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Home / Destinations / Xiamen

Xiamen

China · Coast · CNY · 24.479800, 118.089400
Family friendly 7.7/10 · Rank 252 of 2 709
Best season: October-November, March-April

Best for

Suitable for beach lovers, history, culture, gastronomy, and family holidays

Best season

October-November, March-April

Daily budget
$63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 454 CNY)
For 7 days
$441.00 (≈ 37 009 ₽ · ≈ 3 175 CNY)
Xiamen is a coastal city in Fujian province, located on an island and connected to the mainland by bridges. The city is famous for its beaches, colonial architecture, and proximity to Gulangyu Island, known as "Piano Island". It is a popular destination for relaxing holidays and walks.
Summer
32.8°C
Winter
16.8°C
Sea
27.9°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with rich cultural heritage

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Gulangyu Island — UNESCO site
  • Scenic beaches
  • Excellent local cuisine
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 30 days
  • Good base for trips to Zhangzhou

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • High humidity in summer
  • Rainy season from April to August
  • Many tourists in high season
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.4°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
32.8°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.8°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
13.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
17.1°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
16.8°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
27.9°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
April-August
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Baicheng Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Marine danger is minimal. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Heliocidaris crassispina (purple sea urchin) — a common echinoderm species in Xiamen's coastal waters, economically important in China. Its population has declined sharply in recent years due to overharvesting and habitat degradation. Stings are painful but not fatal.
  • Special swimming shoes are recommended to avoid contact with sea urchin spines on rocky bottoms.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Octocorals (Octocorallia) — in the waters off Dabai and Xiaobai islands in Xiamen Bay, there are 6 families, 8 genera, and 16 species of octocorals. Among them are Euplexaura amerea, Euplexaura robusta, Menella flora, Menella simplex, Menella woodin, Parisis lax, and Dendronephthya purpurea.
  • Echinogorgia — 15 species of this genus have been identified in Xiamen Bay, including Echinogorgia ramosa, Echinogorgia flexilis, Echinogorgia russelli, Echinogorgia ramulosa, and Echinogorgia gracilima.
  • Astrogorgia — three species: Astrogorgia lafoa (Qingyu Island), A. arborea (Wuyu Island), and A. dumbea (widely distributed on Baiha Reef, Qingyu, Wuyu, and Xiaobai islands).
  • Scleractinian corals — off Dabai and Xiaobai islands, there are 1 family, 3 genera, and 4 species of stony corals: Tubastraea tagusensis, T. coccinea, Cladopsammia gracilis, and Dendrophyllia sp.
  • Corals can cause cuts on contact, so caution is recommended when swimming or diving.

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear in warmer months, especially late summer
  • Check with locals about jellyfish

Sharks — details

  • Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) — found in Xiamen coastal waters, shy and not dangerous
  • Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) — occasionally found in the Taiwan Strait, harmless to humans, feeds on plankton
Attractions

Gulangyu Island

UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture and beaches

South Putuo Temple

Buddhist temple with rich history and architecture

Zhongshan Road

Main pedestrian street with shops and street food

Xiamen University

One of China's most beautiful campuses with beach

Baicheng Beach

Main city beach with golden sand

Best areas

Siming

Central area with hotels, restaurants, and main attractions

Gulangyu

Island with hotels, restaurants, and beaches

Zengcuoan

Area with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife

Must-try food

Sha Cha Mian

Noodles with peanut sauce and seafood, Xiamen specialty

Oyster Vermicelli

Vermicelli with oysters in thick broth, popular snack

Peanut Soup

Sweet peanut soup, traditional dessert

Grilled Squid

Grilled squid with spices, popular street food

Seafood Rice

Rice with seafood, popular dish

Where to go next

Gulangyu Island

UNESCO site with architecture and beaches, 10 minutes by ferry

Xiamen University

One of China's most beautiful campuses, 15 minutes away

Baicheng Beach

Main city beach, 10 minutes away

Zhangzhou

City with historic attractions, 1 hour away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Сямэнь Гаоци (XMN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
October-November, March-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 86 CNY
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 288 CNY
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 504 CNY
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽ · ≈ 936 CNY
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 720 CNY
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 324 CNY
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 50 CNY
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽ · ≈ 101 CNY
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 14 CNY
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 4 CNY
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 4 CNY
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 29 CNY
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 288 CNY
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 216 CNY
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 360 CNY
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Xiamen Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 216 CNY
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
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Frequently asked questions
Xiamen: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is October-November, March-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Xiamen: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.8°C, during the day — up to +32.8°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Xiamen: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +16.8°C, during the day — up to +17.1°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Xiamen: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +27.9°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Xiamen: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on April-August. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Xiamen: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Baicheng Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Xiamen: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Xiamen: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Marine danger is minimal. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Xiamen: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 454 CNY) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Xiamen: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $12.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $40.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $130.00 per night, an apartment — $45.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Xiamen: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $14.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Xiamen: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $4.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Xiamen: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Gulangyu Island — UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture and beaches; South Putuo Temple — Buddhist temple with rich history and architecture; Zhongshan Road — Main pedestrian street with shops and street food; Xiamen University — One of China's most beautiful campuses with beach; Baicheng Beach — Main city beach with golden sand. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Xiamen: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Sha Cha Mian — Noodles with peanut sauce and seafood, Xiamen specialty; Oyster Vermicelli — Vermicelli with oysters in thick broth, popular snack; Peanut Soup — Sweet peanut soup, traditional dessert; Grilled Squid — Grilled squid with spices, popular street food; Seafood Rice — Rice with seafood, popular dish. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Xiamen: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Siming — Central area with hotels, restaurants, and main attractions; Gulangyu — Island with hotels, restaurants, and beaches; Zengcuoan — Area with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Xiamen: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Xiamen: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Сямэнь Гаоци (code XMN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Xiamen: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CNY. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 454 CNY). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Xiamen: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Xiamen: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Xiamen: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Gulangyu Island — UNESCO site with architecture and beaches, 10 minutes by ferry; Xiamen University — One of China's most beautiful campuses, 15 minutes away; Baicheng Beach — Main city beach, 10 minutes away; Zhangzhou — City with historic attractions, 1 hour away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.7/10
Overall rank: 252 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 152

Best season

October-November, March-April

Useful information

Currency: CNY
Coordinates: 24.479800, 118.089400