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Xiamen — China travel

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. 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 TempleZhongshan RoadGulangyu Island (return)Tongji Road
1
Day 1

Gulangyu

Full day on the car-free island. Sunlight Rock for the panorama, then the colonial-era streets.

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

Nanputuo Temple

Morning at the seaside Buddhist temple. The rockery behind it has city views.

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

Zhongshan Road

The arcaded pedestrian street and its colonial buildings. Local snacks in the side lanes.

Scenes from Xiamen, China
    4
    Day 4

    Gulangyu Return

    Second island visit at a slow pace. Piano Museum inside Shuzhuang Garden.

    Scenes from Xiamen, China
    1. Gulangyu Island
    5
    Day 5

    Huli Park & Departure

    Morning at the lakeside park, then Fujian tea shopping before departure.

    Scenes from Xiamen, China

      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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      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 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.