The Little-known Details About Xiamen That You Didn't Know!

Thursday, December 25, 2025
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Welcome to Xiamen, a city that seamlessly blends the charm of ancient fishing ports with modern prosperity, creating a captivating destination for travelers. We especially recommend visiting from June to August, where Xiamen showcases pleasant weather, unique coastal vibes, and a rich cultural heritage, offering you a distinctive and enchanting summer journey.

Gulangyu Island - 鼓浪屿
Attraction Overview

Gulangyu Island is Xiamen's pearl, renowned as the "Island of Music" worldwide. With unique European-style architecture, beautiful beaches, and a rich artistic atmosphere, it is an unforgettable resort destination.


Tips:

  • Ferry Ticket Booking: Purchase ferry tickets in advance on the official ferry website to avoid queues during peak hours.
  • Time Planning: It's recommended to allocate half a day to a full day to fully experience the charm of Gulangyu Island.

Nanputuo Temple - 南普陀寺
Attraction Overview

Nanputuo Temple is a historic Buddhist temple dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The temple houses ancient Buddha statues and exudes a solemn religious atmosphere, making it an ideal place for tranquility and cultural exploration.


Tips:

  • Appropriate Attire: Dress modestly when visiting the temple, respecting the regulations of religious places.
  • Photography Etiquette: Avoid using flash photography inside the temple to maintain a quiet environment.

Zengcuo'an - 曾厝垵
Attraction Overview

Zengcuo'an is a seaside village with a strong maritime atmosphere, featuring unique graffiti walls and leisurely seaside cafes. It's perfect for strolling and experiencing the local culture.


Tips:

  • Tasting Local Snacks: Try local seafood snacks, but ensure to choose reputable and hygienic eateries.
  • Graffiti Art: While appreciating graffiti art, refrain from graffiti or damaging public facilities.

Special Local Snacks in Xiamen

  1. Sha Cha Noodles - 沙茶面

    A signature noodle dish in Xiamen, featuring rich satay broth and fresh noodles. Various seafood or lean meat options can be added for a unique flavor.
    Price: Starting from ¥15 per bowl
  2. Peanut Soup - 花生汤

    A delightful sweet dessert made by grinding roasted peanuts into a paste, combined with ingredients like red dates and lotus seeds. Perfect for cooling off in the summer.
    Price:Starting from ¥8 per bowl
  3. Oyster and Minced Pork Sticky Rice Dumpling - 海蛎炸肉粽

    A traditional Minnan-style sticky rice dumpling filled with fresh oysters and glutinous rice, deep-fried to a crispy perfection. Delicious and savory.
    Price: Starting from ¥10 per piece

  1. Have you heard of Gulangyu in Xiamen?
    你听说过厦门的鼓浪屿吗?
    Nǐ tīngshuō guò Xiamén de Gǔlàngyǔ ma?
  2. Of course! It's a beautiful island with lots of European-style architecture and beaches.
    当然听说过!那是个美丽的小岛,有很多欧式建筑和海滩。
    Dāngrán tīngshuō guò! Nà shì gè měilì de xiǎodǎo, yǒu hěnduō ōushì jiànzhù hé hǎitān.
  3. Let's try some local specialties!
    我们去尝尝当地的特色小吃吧!
    Wǒmen qù chángcháng dāngdì de tèsè xiǎochī ba!
  4. Good idea! I heard that seafood and Sha Cha Noodles in Xiamen are famous.
    好主意!我听说厦门的海鲜和沙茶面很有名。
    Hǎo zhǔyì! Wǒ tīngshuō Xiamén de hǎixiān hé shāchá miàn hěn yǒumíng.

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