Xiamen, a beautiful seaside city in southeast China's Fujian Province, is located on the southeastern coast of China. Legend has it that white egrets inhabited this area in ancient times, earning Xiamen the nickname "Egret Island". The name Xiamen means "door to the house," referring to the city's centuries-old role as a gateway to China.
The city covers a land area of 1,699.01 square kilometers and a sea area of 333 square kilometers. It administers six districts: Siming, Huli, Jimei, Haicang, Tong'an, and Xiang'an, and has a population of approximately 5.36 million permanent residents. The predominant local dialect is Southern Fukinese (Minnan Hua).
Xiamen enjoys a pleasant south subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with an annual average temperature of around 20°C, making it a delightful destination all year round. The city has been an important trading port for centuries and became one of China's earliest Special Economic Zones in 1980. Today, Xiamen is a modern, international port city featuring beautiful scenery.
Known as one of the most livable cities in China, Xiamen has been awarded numerous honors, including National Garden City, National Sanitary City, UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor Award, and China Excellent Tourist City. It is also a famous hometown for overseas Chinese and a cradle of Minnan culture.
Scenic Spots
We recommend the following places that you might be interested in when you stay in Xiamen:
Gulangyu Island – A pedestrian-only island off the coast of Xiamen-. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2017, the island is about 2 square kilometers in area and is reached by a short ferry ride from downtown Xiamen-. Gulangyu is famous for its natural beauty, colonial-style architecture, and interesting museums-. It is also known as the "Piano Island" because it hosts China's only Piano Museum, and the sound of pianos can often be heard drifting through its car-free lanes. Visitors can climb Sunlight Rock for a panoramic view of the blue sea and red-tiled colonial houses, and explore attractions such as Shuzhuang Garden, Bright Moon Garden, and the Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall.
Huandao Road (Island Ring Road) – A scenic coastal road that offers a perfect way to embrace the sea breeze. Renting a bike and riding along the coastline from Zengcuoan to the Convention and Exhibition Center is a popular activity. One side offers views of the deep blue sea, while the other is lined with trees.
Xiamen University – Known for its distinctive Jiageng architecture. Shangxianchang, located within the university, was once the military training ground of the Ming Dynasty general Zheng Chenggong.
Shapowei – An area where old fishing boats coexist with trendy cafes, creating a wonderful fusion of traditional Minnan flavors and artistic vibes.