【Xiamen Guide】3 Days and 2 Nights in the Garden on the Sea, a Local's Secret Itinerary Revealed!

👉Just back from Xiamen and couldn't wait to share this guide! This city, a perfect blend of Southeast Asian charm and refreshing vibes, even the air smells of sea salt and lemon~ Keep this guide handy to avoid the crowds! 🚗Transportation Tips ✔️Taxis within the island start at 15 yuan, super convenient ✔️BRT elevated bus directly to Jimei School Village, a magical experience ✔️Book round-trip ferry tickets to Gulangyu Island 3 days in advance on "Yujian Xiamen" for 35 yuan ✔️Rent an electric scooter (30 yuan/day) along the Huandao Road and enjoy the healing sea breeze 📸Must-See Attractions 1⃣️Gulangyu Island (7:10 am ferry has the fewest people) ▫️Overlook the red-roofed houses from Sunlight Rock ▫️Visit the Shuzhuang Garden and the Piano Museum ▫️Enjoy Shenjia rice noodle rolls and Yeshi machi on Longtou Road ㊙️Avoid tour groups and take the Bishan Cave → Neicuo'ao route 2⃣️Botanical Garden (Enter through the South Gate and take the escalator up) 🌵Succulent area: 9:00-11:00 am, the mist is mesmerizing 🌳Rainforest area: 2:00-4:00 pm, experience the Tyndall effect ⚠️Bring mosquito repellent! Take the Zhonggu Cable Car from the West Gate 3⃣️Shapowei (Visit after 4:00 pm) 🌈Art West District: Colorful containers are super photogenic 🎨Enjoy the fishing boats at the harbor while sipping on a juicy strawberry soufflé 🖼️Check in at the "Xiamen" rainbow wall on Minzu Road 4⃣️Huangcuo Beach (Arrive before 5:30 am for sunrise) 🌅Romantic orange sea and coconut trees ☕Linjia Minnan Cuisine: Reserve a seaside table 🍜Foodie Radar ✅Sili Shacha Noodles (Hubin Sili branch) ✅Lianhuan Oyster Omelette (in an alley on Jukou Street) ✅Jiawei Zai Tian (Taro buns + shrimp noodles) ✅Liangshan Food Stalls (Stir-fried kidney flowers are amazing!) 🍧Sweet soup recommendations: Zhuya Sugar Water/Li Juying Tofu Pudding 🏡Accommodation Guide 👫Couples: Choose an old villa on Gulangyu Island (Lijiazhuang) 👨👩👧👦Families: Stay near Zhongshan Road (walking distance to the Eighth Market) 👯♀️Students: Choose Zengcuoan (Instagram-worthy homestays for around 100 yuan) 💣Things to Avoid ❗Be careful with street food in Zengcuoan ❗Avoid restaurants recommended by taxi drivers ❗Taking photos with Mickey Mouse on Baicheng Beach is not free ❗Avoid Xiamen during holidays! Just don't! 🌟Hidden Gems 1. Watch the sunset from the forest trail of the Shanhai Trail (Wanshi Canghai → Panguita) 2. Take photos at No. 33 Huaxin Road, the same location as in the drama "Shining For One Thing" 3. Take the Jimei School Village sea metro (Gaoqi → Jimei School Village section)