Xiamen Itinerary 2026: Discover Gulangyu Island & Sunlight Rock

Known as the Mediterranean of China

A Beautiful World Heritage City

XIAMEN

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© Ssoejini

Hello everyone!

I'm Ssoejini, your guide to amazing travels in Japan and China.

Having traveled to 25 cities across two countries – China and Japan –

today, I'm thrilled to share with you all about Xiamen, China!

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Have you heard the recent news about China's visa-free policy?

Thanks to this, more and more people are looking for destinations that are both close by

and offer an exotic escape.

And among them, a trip to Xiamen, often called 'China's Europe,'

is truly a feast for the eyes!

But when you're ready to go,

“How do I get to Gulangyu?”

“Will my payments work there?”

You might have a lot of questions and worries, right?

Today, based on my own recent trip to Xiamen,

I'll break down all the official information for you, too!

🌟 What's Xiamen Like?

Located on the southern coast of Fujian Province, China, Xiamen is a unique city

where Portuguese and British colonial relics

and European-style architecture blend beautifully.

It's a place where China's most beautiful gardens

and wonderfully preserved history coexist.

With mild weather year-round

and plenty of relaxing beaches,

it's a warm southern coastal city all year long!

Even in winter, the average temperature hovers around 15 degrees Celsius,

so instead of heavy padded jackets, lightweight outerwear

or thin knit layered looks are perfect.

Xiamen, Looks Familiar, Doesn't It?

From UNESCO World Heritage Chinese traditional Tulou villages,

to the red roofs and sea views of Gulangyu Island, which look straight out of a fairy tale!

That's why it's also used as a filming location

for many Chinese dramas!

Reachable from Korea with just a 2-hour flight + 20-minute ferry ride,

it's an incredibly close international destination, perfect for a weekend getaway, isn't it?

Ready to dive into a Xiamen adventure with me?

🌊 The Crown Jewel of Xiamen Travel: Gulangyu! Ferry Booking Tips

Foreign visitors should note that instead of the Zhongshan Road Terminal in the city center,

you must use the Cruise Center Xiagu Terminal,

and your passport is absolutely essential!

You'll need to arrive at least an hour before departure for the physical ID verification process

to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

Ssoejini's Tip 💡

On-site ticket purchases often involve very long queues.

If you book in advance through KLOOK or Trip.com,

you can use the QR code you receive

to enter directly!

👉 Get a Discount and Book Now

Gulangyu Ticket Discounts, Opening Hours, Reviews [2026] | Trip.com3ha.in

🏞️ Sunlight Rock (Riguangyan): Gulangyu's Must-See Highlight

Thinking back to when I climbed up,

for adults, it takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the summit!

Make sure to bring water :)

Next up is the famous

Shuzhuang Garden.

Its 'borrowed seascape' or 'Jiehai' style landscaping is truly impressive,

where the sea and garden seamlessly blend into one.

Finally, although I didn't get to visit it myself, the Piano Museum

is said to house a collection of rare pianos from around the world!

🎫 Tip: Instead of individual tickets,

a 3-in-1 (or 5-in-1) combo ticket is about 20% cheaper.

Just remember, you have to use all entries within a single day!

So, planning your island visit for the morning is the most efficient way to go.

Xiamen Gulangyu Round-trip Ferry Ticket - Klook Korea3ha.in

🍴 TOP 3 Must-Try Restaurants & Eateries for Your Xiamen Trip

① Zengcuo'an (曾厝垵) - The Heart of Xiamen's Night Market

曾厝垵 (Zēngcuǒ'àn)

Address: Huandao South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province

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This place is famous as Xiamen's art village and night market.

Once a fishing village,

it's now bustling with street food, charming cafes, and unique shops!

You can even make bead bracelets here, so definitely give it a try!

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📍 Location: 15 minutes by taxi from Xiamen city center,

and 20 minutes from Gulangyu Ferry Terminal.

② Yang Xiaoxian (杨小贤) - The Giant Mango Bingsu Hotspot

杨小贤 (Yáng Xiǎoxián)

Address: Huandao South Road, Zengcuo'an Community, Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province

Located within Zengcuo'an, this is a specialty mango bingsu shop!

Their signature dish is bingsu generously topped with fresh, giant mangoes.

📌 Recommended Menu: Giant Mango Bingsu (approximately 25-35 yuan)

③ Holiland (好利来) - Soft-Baked Cheesecake

好利来 (Hǎo Lì Lái)

Address: Holiland, Zhonghua City, Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province

This bakery is a chain with locations all across China,

and the Zhonghua City (中华城) store in Xiamen is super convenient.

Their soft-baked cheesecake is known for its smooth, rich flavor,

making it a perfect souvenir!

📌 Recommended Menu: Soft-Baked Cheesecake

(around 15 yuan per slice)

💯 As an extra tip, you know China is famous for its fruits, right?

Xiamen's night markets and streets are full of fruit vendors, so be sure to try some!

🚗 Operating Hours & Transportation Info

① Gulangyu Ferry Tickets

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② Sunlight Rock

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③ Shuzhuang Garden

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When you're planning your Xiamen trip, here are the most frequently asked questions about

operating hours and fees, summarized in tables for you.

The 3-in-1 combo ticket for Sunlight Rock + Shuzhuang Garden + Piano Museum

offers the best value for money.

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If traveling with Chinese language feels daunting,

> I also recommend comparing Xiamen 1-day tours. <

Xiamen Mountain and Sea Boardwalk + Gulangyu 1-Day Tour (Old Villa Afternoon Tea & Premium Lucky Bag & Travel Photos & Gulangyu Hand-Drawn Map Included) - Klook Korea3ha.in

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Ssoejini's Xiamen Trip 🧡

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A trip to Xiamen beautifully blends the sophistication of a modern city

with the charming European-style ambiance of Gulangyu.

Without worrying about a visa, and by just arranging your ferry tickets in advance,

anyone can easily visit this

truly unique overseas travel destination.

The sight of Gulangyu enveloped in a crimson sunset is

definitely worth experiencing at least once🌇

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Xiamen, China,

and that's all from Ssoejini, your fellow traveler, for today! :)

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Great articles to read for your China trip ⬇️

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China Travel: Shanghai, Harbin, Xiamen — Local Restaurant Recommendationsblog.naver.com

How Far Have You Eaten Through China? Shanghai vs. Guangdong Xiamen Dim Sum Restaurant Travel Recommendationsblog.naver.com

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