Overview

Make the most of your layover with a tour through Xiamen’s ancient traditions and modern iconic highlights in ONE day: Ancient Nanputuo Temple, the Hidden Gems of Old Port Area&UNESCO Gulangyu Island.

Itinerary

Xiamen Highlights: UNESCO Island, Ancient Temple & Shapowei

Make the most of your layover with a journey through Xiamen’s ancient traditions and modern highlights in one day. Start your day at Nanputuo Temple, a peaceful thousand-year-old Buddhist temple by the sea, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. Next, enjoy panoramic coastal views at the iconic Shimao Twin Towers, a perfect spot for photos and cityscapes. Continue to Shapowei, a charming old port area where you can explore hidden alleys, discover local life, and taste authentic Xiamen street food. After a local lunch, take a short ferry ride to UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island, famous for its colonial architecture, lush gardens, and relaxed, car-free streets. Visit Shuzhuang Garden, a stunning seaside garden blending nature and traditional design, and explore the world-famous Piano Museum, home to a unique collection of antique instruments that reflect the island’s rich musical heritage. This tour offers the perfect mix of culture, history, local life, and scenic beauty — ideal for making the most of your time in Xiamen.

Meeting & Pickup

Xiamen Hotel Pickup (Zhongshan Road area)

📍 Zhongshan Road, Siming District, Xiamen, 361001, CN

What's Included

✓ Included

8-hour guided tour by a certified English-speaking local guide; The entrance tickets; Round trip ferry ticket to Island; Round trip transfer via taxi between port and hotel in downtown Xiamen; Government taxes & fees; Insurance; Food; Sightseeing Bus on Gulangyu

✕ Not included

Personal expenses

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.6★★★★★Based on 164 reviews

Paul Y.🇿🇦 South Africa★★★★★2026-02

In hindsight, I expected UNESCO Island, Ancient Temple & Shapowei to be the headline, and it was. What I didn't expect was how much context from the guide changed what I noticed there.

Elena J.🇸🇬 Singapore★★★★☆2025-09

Practically speaking, I liked that the day had structure without feeling scripted. Questions were answered properly, and there was also time to look around in silence. For 8 hours around Xiamen, the pace felt about right.

Ben I.🇲🇽 Mexico★★★★★2024-12

I underestimated how much standing the day involved. A short sit-down between stops made the second half much easier. My only advice is not to shorten the time at UNESCO Island, Ancient Temple & Shapowei.