Skip to main content
Visa-free transit 240h ✓CNY 7.15 ≈ $1HSR network 45,000 km
Visa CheckerContact
DestinationsToolsVisa GuideContact
DestinationsToolsVisa GuideContact
  1. Home
  2. Xiamen
  3. 3 days
Xiamen — China travel

3 Days in Xiamen

Three days in Fujian's coastal gem — Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, and Southern Fujian culture.

Browse all itineraries →

Best time: October-December or March-AprilBudget: moderate

Quick Answer

Is 3 days enough for Xiamen?

3 days covers Xiamen's top highlights but you'll move fast. Add 2 days if you want a slower pace or a day trip.

Source: NihaoVisit Xiamen guide

3-day Xiamen itinerary at a glance

Use our full Xiamen travel guide as the base and adapt it to 3 days. Keep the city's three signature attractions as the backbone; fill the rest with neighborhood walks, food markets, and an easy day trip.

Gulangyu IslandNanputuo TempleZengcuoan
1
Day 1

Gulangyu Island

Take the 20-min ferry to Gulangyu (no cars allowed). Explore colonial architecture, Piano Museum, and Shuzhuang Garden.

Gulangyu Island, Xiamen, China
  1. Gulangyu Island
2
Day 2

Nanputuo Temple

Morning at Nanputuo Temple (Buddhist seaside temple). Afternoon at Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.

Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen, China
  1. Nanputuo Temple
3
Day 3

Zengcuoan & Haicau

Morning at Zengcuoan artist village. Afternoon at former international cemetery.

Zengcuoan Ancient Village, Xiamen, China
  1. Zengcuoan Ancient Village

Budget for 3 days in Xiamen

TierPer day3 days total
BackpackerUSD $50–$80USD $150–$240
Mid-rangeUSD $100–$200USD $300–$600
LuxuryUSD $300+USD $900+

Useful tools

Calculate your trip budgetBuild your custom China itinerary

Frequently asked questions

What is the daily budget for Xiamen?
Budget travelers: USD $50–$80/day. Mid-range: $100–$200/day. Luxury: $300+/day. These cover hotel, three meals, transit, and one paid attraction per day.
Do I need a visa to visit Xiamen?
It depends on your passport — see our <a href="/china-visa-2026/">China visa guide</a> for the latest country-by-country list. Most Western passport holders can enter visa-free for 30 days as of 2026.
How do I get from the airport to the center of Xiamen?
Xiamen's main airport connects to the city center via airport bus, taxi, or metro where available. See the airport transfer section of our Xiamen guide.
Can I use 3 days for both Xiamen and a side trip?
Tight. With only 3 days, focus on Xiamen proper; save side trips for a future trip.
Is Xiamen safe for tourists?
Yes. Xiamen has very low violent crime rates and is widely considered safe for foreign tourists. Standard petty-theft precautions apply. See our <a href="/is-china-safe-2026/">is China safe</a> page.

See also: Xiamen travel guide, China visa 2026, China trip cost.