6-day tour that offers an authentic look at Xiamen

Two tourists grin as they enjoy the 144-hour visa-free transit policy at Gaoqi International Airport in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Jan 1, 2019. [Photo by Huang Shaoyi/Asianewsphoto]

Transit passengers from 53 countries including the US, Canada, and all members of the EU can spend up to six days in Xiamen without a visa. This visa-free policy allow foreigners from these 53 countries with visas and plane tickets to a third country to transit through Xiamen for a visa-free stay of up to 144 hours. 

Xiamen is a city "by the sea, with the sea, and at the sea." It is full of delightful sights one may expect from an island. The unique combination of Chinese and western elements, and the clash of cultures have made Xiamen an inclusive city waiting for visitors to discover. Read below for a suggested itinerary for a 6-day trip.

Arrival

By air: Situated at the northeast end of Xiamen Island, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the downtown area, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport has two terminal buildings: T3 and T4. The airport boasts a convenient transportation network with express lines to and from the downtown area, Xiamen International Cruise Center, Wutong Wharf, Xiamen North Railway Station, Dongdu Port, and Wucun Bus Station. 

The pick-up stations are located 80 meters to the west of Gate 7 in T3 and across from Gate 5 in T4. Taxi stands are located outside Gate 7 of T3 and Gate 3 of T4. It will cost about 35 yuan to reach the downtown area by taxi.

By sea: Xiamen Port was open to service in 1843, and is located in Xiamen and Zhangzhou cities in Fujian province. Wutong Wharf and Xiamen International Cruise Terminal are the only two valid entering and exiting ports. For more detailed information, click here.

The city bus network of Xiamen provides routes to and from most tourist attractions in Xiamen. [Photo/IC]

City traffic: Taking a taxi or renting a shared bicycle are also economical choices in Xiamen, as the city is small in size. 

The Xiamen roundabout sightseeing bus is the fastest and relatively comfortable method to take in the sites of Xiamen. 

The line starts from Jinyuan Building at Hubin South Road and travels around Xiamen Island in about one hour, passing by Island Ring Road with its beautiful landscape and many famous Xiamen tourist attractions such as Xiamen University, Huli Mountain Fortress, Island Ring Road, Zengcuo'an, International Conference and Exhibition Center, Guanyin Mountain Resort, and Wuyuan Bay.