

The Top Fun Things To Do in Xiamen
Planning a visit to the lush and lively city of Xiamen? Nestled on China's picturesque southeastern coast, this hidden gem offers an exquisite blend of breathtaking natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and exhilarating city life.
A first-time visitor to Xiamen? Our team at Pan Pacific Xiamen has curated a guide to the top fun experiences that make this city an irresistible destination.
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Where to Stay in Xiamen


Looking for the best place to stay in Xiamen? Consider a luxurious stay at Pan Pacific Xiamen, the perfect starting point for your adventure. Located near top attractions like Xiamen University and Zhongshan Road, it is an ideal home base for visitors to explore this enchanting city.
Indulge in ultimate relaxation at the hotel’s St Gregory Spa or break a sweat at its well-equipped fitness centre. You may also enjoy a refreshing dip in our outdoor swimming pool to cool off and rejuvenate.
Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of mouth-watering dishes served at the hotel's dining establishments—a culinary journey that promises to delight your senses. After your meal, head to the Lobby Bar and sip on a delicious cocktail while you recharge and unwind, ready for the adventures that await you.
Explore the Charming Gulangyu Island


Start your Xiamen holiday at Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful architecture, unique history, and storied culture. Visitors can explore the island's narrow streets, lined with colonial-style buildings, or visit the precinct’s museums, art galleries, and cultural centres.
Beyond these cultural attractions, the island is also home to many temples and shrines. They include the famous Zheng Chenggong Temple dedicated to the Ming dynasty general who drove the Dutch away from Taiwan. Nature lovers can also delight in the island’s many scenic walks, including the famous Sunlight Rock, which offers stunning views of Xiamen's coastline.
A trip to Gulangyu would only be complete with sampling the island's renowned seafood. Harvested from the nearby sea, they can be enjoyed at the many restaurants and street food vendors facing the coast.
Get directions to Gulangyu Island
Tour the Famous Xiamen University
Perched atop Siming Mountain with a breathtaking view of the South China Sea, Xiamen University stands tall and proud as one of China's most stunning educational institutions. Established in 1921, it boasts a rich academic excellence and innovation legacy, earning it a stellar reputation in China and abroad.
The university's unique blend of traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles is reflected in its many picturesque buildings and courtyards open to visitors year-round. Stroll through the lush greenery of the campus, pay homage to the famous statue of Tan Kah Kee—the founder of the university, or go on a guided tour of the university’s various departments, including its vaunted Law School.
Get directions to Xiamen University
Experience a Slice of History at the Nanputuo Temple
Travel back in time at the Nanputuo Temple—an iconic symbol of ancient Chinese architecture and one of the most revered Buddhist temples in China. Dating back over a thousand years, the building survived natural disasters and wars. Once inside, you'll be awe-struck by its intricate carvings, colourful murals, and towering pagodas.
The temple houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist artefacts and artwork, including the renowned Buddhist scripture written in 1293 by the calligrapher Zhao Mengfu. Visitors can participate in traditional Buddhist practices, such as lighting incense and offering prayers, or immerse themselves in its serene atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings.
Get directions to Nanputou Temple
Discover Vibrant Zhongshan Road
Feel the vibrant pulse of Xiamen at Zhongshan Road—a pedestrian-packed street stretching over two kilometres lined with shops and eateries. Each night, the street comes alive with activity, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
The enticing scent of oyster omelettes, peanut soup, and grilled squid will lure you in as you traverse the bustling street. As dusk descends, neon signs spring to life, bathing the streetscape in an enchanting kaleidoscope of colour.
But it is not just the food, bustle and gaiety that makes this street so unique. Zhongshan Road is also home to some of Xiamen's most storied landmarks, like the historic Xiamen Customs House and the former site of the British Consulate. In short, Zhongshan Road offers a delightful blend of modernity and tradition that truly captures the essence of this dynamic city.
Get directions to Zhongshan Road
Admire the Architecture of the Hulishan Fortress
If you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, add Hulishan Fortress to your travel itinerary in Xiamen. The military site, dating back to 1894, has been impeccably preserved, offering an immersive experience of China's military history.
This centuries-old fortress played a crucial role in the first Sino-Japanese War. Look out for the formidable "Lion Cannon." One of the world's oldest and largest working cannons, it stands tall and proud in the courtyard.
Next, traverse the war attraction’s underground tunnels and barracks to revisit the fortress's strategic importance. Finally, remember to climb to the highest point of the fortress for breathtaking views of the sea and rugged coastline.
Get directions to Huilishan Fortress
Savour Fresh Xiamen Seafood
Looking for a seafood fest in Xiamen? Head to the seafood market near the waterfront, a bustling dining destination which offers an authentic Xiamen seafood experience. Here, you will uncover the richness of Xiamen’s local culture through an expansive selection of seafood vendors. They offer everything—from succulent prawns and crabs to an assortment of fish and shellfish, all freshly harvested from the sea.
Take your pick and have it cooked to order at one of the many stalls and restaurants in the market. For those desiring more than seafood, the market tempts with other local delights, such as the irresistible roasted sweet potatoes and revitalising sugar cane juice. Recommended restaurants in the seafood market include Seafood Street, Zhongshan Road Seafood, and Lujiang Seafood.
Be Charmed by Lively Zeng Cuo An Village
Nestled in the heart of Xiamen, Zeng Cuo An Village is a lively and vibrant destination that transports visitors to the heart of traditional China. The village's picturesque buildings are adorned with exquisite wooden carvings and tiled roofs, providing a glimpse into the area's rich architectural heritage. Visitors can stroll along its narrow lanes and alleys, explore local shops, and indulge in the unique flavours of its local cuisine.
Zengcuo'an, also known as "Foreigner's Street," was once a favourite residential spot for foreign missionaries in the early 20th century. Today, it is a haven for anyone looking to relax and soak up the area’s laid-back ambience while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.
Get directions to Zeng Cuo An Village
Looking for more suggestions on what you can do in Xiamen? Contact the Pan Pacific Xiamen. From planning your itinerary to booking local experiences, we are here to make your visit as comfortable and memorable as possible.
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