Xiamen City Guide

Diverse food options from local seafood to global dishes, concentrated around Zhongshan Road and universities. Late-night eats are available too.

Xiamen's nightlife is okay, with bars and KTVs concentrated near universities and entertainment hubs like Bailuzhou Park.

Thriving coffee scene with many indie cafes in Shapowei and university zones.

Tipping isn’t customary. High-end places might accept but not require tips.

Get a SIM card from China Mobile or others at airports or city outlets. Passport needed.

Xiamen is clean, especially tourist areas. Waste management in place.

Central areas have 24/7 minimarts. Options for round-the-clock services are moderate.

International goods are at supermarkets like Ole' and Sam's Club. Local products are at Carrefour and wet markets, where bargaining is common.

Xiamen operates mostly cashless. Use mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay for everything, from street vendors to supermarkets. Cash is rarely used.

ATMs are easy to find, especially in banks and shopping centers. Major banks like ICBC and Bank of China accept foreign cards, though fees might apply.

International schools like Xiamen International School are notable. English is the main instruction language.

The digital nomad scene is small but growing. Casual meetups happen in expat-friendly spots.

Rich in green spaces. Enjoy Bailuzhou Park and Baozhu Mountain's serene trails.

Great routes by the coast and in parks. Air quality varies, so check conditions.

Gyms are easy to find, from local spots to bigger chains like Will's Gym.

Tennis courts are found in sports centers and universities, rentals are available.

Padel courts are rare but slowly increasing in some sports clubs.

Yoga studios are available, some with English-speaking instructors, especially in expat areas.

Traditional martial arts are common, but options like BJJ are gradually emerging with some English instruction available.

No skiing in Xiamen due to its subtropical climate.

Plenty of water sports, like kayaking and paddleboarding, especially in scenic areas.

Surfing around Xiamen is fair, with schools and rentals at beaches like Huangcuo.

Limited diving opportunities; some trips offered to clearer waters further out.

Good hospital options with some English-speaking staff available. Public hospitals handle basic care well. For English, private clinics are better. Emergency number for an ambulance is 120.

Tap water isn't safe to drink directly. Boil or filter it, or use bottled water.

Xiamen is family-friendly with parks, cafes, and kid-friendly places like Gulangyu Island and museums.

Xiamen is more tolerant compared to some areas in China, but broader acceptance and legal protections are limited.

Pet-friendly parks and services exist but have various restrictions. Import rules are strict.