Xiamen Double Beach Roaming Guide|Huangcuo Tide Walking, Yefengzhai Chasing Light
Xiamen’s romance is hidden along its winding coastline. If you want to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the blue sea and golden sand, Huangcuo Beach and Yefengzhai Beach are excellent choices. This guide will help you unlock the double beach experience, combined with the accommodation advantages of Jinjiang Inn Xiamen North Station Jimei University Branch, making it easy to explore the eastern coast of Xiamen and the Jimei area.
1. Itinerary Overview: 48 Hours Double Beach + Jimei Highlights Tour
Day 1: Arrive in Xiamen → Check in at Jinjiang Inn → Yefengzhai Beach → Zengcuo’an Night Market
Day 2: Watch the sunrise at Huangcuo Beach → Ride along Huandao Road → Jimei University → Return from Xiamen North Station
2. In-Depth Double Beach Experience: Embrace Xiamen’s Sea and Light
1. Huangcuo Beach: Chase a Healing Sea Sunrise
Huangcuo Beach is one of the few “quiet beaches” in Xiamen, with minimal commercial facilities, preserving its natural coastal scenery. It’s especially suitable for watching the sunrise, walking, and daydreaming.
• Best Time: 30 minutes before sunrise (check the local sunrise time on a weather app, usually between 5:30-6:00 AM), and evening from 5:00-6:30 PM (avoid the midday sun, enjoy the cool sea breeze for tide walking)
• Must-Do Experiences:
◦ Sunrise Viewing: Choose a spot near the rocks in advance. When the first ray of sunlight jumps out of the sea, dyeing the sky in orange and pink-purple gradients, every photo looks cinematic. It’s recommended to wear a light-colored long dress or white top paired with a straw hat for great shots.
◦ Beach Stroll: The early morning beach is smoothed by the waves, soft and delicate. Walking barefoot, feel the softness of the sand and the coolness of the sea water. Occasionally, you can find small shells and crabs, perfect for family interaction with kids.
◦ Off-the-Beaten-Path Check-in: In the middle section of the beach, there is a “sea rock cluster.” At low tide, you can walk onto the rocks and take vintage-style photos with the sea as the background. Remember to return to shore before the tide rises and stay safe.
• Transportation Tips: From Jinjiang Inn Xiamen North Station Jimei University Branch, take Metro Line 1 to “Zhenhailu Station,” then transfer to Bus 29 to “Huangcuo Seaside Station.” The whole trip takes about 1 hour. For convenience, a taxi takes about 40 minutes and costs 50-60 RMB.
2. Yefengzhai Beach: Unlock the Energetic Coast Experience
Unlike the tranquility of Huangcuo, Yefengzhai Beach is full of energy, combining entertainment facilities, popular photo spots, and coastal scenery, suitable for visitors who enjoy lively atmospheres.
• Best Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (fewer people, easier to take photos), 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (experience entertainment activities)
• Must-Do Experiences:
◦ Popular Photo Spots: At the beach entrance, the blue “Xiamen Yefengzhai” sign, colorful hot air balloon installation, and white Instagram-style long benches are all popular photo spots. No need to pose deliberately; casual shots are perfect for vacation-style social media posts.
◦ Entertainment Activities: There are sea bicycles, jet skis, beach go-karts, etc. The sea bicycle is the most popular, allowing two people to ride on the water, enjoy the sea view, and enhance companionship interaction. The cost is about 50 RMB for 30 minutes.
◦ Coastal Viewing: Walk along the wooden boardwalk beside the beach, gaze at Xiao Jinmen Island in the distance. At sunset, the sea is gilded with golden light, and the sea breeze brushes the coconut trees, creating a full atmosphere.
• Transportation Tips: It takes only 10 minutes by taxi from Huangcuo Beach to Yefengzhai Beach, costing about 15 RMB. You can also take Bus 29 or 47 directly to “Yefengzhai Station,” then walk 2 minutes to the beach.
3. Accommodation Recommendation: Jinjiang Inn Xiamen North Station Jimei University Branch, Convenient and Comfortable
Choosing this hotel allows you to enjoy both beaches, easily explore the Jimei area, and solve return transportation worries, offering great value.
• Location Advantage: The hotel is adjacent to Jimei University, a 10-minute walk to the Jimei University School of Finance and Economics campus, experiencing the youthful campus atmosphere. It’s only 3 km from Xiamen North Station, a 10-minute taxi ride, so no rush catching trains on return. Nearby is the Jimeixuecun Metro Station, providing direct access to major attractions on Xiamen Island, making transportation very convenient.
• Accommodation Experience:
◦ Room Facilities: The rooms are clean and tidy, equipped with soft mattresses, HD TVs, private bathrooms. Some rooms offer views of the Jimei University campus. Good sound insulation ensures quality sleep. The hotel provides free WiFi, 24-hour hot water, and a self-service laundry room to meet basic travel needs.
◦ Dining Service: Breakfast is included with a rich variety, including porridge, buns, eggs, fruits, etc., to start your day full of energy. Within 1 km, there are many Minnan specialty restaurants where you can enjoy satay noodles and oyster omelets for 30-50 RMB per person.
• Nearby Attractions: A 15-minute walk from the hotel leads to Jimeixuecun, where red brick old houses and Nanyang-style architecture blend beautifully, perfect for photos. Take Metro Line 1 to “Jimeixuecun Station” to visit Aoyuan and the former residence of Mr. Tan Kah Kee, experiencing his spirit.
4. Nearby Fun Guide: More Than Just Beaches in Xiamen
1. Zengcuo’an Night Market: Minnan Flavors on Your Tongue
A 20-minute taxi ride from Yefengzhai Beach brings you to Zengcuo’an, a famous food street in Xiamen, gathering various Minnan snacks and trendy foods.
• Must-Try: Satay noodles (choose fish balls and tofu puffs combo), oyster omelet (made fresh, crispy outside and tender inside), tubeworm jelly (a Minnan specialty, tastes better with vinegar), mango ice (fresh mango with smooth shaved ice, refreshing and cooling).
• Tips: The night market gets lively after 6 PM; it’s recommended to visit during off-peak hours. Besides food, you can browse unique shops and buy Gulangyu stuffed pastries and Minnan souvenirs as gifts.
2. Huandao Road Cycling: Free Time Chasing Wind and Sea
Xiamen’s Huandao Road is known as the “most beautiful coastal highway.” The section from Huangcuo Beach to Yefengzhai Beach is the highlight.
• Cycling Guide: Rent a bike near Huangcuo Beach, single bike 20 RMB/hour, tandem bike 30 RMB/hour. Ride along Huandao Road with the blue sea on one side and tree-lined roads on the other, passing Calligraphy Square, Music Square, and other spots. Stop anytime to rest and enjoy the sea view.
3. Jimei University: Feel the Youthful Campus Atmosphere
The hotel is within walking distance to Jimei University, whose architecture uniquely blends Chinese and Western styles. The red brick buildings of the School of Finance and Economics are especially photogenic.
• Tips: Follow campus rules when entering; register your ID at the gate. Stroll along the tree-lined paths and watch students playing, feeling like a return to youth. The library and teaching buildings have exquisite exteriors, perfect for photo check-ins.
5. Practical Tips
1. Sunscreen Essential: Xiamen has strong UV rays; apply sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses regardless of sunny or cloudy weather to avoid sunburn.
2. Dressing Advice: Wear light-colored, breathable clothes paired with comfortable sports shoes or beach sandals for easy beach activities and cycling.
3. Transportation Tips: Taxis are convenient on Xiamen Island but may get stuck in traffic during peak hours. The metro and buses cover major attractions. It’s recommended to download the “Xiamen Metro” app for easier QR code rides.
Xiamen’s sea offers both the quiet gentleness of Huangcuo and the lively energy of Yefengzhai. Stay at Jinjiang Inn to unlock the double beach experience and Jimei charm. This seaside trip will surely leave you with abundant memories.