Free Xiamen Transit Itinerary Builder (XMN Layover Planner)

Getting from Xiamen Airport (XMN) to the City

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is located on the northern tip of Xiamen Island, about 10 km from the city center. The fastest and most convenient option is Metro Line 3 (Airport Line), which departs from the basement level of Terminal 1. Trains run every 5–8 minutes and reach Zhongshan Road Station in approximately 30 minutes for around ¥6.

Taxis from XMN to Zhongshan Road take about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and cost ¥35–55. Ride-hailing apps (DiDi) are widely available outside the arrivals hall. Airport shuttle buses also serve key city districts including Lianban Hub and SM City area, taking 40–60 minutes.

For travelers heading to Gulangyu Island, take Metro Line 3 to Lunchang Station, then transfer to Line 1 toward Zhongshan Road. From Dongdu Ferry Terminal (reachable by taxi or bus), ferries depart for Gulangyu every 15–30 minutes. Budget 60–75 minutes total from XMN to Gulangyu Island.

Xiamen 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: What You Need to Know

Xiamen is included in China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy for eligible passport holders transiting through XMN between two different countries or regions. Travelers may freely explore Xiamen city and Fujian Province during this window — Gulangyu Island, the historic colonial architecture of the old foreign settlements, and the scenic coastal areas are all well within reach.

To qualify, you must hold a valid passport from one of the 54+ eligible countries, possess a confirmed onward ticket departing from any qualifying Chinese international airport within 240 hours, and not hold a Chinese visa. Your entry and exit points can be the same city (XMN to XMN) or different qualifying cities. Xiamen is part of the Fujian regional zone, which also includes Fuzhou.

Upon arrival at XMN, proceed through the 240-hour transit lane (labeled '过境免签' in Chinese). Carry your itinerary and hotel booking confirmation. You must register with a hotel within 24 hours of entry — most hotels handle this automatically upon check-in.

• Permitted area: Xiamen and Fujian Province (interconnected transit zone)
• Must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 240 hours
• Hotel registration required within 24 hours of entry

Top Xiamen Attractions for Transit Visitors

Xiamen's greatest asset for transit visitors is Gulangyu Island — a car-free UNESCO World Heritage islet just a 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland shore. Wander its labyrinthine lanes past grand colonial mansions, visit the Piano Museum (Gulangyu has produced an unusual number of concert pianists), and grab a coffee at one of the island's many heritage-building cafés. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds; the island is packed on weekends. Budget 3–4 hours for a relaxed visit.

Back on the main island, Zhongshan Road (中山路) is Xiamen's historic commercial pedestrian street lined with Southern Fujian-style arcade buildings. It's an ideal 1–2 hour stroll with street snacks — try oyster vermicelli (蚵仔煎), peanut soup, and the famous Ye'erbasi peanut butter rolls. The nearby Shapowei Art and Culture Zone along the waterfront is good for an additional hour of galleries, coffee shops, and views toward Gulangyu.

Xiamen University's Furong Tunnel — a 500-meter pedestrian tunnel decorated with murals — and the university's scenic coastal campus (free entry on weekdays) are favorites with both tourists and locals. For longer layovers, the South Putuo Temple (南普陀寺) next to the university is a working Buddhist monastery set against forested hillside, free to enter and a 30-minute exploration. Nanputuo is right next to Xiamen University, making both easy to combine in a half-day.

• Under 12 hours: Zhongshan Road, Shapowei waterfront, ferry to Gulangyu (morning departure recommended)
• 24 hours+: Gulangyu Island full day, Xiamen University campus + Furong Tunnel, South Putuo Temple, evening seafood dinner at Zengcuoan Village