Let's go on a whim! We booked our flight tickets two weeks before departure and flew straight to Xiamen for our trip! This time we originally considered taking the Xiao San Tong route, but after comparing prices, we found that ticket prices for our departure date were almost the same as Xiao San Tong, so we decided to save the time for queuing and transfers and fly directly to Xiamen Airport, maximizing comfort.
In recent years, independent travel in China has become increasingly convenient. This time we planned an "Xiamen + Fuzhou six days five nights independent travel," and besides tasting Fujian specialty cuisine, we also arranged popular attractions such as Gulangyu, Sanfang Qixiang, and Yantai Mountain.
If you are also planning a trip to Fujian, this guide covers transportation methods, payment tools, internet preparation, itinerary planning, and important notes—save it for later.
Six Days Five Nights Itinerary Overview:
Day 1｜Taoyuan Airport ➡️ Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ Nanputuo Temple ➡️ SM City Plaza
Day 2｜Gulangyu ➡️ Shapowei ➡️ Shimao Emall ➡️ Zhongshan Road
Day 3｜Xiamen High-Speed Rail ➡️ Sanfang Qixiang ➡️ Dongjiekou ➡️ Daming Food Street
Day 4｜Shangxia Hang ➡️ Min River Heart ➡️ Yantai Mountain ➡️ Suning Plaza
Day 5｜Fuzhou High-Speed Rail ➡️ Zengcuo'an ➡️ Huandao Road Beach ➡️ MixC Mall ➡️ SM City Plaza
Day 6｜Xiamen Shacha Noodles ➡️ Xiamen Airport
Pre-Trip Preparation Guide:
🏷️ Taiwan Compatriot Pass
The Taiwan Compatriot Pass is essential for traveling to China. Remember to check that it is still within its validity period.
It is recommended to check one month before departure to avoid last-minute applications affecting your itinerary.
🏷️ Payment Methods
China has largely become a cashless society. Although cash can still be used, many stores find it inconvenient to give change.
Recommended to complete before departure:
Alipay: Link your Taiwan credit card to use.
WeChat Pay: Some merchants only support WeChat payments, so it is recommended to set it up as well.
🏷️ Useful Apps
Recommended downloads: Amap, Baidu Maps, Alipay, WeChat, Didi Chuxing, Ctrip Travel, Meituan, Dianping, etc.
🏷️ Transportation to Xiamen
Option 1: Direct flight to Xiamen
Advantages: Most time-saving, about 1.5–2 hours to arrive
Option 2: Xiao San Tong, Taipei → Kinmen → Xiamen
Advantages: Cheaper price
Disadvantages: More troublesome transfers, longer travel time, easily affected by weather and may be grounded.
🏷️ Local Transportation Methods
Metro: Metro lines cover the airport, train stations, and major city attractions, fast and affordable.
Bus: Dense routes, suitable for short-distance travel and exploring deeper into the city.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Reasonable fares, can be booked via Didi.
On this trip we used ride-hailing for all movements. It was cheap and fast, with no need to worry about routes.
Day1：
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport ➡️ Guesthouse Check in ➡️ Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ Lianhuan Oyster Omelette ➡️ Yuehua Shacha Noodles ➡️ Chenjia Desserts ➡️ Huang Zehe Peanut Soup ➡️ Nanputuo Temple ➡️ SM City Plaza ➡️ Shoujia Health Club ➡️ Return to Guesthouse
Accommodation: Guesthouse near Xiamen Zhongshan Road Commercial Area
After arriving in Xiamen at noon, we first checked into a guesthouse near Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. After dropping off our luggage, we started eating right away!
We headed to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street and ate along the way: Lianhuan Oyster Omelette, Yuehua Shacha Noodles, Chenjia Desserts, Huang Zehe Peanut Soup, and Luckin Coffee.
Next, we visited Nanputuo Temple for a stroll. In the evening, we went to SM City Plaza for shopping. The mall is very large, with brands, food, and Pop Mart all available.
We then arranged a massage at Shoujia Health Club for relaxation. Besides massages, you can also bathe here, and it offers 24-hour buffet dining. After midnight, you can rest for free overnight, making it a good option for travelers looking to save on accommodation.
Day 2：
Guesthouse ➡️ Xiagu Ferry Terminal ➡️ Gulangyu ➡️ Shapowei ➡️ Shimao Emall ➡️ Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ Xiangzaiwei Ginger Duck ➡️ Return to Accommodation
Accommodation: Guesthouse near Xiamen Zhongshan Road Commercial Area
In the morning, we took a ferry from Xiagu Ferry Terminal to Gulangyu. Gulangyu is one of Xiamen's most iconic attractions.
Features: European-style architecture, cultural and creative shops, sea-view walkways, beaches, and food snacks. Popular photo spots are crowded, especially during holidays when lines are long.
On Gulangyu we ate: Old Xiamen Yogurt, Longtou Fish Ball Soup, Bapopo Herbal Jelly, and Ye's Mochi.
After returning to the city in the afternoon, we went to Shapowei. Shapowei is full of cultural and creative vibes, with many restaurants, cafés, and photo spots. We strolled all the way to Shimao Emall and Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.
For dinner, we had Xiangzaiwei Ginger Duck near Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.
Day 3：
Guesthouse ➡️ Xiamen Station ➡️ Fuzhou Station ➡️ Hotel Check in ➡️ Jiaotong Road Fuxin Fish Balls ➡️ Sanfang Qixiang ➡️ Tongli Rouyan ➡️ Ye's Peanut Soup ➡️ Lin Zexu Memorial Hall ➡️ Dongjiekou Commercial Area ➡️ Dongbai Department Store ➡️ Dayang Metro Mall ➡️ Daming Food Street ➡️ Return to Hotel
Accommodation: Sofis Pingshan Hotel
In the morning, we took the high-speed rail from Xiamen Station to Fuzhou, about a 1-hour ride. After checking into the hotel, we went to eat the must-try fish balls in Fuzhou, then headed to Fuzhou's most famous attraction, "Sanfang Qixiang."
At Sanfang Qixiang, we ate Tongli Rouyan and Ye's Peanut Soup, visited Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, Dongjiekou Commercial Area, Dongbai Department Store, and Dayang Metro Mall, and finally had dinner and late-night snacks at Daming Food Street.
Day 4：
Hotel ➡️ Shangxia Hang Historical and Cultural District ➡️ Zhou Mala ➡️ Min River Heart ➡️ Yantai Mountain Strolling District ➡️ Suning Plaza ➡️ Haote Sale ➡️ Xiangban Night Market ➡️ Herbal Soup ➡️ Return to Hotel
Accommodation: Sofis Pingshan Hotel
Today we strolled from Shangxia Hang Historical and Cultural District to Min River Heart (Jasmine Street), then to Yantai Mountain Strolling District. These attractions are not far apart and can be connected on foot.
For lunch, we enjoyed Zhou Mala Kimchi Fish near Shangxia Hang. Prices in Fuzhou are much more affordable than in Taiwan. We ordered Kimchi Fish for RMB 69 and a plate of Mapo Tofu for just RMB 2.
In the afternoon, we went to Yantai Mountain, which is full of artistic vibes and characteristic old Western-style buildings. In the evening, we visited Suning Plaza and Xiangban Night Market, and bought some Chinese snacks and souvenirs at Haote Sale inside Suning Plaza.
Day 5
Hotel ➡️ Fuzhou Station ➡️ Xiamen Station ➡️ Zengcuo'an Guesthouse Check in ➡️ Huandao Road Beach ➡️ Zengcuo'an Food Street ➡️ MixC Mall ➡️ Zaoxiangkou Clay Pot Potato Noodles ➡️ SM City Plaza ➡️ Walmart ➡️ Return to Guesthouse
Accommodation: MokaHouse Seaview Resort Guesthouse
In the morning, we took the high-speed rail back to Xiamen from Fuzhou Station. After checking into a guesthouse near Zengcuo'an, we started exploring the surrounding area.
First, we walked along Huandao Road Beach, then to the Zengcuo'an cultural and creative commercial area, where we had double-skin milk, canned eggs, meat pies, etc. We then went shopping at MixC Mall.
For dinner, we ate at Zaoxiangkou Clay Pot Potato Noodles near MixC Mall, then visited SM City Plaza and bought some souvenirs at Walmart.
Day6：
Guesthouse Check-out ➡️ Zengcuo'an Commercial Area ➡️ Xiamen Shacha Noodles ➡️ Luckin Coffee ➡️ Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Our flight back to Taiwan was at noon. After checking out, we had a simple breakfast at Zengcuo'an Commercial Area, walked into a random Xiamen Shacha Noodles shop, ordered Shacha Noodles and preserved egg lean pork congee, then bought a cup of Luckin Coffee, which we drank every day during the trip, before heading to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.
Six Days Five Nights Travel Reflections:
Xiamen and Fuzhou are very suitable for first-time independent travelers to China. The language barrier is low, transportation is convenient, there are many food options, and prices are relatively affordable.
In particular, Xiamen offers sea views, old streets, cuisine, and cultural and creative clusters, while Fuzhou has a strong historical and cultural atmosphere. The two cities together make for a fulfilling yet relaxed six days five nights independent travel.
For first-time travelers to Fujian, we highly recommend the "Xiamen + Fuzhou Dual-City Independent Travel."
⚠️Notes:
Everyone's experience and feelings about travel, attractions, or dining are different. This article is based on personal experience only. Feel free to refer to it and evaluate whether to go on your own.
It is recommended to check information before departure to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable dining and itinerary experience!