厦门位于中国东南沿海，福建省东南部，与台湾隔海相望。全市由厦门岛、鼓浪屿及内陆九龙江北岸沿海部分组成，总面积约1700平方公里。属亚热带海洋性季风气候，温暖湿润，年平均气温约21℃，冬无严寒，夏无酷暑，雨量充沛，四季常青，素有“海上花园”之称。
厦门历史可追溯至晋代，唐代设镇，明代筑城。1842年《南京条约》后成为通商口岸，鼓浪屿作为公共租界，融合了中西建筑与文化。1980年设立经济特区，成为改革开放前沿。厦门的独特魅力在于其“城在海上，海在城中”的格局，以及中西合璧的建筑艺术，如鼓浪屿的万国建筑群和厦门大学的嘉庚风格建筑。
厦门文化多元包容，闽南文化与华侨文化交融。本地人讲闽南语，尊崇妈祖信仰。饮食以海鲜、汤品和清淡调味为特色，沙茶面、土笋冻、花生汤等小吃深受喜爱。生活节奏舒缓，市民热爱泡茶、逛公园，鼓浪屿的钢琴声和中山路的骑楼街市是典型的生活写照。
厦门现为现代化国际城市，拥有自贸试验区、福州厦门国家自主创新示范区等平台。厦门港集装箱吞吐量世界排名靠前，高新技术产业和旅游业是支柱。未来，厦门将构建“一带一路”支点城市，提升国际化水平，打造高素质高颜值现代化城市。
The best time to visit 厦门 is Spring and autumn.
The best travel times are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to December). These months have sunny weather, moderate temperatures, and low humidity, making them ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Summer is hot but offers beach enjoyment, while winter is mild but occasionally rainy.
Spring (March to May) features warm weather, gradually clearing up, with an average temperature of 15-20°C. It is recommended to visit Gulangyu Island, where flowers bloom across the island; Xiamen University's campus is a sea of blossoms; and the Botanical Garden is filled with vibrant flowers. You can also attend the Mazu Birthday Festival in the third month of the lunar calendar.
Autumn (October-December) is cool and pleasant, with an average temperature of 20-25°C and little rainfall. It is recommended to cycle along the island ring road to enjoy the sea views; take part in the Mid-Autumn mooncake gambling activity (a traditional dice game); the Xiamen International Marathon in November is also a highlight.
The Xiamen area was under the jurisdiction of Jin'an County, marking the beginning of its administrative system.
To guard against Japanese pirates, the Ming government built city walls on Xiamen Island, which were called "Xiamen City."
Recommended places to visit
World Cultural Heritage, featuring the International Architecture Cluster, Sunshine Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and other attractions. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the island, and the environment is beautiful.
One of China's most beautiful universities, nestled between mountains and sea, featuring Jiageng-style architecture. Furong Lake and Lover's Valley are must-visit spots.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Gulangyu is a small island in the southwestern corner of Xiamen, preserving a variety of architectural styles from the mid-19th to mid-20th century, reflecting the fusion of Chinese and foreign cultures.
As part of Quanzhou Port, Xiamen features historical sites such as the Qingjiao Ciji Palace, bearing witness to the Maritime Silk Road.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Traditional opera popular in the Minnan (Southern Fujian) and Taiwan regions, featuring beautiful melodies and performed in the Minnan dialect.
Xiamen's unique Mid-Autumn folk custom uses dice to determine rewards, symbolizing good luck.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is located in the northern part of the city. Domestic routes connect to all major cities, while international routes cover Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe, and North America. From the airport to the city center, you can take Metro Line 1, airport shuttle buses, or taxis.
Economy class approximately 500-1500 yuan (domestic)
Xiamen has two main railway stations: Xiamen Station (the old station) and Xiamen North Station (the high-speed rail station). High-speed trains connect to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, etc., with a journey of about 2 hours to Fuzhou. Xiamen North Station is farther from the city center and can be reached via Metro Line 1 or BRT.
The second-class seat of the high-speed rail costs about 200-800 yuan (depending on the distance).
Public transportation in Xiamen primarily consists of buses and the metro. Metro Lines 1, 2, and 3 are operational, covering major attractions and commercial areas. The bus network is extensive, and BRT rapid transit serves main roads. Additionally, taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient, while Gulangyu Island requires a ferry ride.
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Xiamen's representative noodle dish, with a soup base made from satay sauce, paired with seafood, bean sprouts, pork liver, etc., is savory, spicy, and delicious.
A jelly-like product made from boiled sandworms (sea worms), with a chewy and smooth texture, served with soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic.
Xiamen became one of the five treaty ports, Gulangyu became an international settlement, and foreign consulates and trading firms were established one after another.
Xiamen became one of the first special economic zones, enjoyed special policies, and rapidly emerged as a modern city.
Xiamen successfully hosted the BRICS Leaders' Summit, greatly enhancing its international influence.
Xiamen's most beautiful coastal road, stretching 43 kilometers, is perfect for cycling, with attractions along the way such as Yefeng Village, the Convention and Exhibition Center, Huangcuo Beach, and more.
Minnan Buddhist sacred site, originally built in the Tang Dynasty, enshrines Guanyin Bodhisattva with flourishing incense offerings. The back hill offers a panoramic view of Xiamen University.
Qing dynasty coastal fortress, home to the world's largest Krupp ancient cannon, offering a panoramic view of Xiamen Port.
Subway 2-7 yuan, bus 1 yuan.
Made with fresh oysters, sweet potato starch, and eggs, pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, best enjoyed with sweet chili sauce.
Southern Fujian traditional dessert: Peanuts are boiled until soft and tender, the soup is milky white, sweet but not greasy, and eggs can be added.
A nourishing dish stewed with old ginger and duck, rich in ginger flavor with tender meat, best enjoyed in autumn and winter.