Xiamen Artificial Reef

Xiamen Deep Wall

Xiamen Coastal Reef

Xiamen’s food culture is among the most celebrated in China, with Fujian cuisine represented at its finest in the city’s restaurants and street food stalls. The eighth market (Di Ba Shi Chang) is the epicenter of Xiamen’s food scene, a bustling wet market where you can find every variety of local seafood, tropical fruits, and regional specialties. Xiamen is famous for its oyster omelets, shrimp rolls, sandworm jelly, and the iconic peanut soup. The city’s position as a historic trading port has created a culinary tradition that blends Fujian, Cantonese, and Southeast Asian influences. Gulangyu Island adds its own specialties including coconut pastries and locally produced tea. Post-dive dining in Xiamen is an experience in itself.

Xiamen Seaview Resort

Xiamen Harbor View Hotel

Gulangyu Linshi Villa

Xiamen Old Town Hostel

Xiamen is one of China’s most beautiful coastal cities and an increasingly popular diving destination where subtropical marine ecosystems thrive along a dramatically scenic coastline. The waters around Xiamen feature a mix of natural rocky reefs, coral communities, and fascinating artificial reef structures including several intentionally sunken vessels that have become thriving fish habitats. Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by productive reef systems accessible by short boat rides. The Dadeng and Xiaodeng Islands near the Jinmen strait offer the clearest water in the region with visibility reaching 15-20 meters and underwater volcanic rock formations creating interesting topography. Xiamen’s position at approximately 24 degrees north means warm subtropical waters support diverse marine life including over 80 species of reef fish, colorful nudibranchs, octopus, cuttlefish, and seasonal sea turtle visits. The city’s outstanding infrastructure, international airport, excellent public transport, and world-class dining scene make it an accessible and comfortable base for diving excursions. The combination of UNESCO heritage, modern city amenities, and surprisingly good subtropical diving makes Xiamen an appealing multi-activity destination.

Fujian – Xiamen

Optimal diving with warm water, excellent visibility, and calm seas.

Cooler winter months or typhoon-prone summer period with reduced visibility.

Good conditions with slightly cooler water and fewer crowds.

Explore the car-free island with colonial architecture, piano museum, and gardens

Gulangyu Island UNESCO heritage walking tour

Cycle the famous coastal ring road with ocean views and beach stops

Xiamen Huandao Road coastal cycling

Visit the ancient Buddhist temple complex at the foot of Wulao Peak

Nanputuo Buddhist Temple visit

Experience the bustling eighth market with fresh seafood and local snacks

Xiamen seafood market and dining

Tour one of China most beautiful university campuses with coastal views

Xiamen University campus walk

Explore the unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture in this educational village

Jimei School Village architectural tour

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) has extensive domestic and international connections. The city is also served by high-speed rail from all major Chinese cities. Dive sites are accessible by boat from various departure points around the city within 20-45 minutes.

Where to Stay in Fujian – Xiamen

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Huandao Road Coastal

Siming District

Gulangyu Island

Old Town Area

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Xiamen Seaview Resort

Xiamen Harbor View Hotel

Gulangyu Linshi Villa

Xiamen Old Town Hostel