21/09/2026
Why Is Xiamen the One City to Experience "Island + Art + Temple" in Just 3 Days?
3 days – Gulangyu + Nanputuo + Xiamen University + Botanical Garden + Island Ring Road. Bring passport, comfy shoes.
🏝 Day 1 – Gulangyu
Ferry 35 RMB ($4.😎 round-trip. Only official "Yujian Xiamen" mini-program. Book 15 days ahead – peak season sells out fast. Sanqiutian Wharf.
5-attraction combo 90 RMB ($12.4), Sunlight Rock 50 RMB ($6.9). No cars – wear flat shoes. Ask seafood prices first.
⛩ Day 2 – Nanputuo + Xiamen University + Shapowei
Nanputuo: Free, book via mini-program, 8:00-18:00. Wulao Peak free climb.
Xiamen University: Free, but reservation + lottery. Register 3 days ahead at midnight; lottery 16:00, results 20:00. Weekdays 2,000/day, weekends 8,000/day.
Shapowei: Free, best at sunset 17:30-18:30.
🌿 Day 3 – Botanical Garden + Island Ring Road
Botanical Garden: 30 RMB ($4.1), students 15 RMB. Rainforest mist: May-Oct 9:30-11:30 & 14:30-16:30; Oct-Apr 9:00-11:00 & 14:00-16:00. Enter West Gate; shuttle 10 RMB must-buy.
Island Ring Road: Free. Best section Baicheng→Huangcuo. Ride at sunset, avoid midday.
⚠ Reminders
Seafood: Ba Shi Market, 100-150 RMB/person, prices displayed. Walk away if no prices.
Metro free weekdays before 6:30am & after 10:30pm.
Gulangyu and Xiamen University require advance booking – no on-site tickets. Sunscreen + mosquito repellent.
❓ Would your first Xiamen stop be Gulangyu or the Botanical Garden's rainforest mist?