Luxury holidays in Xiamen

The tropical port city of Xiamen is finally taking its rightful place on international travellers’ radar, thanks to its colonial waterfront, lush gardens and easy-going nature: the proof is in the influx of new hotels, flight routes and bullet-train connections. If you associate Chinese cities with whirlwind days and late nights, laid-back Xiamen will be a breath of fresh air. Gulangyu Island – a bohemian, car-free Unesco World Heritage Site – seduces with its traditional architecture and famed Shuzhuang Garden. Explore Zhongshan Road for the city’s best street food. Burn it off with a hike around the South Putuo Temple, up to Walao Peak and the Botanical Gardens.
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When to go

The best time to visit is spring when the temperatures aren’t too hot and the beaches aren’t too crowded. Typhoons typically occur from late July to late September. Avoid the Chinese Spring Festival in late January or early February, as well as the Golden Week during the first week of October, unless you’re fond of crowds.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Gaoqi International Airport, 10km from the city center, is one of the busiest airports in China. It’s accessible from all major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, and is also served by 12 international routes, including Amsterdam, Vancouver, Sydney and Los Angeles.

  • Trains

    The Xiamen North Railway Station is connected by high-speed rail to many major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen.