The best time to visit Xiamen is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Gulangyu Island:
This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its colonial architecture and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can stroll through the island’s narrow streets, visit the Piano Museum, and enjoy the serene environment, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.

Hulishan Fort:
Built during the Qing Dynasty, this fort is a historic defense structure overlooking the Taiwan Strait. It features ancient weaponry and showcases a blend of architectural styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties, providing insight into the region’s military history.

Nanputuo Temple:
A significant Buddhist temple dedicated to the Bodhisattva Guanyin, this site is not only a place of worship but also a beautiful complex with stunning architecture and tranquil gardens. Visitors can enjoy vegetarian cuisine at the temple’s restaurant and explore its rich spiritual heritage.

Xiamen University:
Often regarded as one of the most beautiful campuses in China, Xiamen University features stunning architecture and scenic views. The campus is adjacent to the Nanputuo Temple and offers a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to explore.

A tulou (土楼) is a unique type of Chinese rural dwelling found in the mountainous areas of southeastern Fujian province. It is usually a large, enclosed, and fortified earthen building, most commonly rectangular or circular in configuration. the walls are made of rammed earth, mixed with stone, bamboo, wood and other materials

Tulous were mostly built between the 15th and 20th centuries by the Hakka people, they are typically 3 to 5 stories high with very thick load-bearing rammed earth walls, and it is traditionally occupied by a single clan, housing up to 800 people.
In 2008, 46 tulous in Fujian were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site

The distance from Xiamen to the Fujian Tulou sites varies depending on which cluster you plan to visit. Here are the key distances and travel times:

Nanjing Tulou: Approximately 140-160 kilometers from Xiamen, with a travel time of about 2.5 to 3 hours by car. This area is famous for its iconic Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster.

Yongding Tulou: Located about 180 kilometers away, it takes around 3 hours to reach by car. Yongding is known for its larger and more diverse Tulou structures.

Hua’an Tulou: This area is about 110 kilometers from Xiamen, requiring roughly 2 hours of driving time.

The Xiamen International Cruise Port is located approximately 3 kilometers (about 1.9 miles) east of downtown Xiamen. This distance makes it relatively easy to access the city center from the cruise terminal.

International Cruise Lines

Xiamen serves as a port of call for some international cruise lines on their Asia Pacific cruises.
In 2024, Viking has announced 3 groundbreaking China itineraries that include Xiamen as a destination for international travelers. Cruise lines that have visited Xiamen in recent years include Oceania Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.