The Ultimate 3-Day Xiamen Adventure: Insta-Spots, Street Eats & Hidden Gems 🚀🌴

Ready to blow up your IG feed with a legendary Xiamen trip? This Fujian coastal hotspot serves up colonial throwbacks, street vibes and foodie treasures all in one epic 3-day itinerary. Your next-level adventure starts NOW! 😎✨ Day 1: Gulangyu Island Vibes + Neon City Nights 💫 Kick off your trip at Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿)—aka Xiamen’s UNESCO World Heritage flex! Hop on the tourist ferry from Xiamen International Cruise Terminal and touch down in pure paradise. Sunlight Rock (日光岩) is *the* spot for breathtaking views of city + sea (Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen | Open 24/7 | ¥5). The view is seriously next-level 🤯. Recharge with legendary street eats on Longtou Road (龙头路)—oyster omelets and fish balls here are sooo good! Wander past colonial architecture for throwback content that totally slaps. Nightfall = full send to Zhongshanlu Pedestrian Street (中山路步行街). This place glows up under neon lights—arcade vibes, buzzing crowds, and enough Fujian/Taiwanese snacks to level up your dinner (Zhongshan Road, Siming District | Open 24/7). Don’t forget to try the crispy peanut soup! Day 2: Spiritual Feels & Insta-Hotspots 🎨⛩️ Early birds, start at Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺) for that zen morning energy and epic Southern Fujian architecture (515 Siming South Road, inside Nanputuo Temple, Siming District | Near Xiamen University). If you’re feeling it, hike up the temple trail for bonus ocean views—YAS! Slide over to Xiamen University next door—gothic roofs, lotus lakes, and photo ops that are full-blown aesthetic goals. Reminder: Entry may need ID or a time slot, so check ahead before you roll up. Next stop: Lunch at Shapowei Art Zone (沙坡尾)! This artsy spot used to be an old harbor and now it’s packed with hipster cafés (hello latte art), indie galleries, and creative shops. Afternoon thrill: Hulishan Fortress (胡里山炮台) is home to the wild Krupp cannon and historical Qing dynasty vibes. Snap those fortress pics and imagine ancient pirate battles! Day 3: Botanical Zen or Tulou Road Trip 🏞️🏯 Option A: Chill Mode Wanshi Botanical Garden (万石植物园) is perfect for unplugging and soaking up tropical greenery and themed garden walks (No. 25 Huyuan Road, Siming District | May–Oct: 06:30–18:00; Oct–Apr: 06:30–17:30 | ¥30). Post up your misty rainforest shots—the coziness is unreal. Option B: Full Adventure Mode Slide out for a day trip to the Fujian Tulou Scenic Area (福建土楼), near Nanjing! UNESCO-grade earthen buildings, Hakka culture legends, and countryside feels—it’s about 2–3 hours from Xiamen but the road trip is worth every mile. The Fujian (Nanjing) Tulou is an absolute must for culture buffs and travel flexers. Wanna swap city energy for extra greenery? Head to Xiamen Horticulture Expo Garden (杏前路, Jimei District | Open 06:00–18:00) for chill strolls and rare plants—perfect for those seeking a low-key final day. #localguides #xiamen Xiamen Local Food Guide 🌟Must-try these popular Xiamen dishes: • Shacha Noodles (沙茶面): Noodles in a rich, savory peanut-based satay broth with your choice of ingredients. • Oyster Omelet (海蛎煎): A local favorite made with small oysters, egg, and starch. • Peanut Soup (花生汤): A sweet, warm soup with soft peanuts, often enjoyed for breakfast. • Ginger Duck (姜母鸭): A flavorful, herbal duck dish slow-cooked with ginger.