🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Xiamen

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: CNY 300/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Jan, Nov, Dec

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Quick Answer

Stay in Huli

Presents more affordable accommodation and dining options while still being well-connected.

See full Xiamen neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Xiamen

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

A couple holds hands crossing a pedestrian lane in an urban area during the day.

林鸿颖 / Pexels

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

The bustling heart of Xiamen's commercial and entertainment scene, packed with shops, restaurants, and street food.

Our top picks in Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

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Xiamen International Seaside Hotel$$

Modern hotel with good amenities and convenient access to the promenade.

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Hampton by Hilton Xiamen Zhongshan$$

Reliable international chain with comfortable rooms in a central location.

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City Comfort Inn Xiamen Zhongshan Road$

Budget-friendly option offering clean and basic accommodations.

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🛡️ Generally safe with high foot ...Budgetfirst-timersfoodies

View Hotels in Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Experience the lively nightlife and street scenes in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China.

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Huli

A dynamic district blending modern development with local life, popular with digital nomads and business travelers.

Our top picks in Huli

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Novotel Xiamen Sanyuan$$

Modern hotel with good facilities, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

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Jinjiang Inn Select (Xiamen Software Park)$

A reliable budget chain located conveniently for those working in the tech park.

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Xiamen Huli Hotel$$

Comfortable and well-equipped hotel in a central Huli location.

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🛡️ Very safe day and night due to...Budgetdigital nomadsbusiness travelers

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Gulangyu Island

A car-free island paradise with charming colonial architecture and quiet, winding lanes.

Our top picks in Gulangyu Island

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Kulangsu Sunshine Boutique Hotel$$

Offers a tranquil stay with unique architectural details.

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Xiamen Gulangyu Sea View Hotel$$$

Prime location with stunning sea views and colonial charm.

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Haitian Hotel Gulangyu$$

Comfortable accommodation on the island with good amenities.

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🛡️ Very safe during the day; even...Mid-rangecouplesculture

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

Neighbourhood	Budget	Vibe	Best For
#1Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street	Budget	The bustling heart of Xiamen's commercial and entertainment scene, packed with shops, restaurants, and street food.	first-timersfoodies
Huli	Budget	A dynamic district blending modern development with local life, popular with digital nomads and business travelers.	digital nomadsbusiness travelers
Gulangyu Island	Mid-range	A car-free island paradise with charming colonial architecture and quiet, winding lanes.	couplesculture
Siming District (Coastal Area)	Mid-range	The scenic coastal stretch offering beautiful beaches, parks, and a relaxed atmosphere.	familiescouples

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Find budget-friendly hostels in Xiamen

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Xiamen

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Xiamen. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in Xiamen

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Browse on GetYourGuide

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Xiamen

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street

Budget

The bustling heart of Xiamen's commercial and entertainment scene, packed with shops, restaurants, and street food.

first-timersfoodiesnightlifebudget

+Abundant food options
+Lively atmosphere
+Excellent transport links

-Can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially on weekends
-Very tourist-oriented, some prices are inflated

🏨 Xiamen International Seaside Hotel 🏨 Hampton by Hilton Xiamen Zhongshan 🏨 City Comfort Inn Xiamen Zhongshan Road

Huli

Budget

A dynamic district blending modern development with local life, popular with digital nomads and business travelers.

digital nomadsbusiness travelersbudgetfoodies

+Good value for money
+Modern amenities and infrastructure
+Access to business and tech hubs

-Less traditional tourist charm
-Can feel more like a residential/business area

🏨 Novotel Xiamen Sanyuan 🏨 Jinjiang Inn Select (Xiamen Software Park)🏨 Xiamen Huli Hotel

Gulangyu Island

Mid-range

A car-free island paradise with charming colonial architecture and quiet, winding lanes.

couplesculturefirst-timers

+Unique, historic atmosphere
+Beautiful scenery
+Peaceful escape from the city bustle

-Can be very crowded with day-trippers
-Limited dining and shopping options compared to mainland

🏨 Kulangsu Sunshine Boutique Hotel 🏨 Xiamen Gulangyu Sea View Hotel 🏨 Haitian Hotel Gulangyu

Siming District (Coastal Area)

Mid-range

The scenic coastal stretch offering beautiful beaches, parks, and a relaxed atmosphere.

familiescouplesbeach loversluxury

+Beautiful sea views and beaches
+Good for outdoor activities
+Proximity to Xiamen University

-Can be spread out, requiring transport for some attractions
-Can be busy during peak tourist seasons

🏨 Kempinski Hotel Xiamen 🏨 Royal Victoria Hotel Xiamen 🏨 Xiamen International Conference Center Hotel

Daily Budget (Budget)

CNY 300/day

Xiamen Youth Hostel dorm bedCNY 80

Local street food at Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (e.g., oyster omelet, peanut soup)CNY 80

Unlimited day pass for Xiamen busesCNY 15

Explore Gulangyu Island (ferry ticket included)CNY 70

Visit Xiamen University groundsCNY 0

Wander through Shapowei Art ZoneCNY 0

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Hidden Gems in Xiamen

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (Evening)

While Zhongshan Road is a known shopping street, visiting in the evening reveals its true culinary heart. Locals flock here for delicious street food like oyster omelets and peanut soup, away from the daytime tourist rush.

foodSiming District

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Xiamen

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Xiamen Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Xiamen on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Xiamen Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Xiamen with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of Xiamen: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Xiamen's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Day Trip from Xiamen: Scenic Excursion

Escape Xiamen for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions

Xiamen Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Xiamen's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Xiamen

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Xiamen

Backpackers in Xiamen: FAQ

What is the best area in Xiamen for backpackers?

Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is our top pick for backpackers in Xiamen. The bustling heart of Xiamen's commercial and entertainment scene, packed with shops, restaurants, and street food. It is a budget-friendly area known for first-timers, foodies, nightlife.

Is Xiamen safe for backpackers?

Xiamen is rated "Safe" overall. Main tourist areas like Zhongshan Road and coastal promenades are well-lit and populated. Residential areas are quiet. Exercise usual caution in less crowded spots. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.

How much does it cost per day in Xiamen for backpackers?

Expect to spend around CNY 300 per day in Xiamen as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.

When is the best time for backpackers to visit Xiamen?

The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.

Where are the cheapest hostels in Xiamen?

The most affordable hostels in Xiamen are typically found in Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, Huli. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More Xiamen Guides

Full Xiamen guide Areas to avoid Best time to visit More cities in China 👩 Solo Female Travellers 💑 Couples 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families 💻 Digital Nomads ✨ Luxury Travellers 🎉 Nightlife Seekers

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