How to enjoy Xiamen in winter? Just follow this itinerary!
🌊"A city on the sea, the sea in the city." Xiamen, a charming garden on the sea, exudes a unique warmth in the cold winter, calling out to souls who want to escape the cold and embrace poetry. When the north wind howls elsewhere, the sun is still shining here, the sea breeze is gentle, and the warmth can heal everything.
Must-see attractions
1. 🌟Gulangyu Island: The "World Architecture Museum" is not a misnomer. 😮 Walk among the old villas of different styles from different countries, overlook the whole island from Sunlight Rock, and enjoy the exquisite combination of mountains and sea in Shuzhuang Garden. Buy a joint ticket 🎫 and spend a whole day wandering around, encountering literary shops and listening to the old stories behind the old walls.
2. 📸Xiamen University: One of the most beautiful universities in China. 🥰 Stroll through Lovers' Valley, where the lake is deep and green; step into Furong Tunnel, where the creative graffiti on the walls is dazzling; Baicheng Beach is just outside the campus, and you can walk from the campus to the beach, seamlessly connecting youthful vitality with seaside romance.
3. 🌳Nanputuo Temple: Red walls and yellow tiles, full of Zen. 🙏 Get a free incense stick, make a wish in the curling smoke, and try the vegetarian food in the temple, which is refreshing and delicious. You can hike up the mountain behind the temple and overlook the city of Xiamen and Xiamen University, nourishing both body and mind.
4. 🏝Zengcuo'an: A bustling food paradise! 😋 There are a variety of food stalls, such as satay noodles, oyster omelets, and earthworm jelly. You can eat while you shop and experience the fireworks of southern Fujian. When night falls, the lights are even brighter, and the night is even more exciting.
5. 🎡Island Ring Road: Rent a bike 🚲 and ride along the coastline! Accompanied by the sea breeze and coconut trees, the boundless sea is on one side, and the flowers and green plants are on the other. Yanwu Bridge looks like a giant dragon lying on the sea, and the scenery along the way is so beautiful that every frame can be used as wallpaper.
6. 🌊Baicheng Beach: In the warm winter sun, the beach is soft and golden. ✨ Take off your shoes and step on it, let the waves kiss your toes, watch the sailboats in the distance, and see the children laughing and building sandcastles. It's very pleasant.
7. 🏯Hulishan Fortress: The weight of history is deposited here. 🔔 The ancient fortress has witnessed the vicissitudes of time, and there are daily performances of Qing soldiers practicing, with the sound of cannon fire, as if returning to that turbulent era.
8. 🖼Xiamen Botanical Garden: A real-life "Wizard of Oz". 🌳 The succulent plant area is very cute, and the rainforest world is misty, like a fairyland. It's a great place to take photos, so don't miss it if you love taking photos.
Nearby attractions
- 🌊Jimei Turtle Garden: The architecture of Jimei School Village is elegant, and Turtle Garden is full of exquisite stone carvings, with a deep cultural heritage. It is accessible by subway, and you can spend half a day experiencing the spirit of Tan Kah Kee and the style of southern Fujian.
- 🚢Deng Island: It is very close to Kinmen, and you can find some special souvenirs in the duty-free shops on the island. 🛍 The Battlefield Sightseeing Park preserves the traces of past artillery battles, making it a unique historical science tour.
Food recommendations
- 🍜Satay noodles: Rich satay sauce as the base, with fresh shrimp, squid, tofu, and other ingredients, each bite is a symphony of fresh, fragrant, spicy, and refreshing flavors.
- 🦪Oyster omelet: Fresh oysters wrapped in egg liquid, fried until golden and crispy, dipped in sweet and spicy sauce, the taste of the sea blooms on the tip of the tongue.
- 🐙Earthworm jelly: Don't be scared by the name, the Q-bomb star worm jelly with special sauce is smooth and appetizing, a must-try specialty of southern Fujian.
- 🍍Pineapple cake: Sweet and soft filling, crispy crust, the first choice for souvenirs, Wei Re Shan Qiu and A Ji Zai are both delicious.
Accommodation recommendations
- 🌊Seaside homestay: Homestays along the Island Ring Road, with a view of the sea from the window, and the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep. 🌙 Prices vary, suitable for couples seeking a romantic atmosphere.
- 🚇Siming District Hotel: Convenient transportation, close to major attractions, 🚇 complete facilities, convenient for business trips and family travel, chain hotels like All Seasons and Hanting are cost-effective.
Practical tips
Transportation guide
- 🚄Take the high-speed train to Xiamen Station, which is on the island and close to the city attractions; Xiamen North Station is farther away, but it is connected by Metro Line 1, which is also very convenient.
- 🚌The city buses and BRT are well-connected, and you can use Alipay and WeChat ride codes; taxis and ride-hailing services are also convenient, but the Island Ring Road may be congested during peak hours.
- 🚇The subway can reach most attractions, download the "Xiamen Metro" app in advance, and scan the code to enter the station.
Travel time
Xiamen is not cold in winter, 3–5 days is just right. 😃 The first day is Gulangyu Island, the second day is Xiamen University, Nanputuo Temple, and Baicheng Beach, the third day is cycling on the Island Ring Road and shopping and eating in Zengcuo'an, and the remaining time is for nearby tours.
Notes
- Book tickets for Gulangyu Island in advance on the official account, 🎫 tickets are hard to get during peak hours.
- You need to make a reservation in advance to visit Xiamen University, and pay attention to the ticket release time. 🕙
- The ultraviolet rays by the sea are strong, so don't forget to wear sunscreen in winter, 🧴 bring sunglasses and a hat, and have a beautiful trip.
💕Xiamen in winter is full of endless beauty, waiting for you to unlock it with your feet and collect it with your heart. This warm winter trip will surely become a shining treasure in your memory.