South China
One of the most pleasant cities in China to walk around, and an island that trains pianists. Xiamen also makes an easy pairing with Hong Kong and the Chaoshan arcades further south.
The case for going
Car-free since the 1990s. Lanes, villas, gardens and the piano tradition.
Gulangyu was the training ground for a generation of Chinese pianists. Recitals most afternoons.
The island’s best garden, with the sea on two sides.
The 1920s Western-style quarter along the waterfront.
The main pedestrian street, with the arcade architecture.
Two hours south, and the finest run of 1930s shophouses in China.
Practical
Subtropical, mild. Very mild winters, hot and wet summers.
Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN) is 20 to 30 minutes from the island hotels. Hong Kong is a 50-minute flight, or a high-speed train via Guangzhou South.
Airport. Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
Rail. Xiamen North is the main high-speed station, 30 minutes from the island.
In pictures
Questions travellers ask
Two to three: Gulangyu island on foot for a full day, the city's waterfront and Nanputuo, and a third for the Fujian inland if you are continuing to the tulou.
The island's waterfront near the ferry terminal for Gulangyu access, or the university quarter for the tree-lined streets. Both are 30 minutes from the airport by taxi.
Fly into Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN), 20 to 30 minutes from the ferry, or arrive on the high-speed coastal line from Shenzhen or Shanghai. The ferry to Gulangyu is 8 minutes.
Yes — Gulangyu is the most atmospheric island town on the Chinese coast, and Xiamen is the natural start of the tulou and Quanzhou inland loop.
Routes through here
South China
5days
A coastal route that works because the two ends are so different. Xiamen is soft, subtropical and slow; Hong Kong is hard, vertical and fast. Five days with a good flight between them is exactly right.
From US$1,350per person
Combine it with
Where to eat
Local Institution
The old-town counter for Minnan street food since the 1940s: sha cha noodle soup, oyster-pan and glutinous rice…
Where to stay
Seven · Luxury
On the Jimei waterfront with the usual collection of Fuzhou and Xiamen villas moved here over the years. Quieter and more residential than the island hotels.
From US$480 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
Fairmont · Luxury
On Yundang Island facing the Taiwan Strait, with the old international airport and the Gulangyu ferry terminal both within a short drive.
From US$350 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
