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5 Days in Xiamen

"Five days covering Xiamen's coastal culture, Gulangyu Island, and Southern Fujian heritage.".

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Best time: October-December or March-AprilBudget: mid-range

Quick Answer

Is 5 days enough for Xiamen?

5 days is the sweet spot for Xiamen: enough time for the must-sees plus one day trip or food/rest day.

Source: NihaoVisit Xiamen guide

5-day Xiamen itinerary at a glance

Use our full Xiamen travel guide as the base and adapt it to 5 days. The shortest 5-day trips should focus on the city's three signature attractions; longer stays add neighborhood walks, food markets, and a high-speed rail day trip.

Gulangyu IslandNanputuo TempleZhongshan RoadGulangyu Island (return)Tongji Road
1
Day 1

Gulangyu

Full day on car-free island.

  1. gulangyu-island
2
Day 2

Nanputuo Temple

Seaside Buddhist temple.

  1. nanputuo-temple
3
Day 3

Zhongshan Road

Pedestrian street. Colonial buildings.

  1. nanputuo-temple
4
Day 4

Gulangyu Return

Second island visit.

  1. gulangyu-island
5
Day 5

Huli Park & Departure

Morning at park. Shopping for Fujian tea.

  1. nanputuo-temple

Budget for 5 days in Xiamen

TierPer day5 days total
BackpackerUSD $50–$80USD $250–$400
Mid-rangeUSD $100–$200USD $500–$1,000
LuxuryUSD $300+USD $1,500+

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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 Xiamen city center?
Xiamen's main airport connects to the city center via metro, express train, or airport bus. See the airport transfer section of our Xiamen guide.
Can I use 5 days for both Xiamen and a side trip?
Tight. With only 5 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.