Perched on China’s southeastern coastline, the sub-provincial city of the Fujian Province, Xiamen, has long been appealing to Chinese travelers with lively urban energy and laid-back pleasure, even though it may not be the first place the international travelers expect on their ultimate China bucket lists.
Across a strait from Taiwan, this coastal metropolis is studded with Hokkien and Hakka cultural relics and customs, historical attractions, natural beauty, subtropical marine monsoon climate. From exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gulangyu Island – aka Garden on the Sea, to relishing the freshest seafood, and promenading along the beach, Xiamen pampers travelers with an all-round experience.
Last week, Xiamen jointly initiated the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, to further boost the entry of foreign nationals. Additionally, in 2024 the Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport offered a 24-hour direct transit without border inspection procedures to facilitate inbound travelers.
Soak up the best of Xiamen with this jam-packed itinerary of food and fun:
（1）Hokklo
The popularity has been rising since Hokklo was honored with one of the five stars in the inaugural edition of the MICHELIN Guide Fujian late last year. Tucked away on the 6th floor at the Waldorf Astoria Xiamen, it distinguishes itself with contemporary Fujian cuisine.
Helmed by Chef Guojin Du who hailed from the city of Quanzhou in southern Fujian, Hokklo champions the boundaries of traditional Fujian cuisine with novel takes, a step-up of authentic cooking and flavors with perspectives wide and far.
Hokklo is lauded for its signature dishes, including Buddha jumping over the wall, steamed wine-scented yellow croaker, Hakka-style braised He Tian chicken claypot with salt and wine which the cage-free chicken for 280 days prepared with meticulous care is succulent and exquisite smooth.
Address: 6th F, Waldorf Astoria Xiamen, 1 Lianhua N Rd, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian
Tel: +86 592 537 3333
（2）Sushe Restaurant Group
Over a decade of running restaurant business in Xiamen supports the Sushe Restaurant Group penetrating the market while finding its feet. As a result, it owns five sub-brands with focus on genuine, delectable, easy-to-access Fujian fare with fair price.
Under the subsidiary brand Shanghan nurtures two secondary brands, one is China Kitchen and the other is Fu Cui.
Shangshan· China Kitchen
Situated in the downtown area with a stone’s throw away from a swath of seaside, the China Kitchen has garnered a reputation for building a legacy spanning nearly a decade through its dedication to authentic Fujian cuisine that stays rooted in tradition and culture.
Chef Nengyu Wu leads the kitchen, the craft he has honed shines in every dish, most especially, the stewed soft-shelled turtle which is reminiscent of the classic dish dubbed stewed duck with ginger, rice wine, sesame oil, whetting the appetite through a subtle twist.
Shangshan· China Kitchen
Address: 4F, B Hall JFC, 1703 East Huandao Rd, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian
Tel: +86 18120778857
Shangshan·Fu Cui
One of the newest players adding to its portfolio is Fu Cui, a restaurant that is poised to thrive on word-of-mouth. The décor blending west-meets-east is youth elegance and stylish, standout Fujian dishes with modern refinement, and an average price of 200 yuan ($28) per person, all combine to signify that it’s a go-to dining destination for new generations.
A real living with taste, starting from which it re-envisions Fujian cuisine for a new image adapting to the needs of the young group. Highlights include the ginger pigeon with fish maw and instant noodles, fish dumplings, as well as stewed soup with pork ribs, green olives and loquats, among others.
Shangshan·Fu Cui
Address: 4F, MixC, 99 East Hubin Rd, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian
Tel: +86 18030144229
(3)The Eighth Market
Built in the 1930s in the old town of the city, the Eighth Market (literally Bashi in Mandarin Chinese) is the largest and oldest wet market in Xiamen. Nestled in a district with an inch away from the ferry terminal linking to the Garden on the Sea, Gulangyu Island, it makes it an ideal place to be.
With specialty vendors and stalls lining the path in the market, the freshest seafood, dried goods, local cooked food and other daily supplies, it’s guaranteed to be a full and rewarding “whistle-stop tour” or immersive experience.
The Eighth Market
Address: Ying Ping Rd, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian
Opening Hours: 7am – 22pm
（4）AHPIA LIM
In the middle of 2023, AHPIA LIM was born, making its namesake flagship store debut in an old building in the quaint and picturesque Gulangyu Island. Through expertly crafted traditional Fujian pastry in a modern fashion, it’s an ode to the time-honored food heritage and artisanship.
Unwind in the relaxed tea room in the store, and enjoy an eclectic array of Fujian-style pastries served with homegrown tea, such as the signature pineapple cake paired with Fujian black tea and panlan pudding.
AHPIA LIM
Address: 298, Long Tou Rd, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen, Fujian
Tel: +86 18046255356
（5）Erstea
A sibling of AHPIA LIM, Erstea is designed to be a tea brand with a heart to inherit the long-standing Fujian tea culture. Housed in a centuries-old mansion – formerly the home to a tea merchant of distinction who introduced the local tea to the world, Erstea hailed as the most beautiful tea room in Xiamen picks up the spirit and passes it on.
Erstea
Address: 25, Zhonghua Rd, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen, Fujian
Tel: +86 17750633575