerary to make your visit worthwhile.
About Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the southeastern province of Fujian, China. It is known for its natural scenery, historical landmarks, and modern development. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Xiamen include Gulangyu Island, Xiamen University, Hulishan Fortress, and the South Putuo Temple. Xiamen is also a major port city and a hub of international trade, making it an important center of commerce and industry in China. The city is recognized for its clean environment, well-planned development, and high standard of living, making it a popular destination for both tourists and business travelers.
When to visit
The best time to visit Xiamen is typically between September and November, during the city’s autumn season. During this time, the weather is mild, with comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This time is also the best time to visit the city’s famous attractions, such as the Gulangyu Island, Xiamen University, and the South Putuo Temple, without having to deal with the crowds during the summer months.
It’s also recommended to avoid traveling to Xiamen during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from May to August.
Where to stay
Unfortunately, the hotel I stayed at (Xiamen Jolly Hotel) currently shows that it’s no longer in operation. Although, Xiamen has plenty of hotel options within the city center and surrounding areas. Depending on where in the city you’d like to stay and your budget, you can take a look at your options here.
Where to eat – Shapowei Street
Most of my time in Xiamen was spent in coffee shops. I loved it because I had planned for a very chill holiday. The location of my hotel made it very convenient for me to access Shapowei Street by foot or bike, where I satisfied all my food cravings.
Here are a couple of spots I enjoyed in Xiamen, all located on Shapowei Street.
*Note: Finding halal restaurants in Xiamen wasn’t the easiest, although seafood and vegetarian options were plenty and it made searching for food enjoyable.
Seafood Hotpot
Everywhere you go in China, you’ll find a hotpot place. It’s a loved standard staple, and I couldn’t agree more. I was lucky to find a place that offered seafood-only hotpot and it was wholesome. The food was delicious, the restaurant owners were welcoming, and I ended my evening on a content note.
Juicy Supply
A western-style restaurant, which also has a bakery next door. I particularly enjoyed their menu because I had options that were both healthy and tasteful. During my short stay, this place became my go-to lunch or dinner spot.
Wen Phoenix
I was desperate to look for a cafe that offered alternative milk for my coffee, and I finally found it here. It was also a rainy day and I needed someplace warm and cozy to sit and get some writing done as well. The cafe had a quiet and comfortable atmosphere.
Oneday Jolly Cafe
Another western-style cafe that offered a great menu. I typically prefer Chinese food over western, especially in China, although this spot had good reviews and catered to my diet.
Taiwan Snack Street
Taiwan Snack Street is a popular destination for foodies looking to sample a wide variety of Taiwanese street foods. Located in the Siming District of Xiamen, Taiwan Snack Street is a bustling pedestrian area with vendors selling everything from bubble tea to fried chicken and traditional Taiwanese snacks.
Some of the must-try snacks on Taiwan Snack Street are:
- Bubble Tea: Taiwan is known for its delicious bubble tea, and you’ll find plenty of vendors selling this popular drink on Taiwan Snack Street.
- Oyster omelet: A popular Taiwanese dish made with eggs and oysters, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.
- Scallion pancakes: A savory pancake made with scallions and sometimes filled with meat or seafood.
- Stinky tofu: A fermented tofu that is famous in Taiwan and often served deep-fried.
- Fried chicken: Taiwan’s version of fried chicken is crispy and flavorful, and you’ll find it at many vendors on Taiwan Snack Street.
What to do
Appreciate some coffee, art, & food in Shapowei
Shapowei is a historical and cultural neighborhood in Xiamen, located in the southeastern part of Siming District. It’s known for its charming narrow lanes, traditional architecture, and vibrant mix of cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Shapowei used to be a bustling fishing village and a trading port during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today, it’s become a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners alike, offering a glimpse into Xiamen’s rich cultural heritage.
Some of the must-visit attractions in Shapowei are:
- Shapowei Art Zone: A collection of galleries and art studios showcasing the works of local artists and craftsmen.
- Shapowei Old Street: A pedestrian street lined with traditional Fujian-style houses, restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and handicrafts.
- Hu Li Shan Fortress: A historical fortification built during the Qing Dynasty to defend Xiamen against foreign invaders.
- Xiamen Coffee Street: A popular destination for coffee lovers, offering a wide variety of coffee shops and cafes, many of which are located in Shapowei.
Walk around Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Zhongshan Road is a bustling commercial and shopping street located in the heart of Xiamen’s Siming District. It’s one of the busiest streets in the city and is lined with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Here are specific attractions and landmarks on Zhongshan Road:
- Zhongshan Park: A public park located at the southern end of Zhongshan Road, offering green space, walking paths, and scenic views of the city.
- Xiamen Science and Technology Museum: A modern museum showcasing exhibits on science, technology, and innovation.
- Xiamen International Seaside Square: A large public square located at the northern end of Zhongshan Road, offering a variety of entertainment options, including a music fountain and a Ferris wheel.
- Xiamen Hualian Shopping Center: A large department store offering a wide variety of shopping options, including clothing, electronics, and household goods
Enjoy nature at Xiamen Botanical Garden
Xiamen Botanical Garden is a large botanical garden that covers an area of about 5 square kilometers and is situated at the foot of the scenic Wanshi Mountain.
The garden was established in 1960 and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Xiamen. It’s home to a wide variety of plant species from China and other parts of the world, including rare and endangered species.
You can find everything you need to know about the Xiamen Botanical Garden for your visit here.
