Xiamen is a city that rewards travelers with its mix of historic architecture, lush landscapes, and vibrant street life. Unique attractions like the UNESCO-listed Tulou and the colonial charm of Gulangyu Island make it a fantastic place for guided tours. We especially love the Private Day Tour to Tianluokeng Tulou, which offers a seamless, in-depth immersion into Hakka culture, with insider visits, traditional meals, and stunning views. For a quick yet comprehensive experience, the Gulangyu Island and Xiamen Highlights Tour provides a perfect way to see the city’s top sights, including Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden. Whether you’re after a full two-day adventure or a short layover exploration, Xiamen’s diverse offerings won’t disappoint.
Quick Overview
Xiamen’s best tours include cultural excursions, scenic day trips, and customized private guides. Highlights include UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Tianluokeng Tulou, Gulangyu Island, and Nanputuo Temple. For food lovers, there are local market experiences and seafood tours. For those with limited time, quick half-day options like the Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour are ideal. For travelers wanting an in-depth look, the 2-Day Private Tour combines both Gulangyu and Hakka Tulou exploration. Whatever your style, Xiamen offers a well-rounded selection.
1. Private Day Tour To Tianluokeng Tulou from Xiamen Including Lunch
At number 1, this private tour to the Tianluokeng Tulou offers a comprehensive look at the Hakka Earth Buildings that earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The 9-hour trip includes speedy transfers, a local guide, and an authentic Hakka lunch at a family home. You’ll visit the Yuchang Building and enjoy breathtaking views from the viewing platform. The tour’s strengths are its personalized service and deep cultural insights, with reviews highlighting a knowledgeable guide and smooth logistics. Guests appreciate the flexibility to start from anywhere in downtown Xiamen, making this a convenient and immersive experience. The cost is $229 per person, which, for the full day, includes all entrance fees.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a detailed, hassle-free exploration of Fujian’s iconic Tulou, with authentic local food and expert guidance.
2. Private One Day Xiamen And Gulangyu Highlight Tour Including Lunch
Number 2 on our list takes you straight to Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colonial architecture and European-style villas. The ferry ride itself is a scenic highlight, offering stunning views of Xiamen city and the Lujiang Channel. Once on the island, you’ll visit Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden, with plenty of time to explore its museums and historic streets. After a seafood lunch, the tour continues through Xiamen city highlights, including South Putuo Temple and Hulishan Fortress. The personalized guide service and optional flexibility make this a top choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and history in a single day.
Guests rave about Gulangyu’s architecture and the panoramic views from Sunlight Rock. For $199, the value lies in the full-day itinerary and expert local insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors seeking a rundown of Xiamen’s iconic sights and a taste of its architectural diversity.
3. Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden
Number 3 offers a short but sweet introduction to Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden in just 4 to 5 hours. This tour is perfect if you’re pressed for time but still want to see the UNESCO-listed island with its classic Chinese gardens and European colonial buildings. The guide will pick you up from your hotel or cruise port, and you’ll spend about 2 hours on Gulangyu exploring the Piano Museum and the beach. The Shuzhuang Garden offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful architecture. The flexible departure time allows you to tailor the experience, making it suitable for cruise passengers or short city stays.
Guests highlight the relaxed pace and informative guide as key positives. For $135, it’s a smart option for a quick cultural fix.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with a limited schedule who still want to enjoy Gulangyu’s charm.
4. Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum
Number 4 is tailored for layover travelers or brief city visitors. This 5-hour private tour includes Gulangyu Island, the Piano Museum, and Sunlight Rock. No visa required for this experience, and hotel, port, or railway station pickup makes it very convenient. The ferry ride is included, giving you scenic views of Xiamen on the way to the island. The tour emphasizes flexibility with an itinerary that can be customized to your interests, perfect for those who want a quick but meaningful taste of Xiamen’s best.
Reviews mention the smooth logistics and the knowledgeable guide who makes navigating the ferry and attractions effortless. At $132.47, it’s a cost-effective way to maximize a short stay.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with limited time, especially for layovers or quick city visits.
5. Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service
Number 5 provides personalized guidance tailored entirely to your interests. For $93, the full-day service can include visits to Gulangyu, Zhongshan Road, or other city highlights. The customizable itinerary ensures you see what interests you most, whether it’s temples, markets, or historic sites. The English-speaking guide helps bridge any language gap and makes navigating the city straightforward. Reviews praise the flexibility and local knowledge, making this the best choice for travelers wanting a private, tailored experience.
Bottom Line: A flexible, cost-effective way to explore Xiamen with your personal guide.
6. 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience
Number 6 is a food lover’s dream. Spend 4 hours exploring Zeng Cuo An Village and the Eighth Seafood Market, where you’ll discover fresh seafood, local snacks, and street food like Xiamen Shacha Noodle and oyster pancakes. Your guide helps you navigate market stalls and try authentic dishes. The tour is flexible, allowing you to plan your sampling based on your appetite. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guide and amazing food variety as highlights. This experience is priced at $103, making it a tasty bargain.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food adventurers eager to taste local flavors and explore bustling markets.
7. 2-Day Private Sightseeing Tour of Xiamen City Highlights and Tulou Cluster
Number 7 offers an immersive two-day experience combining Gulangyu Island and Hakka Tulou. The tour includes private guide, entrance fees, round-trip bullet train, and local lunches. On day 1, you’ll visit Riguang Mountain and Shuzhuang Garden with stunning views, while day 2 takes you to Yongding Tulou and nearby villages. This tour is ideal for those wanting an in-depth cultural experience without the hassle of logistics. Guests appreciate the balanced itinerary and personalized service.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers with multiple days who want a thorough exploration of both city and rural life.
$498.00 per person
8. Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport
Number 8 is perfect if you’re on a short layover or have a flexible schedule. For $155, you can customize your trip to include Gulangyu, Nanputuo Temple, or Qing Dynasty Fort. The door-to-door service from airport or cruise port simplifies transfers, and the private guide adapts the itinerary to your interests and timing. Reviewers mention how easy and stress-free the experience was, especially with flexible arrangements.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers needing a quick, tailored city overview without missing a flight or cruise connection.
$155.00 per person
9. 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way
Number 9 emphasizes customization, with the private guide helping craft your ideal half-day itinerary. Whether you want to see Nanputuo Temple, Huli Mountain Fort, or others, you control the pace and focus. The $115 price includes admission-free stops, and reviews note the personalized approach and informative guidance. This option suits travelers who prefer flexibility and want to focus on specific interests.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want a tailored, half-day experience based on their preferences.
$115.00 per person
10. Full-Day Private Tour of Anxi County from Xiamen with Lunch
Number 10 takes you out of the city to explore the tea-growing region of Anxi. For around $371, the full-day trip includes visits to tea farms, a local farm lunch with tea tasting, and views from Hong’en Rock. The tour is perfect for tea enthusiasts or those wanting to see rural Fujian. The guide shares insights into Oolong tea production, especially Tieguanyin, a highlight of the region. Guests praise the scenic drives and authentic farm experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for culinary travelers and nature lovers wanting an immersive rural experience.
$371.20 per person
11. Private Day Tour To Chuxi Tulou From Xiamen Including Lunch
Number 11 offers a personalized day trip to the Chuxi Tulou, famous for its unusual architecture that once caused it to be mistaken for a missile base. The 9-hour tour provides a relaxed pace, with scenic terraced fields and a traditional lunch. The tour’s highlights include visiting the Yongding Hakka Culture Village and learning about Hakka culture. Reviews note the seamless logistics and knowledgeable guide. Cost is $199, which includes all entrance fees.
Bottom Line: Ideal for architecture fans and those interested in Hakka traditions.
$199.00 per person
12. Private Day Tour to Visit Guanghua Temple and Meizhou Island from Xiamen
Number 12 explores Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Goddess Matsu. The 7-9 hour tour includes a visit to Guanghua Temple, featuring impressive Buddhist halls and ancient relics, and then a ferry ride to the island to see the Matsu temples. The guide shares stories about local religious practices. Reviewers mention the scenic ferry ride and cultural insights as highlights. The cost is $314.81 per person, including transfers and entrance fees.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in religious sites, Buddhist culture, and maritime traditions.
$314.81 per person
13. Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas
Number 13 simplifies your departure with a reliable private transfer. For $32.80, you’ll enjoy comfortable, door-to-door service from your hotel or city center to Xiamen Gaoqi Airport. Guests praise the timeliness and politeness of the driver. This is a practical choice for avoiding the stress of navigating taxis or public transit with luggage.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a stress-free, punctual airport transfer.
$32.80 per person
14. Private Overnight Tour to Visit Nanjing and Yongding Tulou Castles from Xiamen
Number 14 offers an extended overnight experience, combining Yongding Tulou with Nanjing’s cultural sites. The 2-day tour includes overnight stays in Tulou guesthouses, providing an authentic living experience. Highlights include visiting Chengqilou and Yongding Hakka villages. Reviews mention the scenic drives and unique culture. Costing $589, it’s suited for adventurous travelers seeking a deep dive into local architecture and rural life.
Bottom Line: Great for multi-day explorers with an interest in Hakka tradition and historic architecture.
$589.00 per person
15. Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster
Number 15 provides seamless transportation for those visiting Tianluokeng Tulou. Starting at $88.54, the private transfer can accommodate small or large groups, with vehicle options from 5 to 19 seats. The driver ensures a safe, efficient journey, freeing you from the hassle of public transit or shared buses. Perfect for self-guided explorations or combining with other tours.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer private transport and want flexibility to visit the Tulou at their own pace.
$88.54 per person
How to Choose
When selecting a tour in Xiamen, consider your budget, time constraints, and personal interests. If you’re after an in-depth cultural experience with a private guide, Tours #1, #7, and #14 stand out. For a quick taste of the city’s highlights, Tours #3, #4, and #8 offer flexible options. Food lovers should look at Tours #6 for a street food adventure or Tours #10 for a rural tea journey. If you’re on a layover or short visit, Tours #4 and #8 are especially convenient for their customization and stress-free logistics.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred dates and guides. Think about what excites you most—historic Tulou, Gulangyu’s architecture, or local markets—and pick the tour that matches your travel style.
Xiamen offers a wide array of tours that promise both adventure and discovery. From the iconic Tulou buildings to the colonial charm of Gulangyu Island, there’s something for every traveler. For a balanced experience, consider the private multi-day tours if time allows, or the half-day explorations if you’re pressed for time. Many travelers highlight how smoothly all logistics are handled, so you can relax and enjoy the sights. Remember, the best trips often start with early bookings and clear priorities—so decide what matters most and get ready for a memorable journey in Xiamen.