Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private car in Xiamen cost?
Private car with driver in Xiamen starts from $70 for a city day tour. Hakka Tulou day trips start from $130 (2.5 hrs each way). Airport transfer from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (XMN) starts from $20. Prices include vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, and parking. Gulangyu ferry tickets (¥35) and Tulou entrance fees are not included.
How do I get to Gulangyu Island?
Gulangyu is a car-free island reachable by ferry from Xiamen. Tourists take the ferry from Dongdu Cruise Center (not the old ferry terminal near Zhongshan Road, which is for locals only). The ferry takes 20 minutes and costs ¥35 round trip. We recommend booking tickets 1-2 days in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Your driver will drop you at the ferry terminal and pick you up when you return.
Are the Hakka Tulou worth the long drive?
Absolutely. The Hakka Tulou (earthen roundhouses) are unique to Fujian and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These multi-story communal dwellings were built between the 13th and 20th centuries and are still inhabited. The drive is 2.5-3 hours through beautiful tea country. We recommend the Nanjing cluster (Tianluokeng "four dishes one soup" formation) or Yongding (Hongkeng and Chuxi clusters). Allow 4-5 hours at the Tulou sites.
How many days do I need in Xiamen?
We recommend 2-3 days: Day 1 - Xiamen city: Gulangyu Island + Nanputuo Temple + Xiamen University + Zhongshan Road; Day 2 - Hakka Tulou day trip (long but worth it); Day 3 - relaxed: Hulishan Fortress +环岛路 bike ride + Shapowei art district. Xiamen is a laid-back coastal city - don't rush it.
What is the best time to visit Xiamen?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer the best weather - warm, sunny, and low humidity. Summer (June-September) is hot and humid with possible typhoons. Winter (December-February) is mild (10-15°C) and less crowded. Xiamen is a popular domestic tourist destination, so avoid Chinese holidays if possible.
Can I visit Quanzhou from Xiamen?
Yes, Quanzhou is only 1.5 hours from Xiamen and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 as "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China." It was the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road and features ancient temples, mosques, and pagodas. A day trip to Quanzhou is highly recommended for history buffs. Popular sites: Kaiyuan Temple, Qingjing Mosque, and the Maritime Museum.