Xiamen tours

Things to do in Xiamen

Xiamen, a coastal harmony, is where the South China Sea's gentle waves meet colonial structures and verdant landscapes. Feel the sand's warmth on Gulangyu Island, a pedestrian haven filled with winding paths and piano notes. Your local guide will show you Xiamen's essence on private tours that marry history with the contemporary. Take a stroll through the old town, where ancient temples coexist with modern cafes, or indulge in a food and wine tour that introduces Fujian cuisine's savory notes. With your guide, sidestep the typical lines and dive into the narratives that make Xiamen a city of continual wonder and exploration. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Xiamen. Explore Xiamen your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Xiamen tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Xiamen for every interest, including: Layover tours: Zip from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport to Zhongshan Road for peanut soup and shacha noodles, then hop the ferry to Gulangyu for a short stroll through Shuzhuang Garden and the Piano Museum before your guide whisks you back in time for your flight. Off the beaten path tours: Explore Jimei School Village’s Tan Kah Kee Memorial and dragon-boat pond, browse indie studios at Shapowei Art District, and taste oyster omelettes at the Eight Market wet market, or cycle quiet stretches of the island ring road near Huangcuo Beach with snack stops your guide loves. Religious Sites tours: Join a focused visit to Nanputuo Temple to offer incense and try the vegetarian canteen, continue with a short hike to Wulao Peak behind the temple, and add stops at Union Church on Gulangyu and the Xiamen Mosque for a look at the city’s diverse faiths. The historic cores are very walkable, and the metro, BRT and ferries make getting around straightforward. For tight layovers or outlying spots, you can book tours with private transportation or ask your local guide to arrange a chauffeured vehicle. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Xiamen inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Xiamen at your own pace with a private walking tour and dive into its lively neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to get a feel for a place than having someone who knows it inside and out right by your side. Here are some neighborhoods you might want to include in your itinerary: - Gulangyu Island: Known for its colonial architecture and beautiful landscapes, this car-free island is perfect for families and those interested in history. Wander through its winding lanes, enjoy the gardens, and check out the piano museum. - Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street: This bustling area is great for multi-generational groups looking to experience the local shopping and street food scene. It's a lively spot to soak in the city's energy and taste some of Xiamen's famous snacks. - Siming District: Ideal for cultural tourists, this district is home to Xiamen University and a variety of art galleries and museums. Stroll around the campus, admire the architecture, and engage with the local art scene. - Hulishan Fortress: For those seeking meaningful connections to history, this neighborhood offers a glimpse into Xiamen's past military significance. Explore the historic fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. Your local guide can help you tailor your tour to fit your interests, making sure you get the most out of your time in Xiamen. Day trip ideas from Xiamen From Xiamen, it’s easy to branch out to nearby islands, tulou villages, and historic ports that fit neatly into day trips, and your tour can match your pace. - Gulangyu Island: stroll car-free lanes lined with old villas and quiet gardens, pause for sea views and a snack in a small café, and focus on architecture, music heritage, and easy photography without traffic in the way. - Nanjing Tulou: see the Tianluokeng cluster and hillside viewpoints, then walk into earthen roundhouses where daily life hums along, a good fit if you like vernacular architecture, Hakka food, and rural snapshots. - Yongding Tulou: explore big circular and square tulou in valleys like Gaobei or Hongkeng, meet shopkeepers in wooden galleries, and zero in on craft details, engineering, and portraits in soft courtyard light. - Quanzhou: a short ride brings you to Maritime Silk Road history, with lively streets around temples and a historic mosque, great for those drawn to religion, trade routes, noodle shops, and small museums in a compact area. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Xiamen most travellers miss.