Xiamen is a fantastic city for lunch experiences—not just because of its diverse local cuisine, but also because many tours combine delicious food with immersive cultural visits. Whether you’re craving a home-cooked Hakka meal in a family setting or want to sample fresh seafood after exploring UNESCO-listed sites, Xiamen delivers. Among our top picks is the Private Day Tour To Tianluokeng Tulou, which offers a chance to taste authentic Hakka food in a local family’s home, all while marveling at the impressive earth buildings. For a broader city experience, the Private One Day Xiamen And Gulangyu Highlight Tour combines scenic island views, historical landmarks, and a seafood feast.
If you’re interested in exploring beyond the city, the Full-Day Private Tour of Anxi County takes you into lush tea-growing regions, where local farm lunches and tea tastings make for a refreshing break from urban sightseeing. For something more focused on the iconic Hakka architecture, the Chuxi Tulou Day Tour offers a walk through traditional villages with a delicious Chinese lunch included. Lastly, for budget-minded travelers, the Gaobei Earth Building Cluster Day Trip provides a quick visit to the largest Tulou, with a meal featuring local specialties. Now, let’s explore each of these options in detail.
1. Private Day Tour To Tianluokeng Tulou from Xiamen Including Lunch
At number one, this Private Tour to Tianluokeng Tulou scores top marks for its deep dive into UNESCO-listed Hakka earth buildings and the opportunity to sample a classic Hakka lunch in a family home. This 9-hour private trip offers speedy transfers in a comfortable vehicle, making the journey from Xiamen smooth and hassle-free. Your guide will explain the rich history of the Tulou—large, fortified communal houses built for defense and community—plus the local customs of the Hakka people.
The highlight is exploring the Tianluokeng cluster, known for its iconic “Four Dishes and One Soup” view from the viewing platform, making it perfect for photos. Afterward, you’ll visit the Yuchang Building, one of the most famous Tulou, and share a traditional meal with a local family, tasting dishes and rice wine that reflect authentic Hakka flavors. The tour’s reviews praise the knowledgeable guide Cathy and the well-organized itinerary, with comments like “everything was perfect” and “a wonderful guide who shares insights into the culture.” This tour is best for travelers who want an in-depth cultural experience combined with great food, minus the hassle of independent planning.
Bottom line: This tour offers an all-in-one experience—culture, scenery, and home-style Hakka food—in a private setting perfect for those eager to learn and taste.
2. Private One Day Xiamen And Gulangyu Highlight Tour Including Lunch
Number two, the Xiamen and Gulangyu Highlight Tour gets you maximum sightseeing in one day, with a focus on the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Starting with a scenic ferry ride, you’ll arrive at Gulangyu Island, a place famed for its colonial architecture, winding alleys, and the panoramic view from Sunlight Rock. This 8-hour experience includes transfers, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery en route.
Highlights include exploring the Shuzhuang Garden, a peaceful spot with lush landscapes and art exhibits, and climbing Sunlight Rock for stunning aerial views of the island and cityscape. After a seafood lunch at a popular local restaurant, you’ll visit South Putuo Temple and Hulishan Fortress, blending religious history with coastal defenses. Tour reviews mention that visiting Gulangyu by tour was much more enjoyable than trying on your own, thanks to the personalized insights from a knowledgeable guide.
This tour suits travelers who want a compact but rich cultural and scenic experience, with the convenience of door-to-door service. It balances city highlights, island charm, and local cuisine effortlessly.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a city-and-island combo with quality seafood and cultural sights, all in a day.
3. Full-Day Private Tour of Anxi County from Xiamen with Lunch
Next, the Full-Day Private Tour of Anxi County takes you into the mountainous tea-growing region famous for the birthplace of Tieguanyin Oolong. Starting early around 8:30 am, your guide will lead you through lush tea gardens where the process of tea cultivation has continued since the Tang Dynasty. The highlight is sampling Oolong tea at a local farm and enjoying a farm-to-table lunch amid the greenery.
This 8-hour trip also includes visits to the Hong’en Rock, offering scenic views of the region’s landscape. The tour is especially suited for tea lovers and those interested in rural life and agriculture. The reviews note that the tour provides a relaxing escape from city noise, with the opportunity to taste authentic local tea and enjoy a delicious lunch.
The tour is best for travelers curious about traditional tea culture and looking for a peaceful, scenic day outside of urban buzz. It’s particularly appealing if you want to combine cultural insights with a taste of countryside life.
Bottom line: Ideal for tea enthusiasts and those who want a relaxing day exploring China’s tea heritage in a beautiful setting.
$371.20 per person
4. Private Day Tour To Chuxi Tulou From Xiamen Including Lunch
Number four, the Chuxi Tulou Day Tour focuses on the unusual architecture of the Chuxi Tulou, which once had foreign intelligence mistaking it for a missile base. This 9-hour private tour emphasizes a leisurely walk through the terraced fields and local villages, giving you a real feel for rural Hakka life. The tour includes a panoramic view of the Tulou from the observation deck and a traditional Chinese lunch at a local family’s home.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see buildings built in the 13th century, leaning at a 15-degree tilt, and to learn about their incredible defensive design. The guide will explain the Hakka culture and architecture in depth, making it perfect for history buffs or architecture enthusiasts. The reviews show high praise for the personalized experience and informative guide.
Ideal for travelers who want a relaxed pace, culture, and a taste of authentic Hakka rural life. The included vegetarian option makes it flexible for dietary needs.
Bottom line: A distinctive tour blending architecture, culture, and local cuisine, best suited for history buffs and those seeking a slow, insightful day.
$199.00 per person
5. Quanzhou Private Customized Day Tour: Top Attractions with Lunch
The Quanzhou Day Tour is a flexible, private experience that showcases famous historical sites from a port once called “the largest port of the world” by Marco Polo. This customizable 6-8 hour tour includes visits to Kaiyuan Temple, a massive Buddhist complex, with detailed explanations of its architecture and relics. The guide will tailor the itinerary to your interests, whether it’s temples, mosques, or museums.
The tour features a local lunch, with the guide recommending the best places to eat. Guests praise the guide’s expertise and the relaxed pace, making it an excellent choice for those who want a personalized look at Quanzhou’s diverse religions and maritime history.
Best suited for history and culture lovers who prefer a flexible schedule and depth over speed. The price point offers solid value for a full day of private touring.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a tailored, in-depth cultural experience with professional guidance.
$173.51 per person
6. Tianluokeng Tulou Village Private Day Trip from Xiamen with Lunch
The Tianluokeng Tulou Village Private Day Trip provides a more flexible option for visiting the UNESCO-listed Tulou in Nanjing County. Over about 8-9 hours, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive, explore several Tulou complexes, and have opportunities to interact with locals, learning about feng shui and traditional architecture. The trip includes a local lunch featuring regional specialties.
This tour emphasizes customizable timing and door-to-door transfers, making it easy for travelers who want a relaxed, private experience with flexible departure times. Visitors praise the scenic views and the chance to see Yuchang Building, one of the oldest and most famous Tulou, with some reviews highlighting the engaging guide and the opportunity to see traditional Hakka life firsthand.
Best for those wanting an intimate experience with scenic scenery, architecture, and cultural stories, without strict schedules.
Bottom line: A flexible, scenic tour ideal for travelers who want to explore Tulou villages at their own pace.
7. Xiamen: Gaobei Earth Building Cluster Day Trip with Lunch
Finally, the Gaobei Earth Building Cluster offers a budget-friendly introduction to Fujian’s famous earth buildings. Visiting Chengqi Lou, Wuyun Lou, and Shize Lou, this tour covers some of the largest and most remarkable Tulou structures, including the world record-holding Chengqi Lou.
The tour includes a lunch with Tulou specialties and a tea break, making it simple and straightforward. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a quick, affordable look at the architecture with guided commentary about the local history and feng shui principles.
While it’s the shortest and least elaborate option, it delivers the essential experience without breaking the bank, perfect for those on a tight schedule or budget.
Bottom line: An economical way to see the largest and most famous Tulou, with a simple lunch included—best for budget-conscious travelers.
$60 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these lunch and cultural tours in Xiamen, consider your interests and travel style. If you love in-depth culture, the Tianluokeng Tulou offers a full experience. For those wanting a quick city and island fix, the Gulangyu tour is ideal. Tea lovers should consider the Anxi County, while history buffs interested in architecture will find the Chuxi Tulou tours very rewarding.
Budget travelers who want a taste of Tulou without full-day commitments can opt for the Gaobei Earth Building Cluster, which combines affordability with authenticity. Think about how much time you have, your interest in rural versus city sights, and your appetite for local cuisine.
Final Thoughts
Xiamen offers a rich variety of lunch experiences paired with cultural exploration. For a deep dive into Hakka architecture and cuisine, the private tours of Tianluokeng and Chuxi provide immersive, meaningful days. If a scenic city-island combo sounds more your style, the Gulangyu tour combines sightseeing with a seafood feast. For those interested in tea culture or more affordable options, the Anxi trip or Gaobei Tulou tour are excellent choices.
Whatever your interests and schedule, booking early ensures you get your preferred experience. These tours make it easy to enjoy authentic local flavors, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes—so go ahead and pick the one that fits you best.