CN · Fujian · 24.48°N 118.09°E

xiamen

Breezy seaside city of Hokkien food, Nanputuo Temple and the ferry to Gulangyu.

Best time
October to December is dry and comfortable. Summer is hot and humid, with typhoons possible from about July to September, and spring can be damp.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Direct flights from KL take about 4 hours. High-speed trains also link Xiamen with Fuzhou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
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CN · Fujianxiamen24.48°N 118.09°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Breezy seaside city of Hokkien food, Nanputuo Temple and the ferry to Gulangyu.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingXiamenCN, Fujian
KLxiamen
≈ 2,953 km from KL, as the crow flies
The Island of Gulangyu, Xiamen (Amoy), Fujian

Photo: Jakob Montrasio · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A breezy island city on the Fujian coast, once known as Amoy. Many Malaysian Hokkien families trace their roots to this part of southern Fujian, so the dialect and much of the food will feel familiar. It's also the base for Gulangyu island and the round earthen tulou houses inland.

Makan

  1. Shacha noodlesNoodles in a rich satay-style broth, with toppings you pick yourself.Map ↗
  2. Oyster omeletteKnown back home as or chien, made here with small fresh oysters.Map ↗
  3. PopiahFresh spring rolls packed with vegetables, a Xiamen classic that Malaysians will recognise.Map ↗
  4. Peanut soupSoft peanuts in a sweet soup, eaten as a dessert or with breakfast.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. GulangyuA car-free island of old villas, a short ferry ride away.Map ↗
  2. Nanputuo TempleA large Buddhist temple at the foot of the hills, with paths up behind it for city views.Map ↗
  3. Huandao RoadA seafront road with a cycling and walking path along the island's southeast coast.Map ↗
  4. Zhongshan RoadA pedestrian street of arcaded shophouses that will remind you of Penang.Map ↗
  5. Fujian TulouUNESCO-listed round earthen houses where whole clans lived together, a long day trip inland.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Hokkien is widely spoken alongside Mandarin, which helps if you speak it at home.
  • Book Gulangyu ferry tickets ahead with your passport, as daily visitor numbers are capped.
  • Most places expect Alipay or WeChat Pay. Link your card to one before you fly and keep some cash as a backup.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.