Just got back from Xiamen!!! Let me tell you the harsh truth...

I just returned from a trip to Xiamen in March, and while it's still fresh in my mind, I want to share some heartfelt advice with you ladies. Those of you planning a trip to Xiamen, take note! I. Travel Tips 1. Gulangyu Ferry Tickets: During the day, tourists need to board at the Xiagu Ferry Terminal. A round-trip regular ticket for ¥35 is sufficient. Make sure to arrive at the terminal 50 minutes in advance. Ferry tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, and they become invalid if you're late. So be careful! 2. Scenic Beaches: Watch the sunrise at Huangcuo Beach and the sunset at Baicheng Beach. Don't mix them up. Yefengzhai Beach is beautiful, less crowded, and worth checking out. There are various transportation options: the No. 18 double-decker bus, No. 29 bus, and No. 47 bus can all get you there. For more freedom, rent a shared bike or take an electric shuttle. Tourist buses cost ¥50 per person, while regular buses are only ¥1. If you rent a bike along the Huandao Road coastal area, be sure to compare prices from several rental shops. 3. Wanshi Botanical Garden: Enter through the west gate to get to the Succulent Plant Garden more quickly and avoid unnecessary walking. 4. Tourist Trap Alert: Avoid pearl opening and silver jewelry shops in scenic areas. They are full of scams. 5. Booking Attractions: Book in advance! Weekends and holidays are crowded, and you might not be able to book on the spot. You can book directly through the mini program. 6. Getting Around: Use ride-hailing apps instead of taxis if possible. You know what I mean. 7. Food Choices: Xiamen has a lot of delicious food, but there are also some bad options. Try to choose chain restaurants or well-known local restaurants to avoid disappointment. 8. Flower Tea: Be careful when buying flower tea. It's priced by the gram, and you could easily spend hundreds of yuan without realizing it. II. Must-Try Foods Sand tea noodles, peanut soup, oyster omelets, deep-fried pork with vinegar, misua paste, five-spice rolls, meat zongzi, taro dumplings, four-fruit soup... You must try these Xiamen specialties! For seafood, I recommend Dayang Seafood. It's a time-honored brand with guaranteed quality and fresh seafood. They have branches on Zhongshan Road and Gulangyu Island. III. Three-Day Itinerary - DAY 1: Botanical Garden → Zhonggu Cableway → Nanputuo Temple → Shapowei → Baicheng Beach - DAY 2: Huangcuo Beach → Huandao Road → Gulangyu Island → Zhongshan Road → Eighth Market - DAY 3: Sea Train → Xiamen Seawall Memorial Park → Jimei School Village → Shilitangdi Causeway → Gulangyu Island's Stone Drum Road → Dragon Boat Pond Follow this guide, and you're guaranteed a fantastic trip to Xiamen with no regrets. Food, fun, and exploration – all covered!