Xiamen, China is located on the coast, across from Taiwan, between Shanghai and Hong Kong. It is a beautiful tropical Island with tasty local snacks, friendly people, and amazing views.
DAY 1
When you arrive a good starting point is Zhongshan Road. Get off the BRT at KaiHe Road (开禾路口),
walk south through the fish market. and then zig zag through the small streets towards Zhongshan Road. On the way, stop for a quick cuppa at 21 Gram Coffee ( 92 DaZhong Road and ZhongHuaJie). Zhongshan road is a pedestrian street and has numerous shops, small restaurants, and side alleys filled with markets.
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/fujian/xiamen/transportation/town-bus.htm
Though Zhongshan Road is the main tourist spot, I much prefer walking up and down DaXue road. To the north is the Cat themed street and to the south is the Shapowei Art Zone! Take a rest at the Fat Fat Beer Horse for a satisfying beverage.
https://www.chinahighlights.com/xiamen/attraction/shapowei-art-zone
From the art district you can walk along the waterfront towards the university beach. At the point along the far side of the beach is the Hulishan Fortress, where you can roam through a little bit of history. If that does not interest you, there are bike rentals along the Huandao road and a beautiful view towards Kinmen island, Taiwan.
http://www.travelchinanow.com/attraction/xiamen/hulishan-fortress/
If you are up for a small walk instead head to the Xiamen Botanical garden via the Railroad park. You can meander up to the peak, or take a gondola ride to another section of the mountain park. The view from the top is worth the trip.
http://www.bgci.org/garden.php?id=1036
Take in the sunset at Haiwan park at one of the waterfront bars for a perfect end to a great day.
DAY 2
On your second day in Xiamen, China, I recommend you spend a good part of the day on Gulangyu. To navigate there you have to take a 35 RMB round trip ferry from the International Ferry Terminal. Get there early as there is only a certain amount of space available during each time slot and, as it is a popular tourist spot, they sell out quickly.
http://www.amoytrip.com/buy-xiamen-gulangyu-ferry-tickets-online.html
The pedestrian only island is covered in beautiful colonial style buildings, markets, beaches, odd museums, and offers great sights of the bay and Xiamen’s skyline.
Grab a cup of coffee, juice, or milk tea and enjoy wandering around the island and dipping your toes in the water. You can easily walk around the entire island in half a day. Leave around sunset to get some amazing photos on the sea.
For a nice evening of relaxation, and an enjoyable dinner, go to the Coffee and Bar street near the Marco Polo hotel. They have everything from fine dining to local eateries, you will be able to find anything within your budget.
