Overview:
Xiamen, a coastal gem in Fujian Province, seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. Highlights include Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its colonial-era architecture and serene landscapes; Xiamen University, celebrated as "China’s Most Beautiful University" for its lush gardens and historic buildings; and Nanputuo Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist sanctuary perched against mountain greenery. The city also offers culinary delights like shacha noodles, oyster omelets, and peanut soup, alongside scenic coastal rides and insights into overseas Chinese history.

Day 1: Arrival & Gulangyu Island Introduction

• Morning: Arrive in Xiamen and transfer to a seaside hotel. Check in, freshen up, and enjoy views of the Taiwan Strait.
• Afternoon: Take a 10-minute ferry to Gulangyu Island. Stroll through Longtou Road, the island’s main thoroughfare lined with red-brick villas and bougainvillea. Visit Sunlight Rock, the island’s highest point, for panoramic views. Explore Gulangyu Piano Museum (housed in a 19th-century villa) to admire antique pianos and learn about the island’s musical heritage.
• Evening: Dine at a local restaurant near the ferry terminal, sampling shacha noodles (noodles in a savory seafood-peanut broth) or seafood hotpot. Return to the hotel via ferry.

Day 2: Gulangyu’s Hidden Gems & Seafood Feast

• Morning: Revisit Gulangyu to explore quieter lanes. Visit Shuzhuang Garden, a classical Chinese garden with rockeries, pavilions, and ocean views. Wander through Haitang Dianguo, a cluster of colonial-style mansions, and Lin Qiaozhi Memorial Hall to learn about the renowned obstetrician.
• Lunch: Enjoy a picnic at Bright Moon Garden or dine at a café serving oyster omelets (crispy egg pancakes stuffed with plump oysters).
• Afternoon: Relax at Gulangyu Beach or browse artisan shops selling handmade ceramics and tea sets.
• Evening: Return to Xiamen Island and head to Zhongshan Road for a seafood banquet. Try roast pork rice dumplings (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves with marinated pork) and peanut soup (a sweet, creamy local dessert).

Day 3: Spirituality, Academia & Bohemian Vibes

• Morning: Visit Nanputuo Temple, a 1,300-year-old Mahayana Buddhist complex. Explore the Daxiong Baodian Hall (Great Hero Treasure Hall) and climb the hill behind the temple for views of Xiamen’s skyline.
• Midday: Walk to Xiamen University’s Fuxi Campus. Stroll through Qunxian Building (a colonial-era library) and Shangxian Building (a Gothic-style auditorium). Pose for photos at the iconic South Gate overlooking the sea.
• Afternoon: Head to Zengcuoan, a former fishing village turned bohemian enclave. Browse indie boutiques, sip coffee at beachside cafés, and admire street art murals.
• Evening: Dine at a Zengcuoan seafood restaurant, trying grilled squid or clams in black bean sauce.

Day 4: Coastal Bike Ride & Overseas Chinese Heritage

• Morning: Rent bicycles at Huandao Road, a 43-km scenic route encircling Xiamen. Pedal past Baicheng Beach, Huoshaoyu Island, and Music Square. Pause at Coconut Tree Grove for photos.
• Lunch: Stop at a beachside shack for fried rice with shrimp and fresh mango juice.
• Afternoon: Drive to Jimei Village, birthplace of philanthropist Tan Kah Kee (Chen Jiageng). Tour his former residence, a fusion of Southern Fujian and Western architecture, and the Jimei School Village, a network of schools he founded to promote education among overseas Chinese.
• Evening: Return to Xiamen and unwind at your hotel.

Day 5: Leisurely Farewell

• Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Option 1: Shop for souvenirs at SM City Mall (local tea, ceramics, or dried seafood). Option 2: Explore Xiamen Botanical Garden for a final dose of greenery.
• Lunch: Savor a farewell meal of fried oysters and peanut soup at a downtown eatery.
• Afternoon: Transfer to the airport/train station, reflecting on Xiamen’s blend of history, nature, and culinary charm.

Culinary Highlights:

• Shacha Noodles: A hearty noodle dish with a fragrant broth made from dried seafood, peanuts, and chili.
• Oyster Omelet: A crispy, golden pancake stuffed with fresh oysters, eggs, and starch.
• Roast Pork Rice Dumpling: Sticky rice filled with tender marinated pork, mushrooms, and chestnuts.
• Peanut Soup: A sweet, velvety dessert soup made from roasted peanuts, often served with fried dough sticks.

This itinerary balances cultural immersion, coastal relaxation, and gastronomic adventures, ensuring a memorable trip to Xiamen! 🌊🏯🍜

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