Xiamen Travel Guide: April is Not Recommended...

April is not recommended for visiting... Xiamen is a coastal city with an artistic atmosphere, perfect for leisurely vacations, food tasting, and experiencing Minnan culture. Here's a detailed travel guide covering attractions, food, transportation, and tips: --- ### **I. Classic Attractions** **1. Kulangsu Island** - **Features**: UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as "Piano Island" with a blend of Chinese and Western architecture. - **Must-visit Spots**: - **Shuzhuang Garden** (Piano Museum + Seaside Garden) - **Sunlight Rock** (Panoramic view of the island) - **Longtou Road** (Food street, recommended: Shen's Minnan Rice Noodle Roll, Ye's Mochi) - **Tips**: - Buy ferry tickets in advance via "Xiamen Ferry" WeChat account (35 yuan round trip, Xiamen-Kulangsu Pier → Sanqiutian Pier) - No motor vehicles on the island, wear comfortable walking shoes **2. Xiamen Island** - **Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street**: Arcade buildings at night, great for satay noodles and peanut soup - **Shapowei**: Artistic district with trendy shops and art spaces (like Bifengwu, Art West District) - **South Putuo Temple**: Free admission, famous for vegetarian cookies, climb Wulao Peak for XMU views - **Xiamen University**: Advance reservation required (via "XMU Visitor System"), visit Furong Tunnel and Shangxian Field - **Island Ring Road**: Recommended for cycling (e-bike rental about 50 yuan/day), passing Baicheng Beach, Zengcuoan, Huangcuo Beach (perfect for sunrise) **3. Surrounding Attractions** - **Botanical Garden** (40 yuan): Succulent plant area and rainforest world (mist times 9:00-11:00/14:00-16:00) - **Jimei School Village**: Take Metro Line 1 "sea section" (Gaoqi → Jimei), see Jiageng architecture, explore Shigu Road food - **Tulou Day Trip**: If time permits, join a tour to Nanjing Yunshuiyao or Yongding Tulou --- ### **II. Food Recommendations** **1. Must-try Snacks** - **Satay Noodles**: Recommended: Sili Satay Noodles, Yuehua Satay Noodles - **Oyster Omelet**: Lian Huan Oyster Omelet on Zhongshan Road - **Ginger Duck**: Haode Lai Ginger Duck (Baijiacun Branch) - **Peanut Soup**: Huang Zehe Peanut Soup (better with egg) - **Zongzi**: 1980 Meat Zongzi (with sweet chili sauce) - **Tusun Jelly**: Try if you dare (West Gate Tusun Jelly is authentic) **2. Food Districts** - **Eight Market**: Local seafood market, buy and cook (recommended: Ajie Wuxiang, Huiyuan Bakery) - **Zengcuoan**: Touristy but lively, good for trying new foods (Mushroom Legend, Axin Thick Toast) - **Shapowei**: Artistic cafes and creative cuisine (like Liang Fang, Juicy Bread) --- ### **III. Transportation Guide** - **Airport/High-speed Rail**: - Gaoqi Airport: Metro Line 1 or taxi to downtown (about 30 yuan) - Xiamen Station (on island): Close to attractions; Xiamen North Station (off island): Take Metro Line 1 - **City Transportation**: - Bus/Metro: Search "Xiamen E-bus Card" on Alipay - Taxi: Didi or regular taxi (usually within 20 yuan between island attractions) - Shared bikes: Convenient for Ring Road cycling --- ### **IV. Itinerary Suggestions** **3-Day Classic Route** - **Day 1**: Kulangsu (daytime) → Zhongshan Road (night) - **Day 2**: South Putuo Temple → Xiamen University → Shapowei → Ring Road cycling → Zengcuoan - **Day 3**: Botanical Garden → Jimei School Village (or Tulou day trip) **5-Day In-depth Tour** - Add one day for **Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park** or **sailing**, another day for **Eight Market** and local cafes --- ### **V. Important Notes** 1. **Avoid Scams**: - Check prices before ordering at Kulangsu seafood restaurants - Ignore "free flowers" or "cheap guide" offers 2. **Weather**: - Hot summers (use sunscreen!), comfortable autumn and winter (best from October to December) - Watch for typhoons (July-September) 3. **Others**: - Book Kulangsu ferry tickets 2 days ahead during peak season - XMU visitor spots are limited, book 3 days in advance