Plan a CruiseXiamen International Cruise Terminal, also known as Xiamen International Cruise Center or Xiamen-Jinmen Passenger Terminal, is situated on the western side of Xiamen Island in the Dongdu area of Huli District. This modern facility serves as a key gateway, designed to handle 1.5 million visitors annually. By 2018, it could berth one 225,000-ton ship and two 80,000-ton ships concurrently, with a new terminal added in 2019 capable of accommodating 6,000-guest vessels.
Xiamen boasts a subtropical monsoon climate, offering mild weather year-round, except during typhoon months. Known as the "door to the house" for its historical role as a gateway to China, the city is rich in attractions, including islands, mountains, temples, and parks. Highly recommended sights include Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, and areas like Jimei and Wanshiyan. A dedicated sea tourist line also provides scenic views of the surrounding small islands.
Getting Around from the Port
The cruise terminal is approximately 3 km from downtown Xiamen. Taxis are the most recommended and convenient way to get around, as they are cheap and plentiful. A taxi ride, for example, between the Railway Station and the Ferry Dock, typically costs around CNY 15.
Important Taxi Tips:
- Be wary of "touts" who may try to overcharge you; walk a short distance away from the immediate port area to find an honest cab.
- While some drivers might have tampered meters, the vast majority (over 90%), especially in Southern China, are honest.
- Always ensure the driver turns on the meter at the start of your journey. If they refuse, get out and find another taxi.
- Taxi drivers typically only speak Chinese, so it's highly recommended to carry a map with both English and Chinese characters to help with communication by pointing to your destination.
Alternatively, the Xiamen Sightseeing Tour Bus offers a "Day Tour" (Route 1) covering 50km in about an hour. Buses depart every half hour from the People's Conference Hall between 8:30 and 18:00, traveling in one direction. Keep your ticket to hop on and off different buses along the route.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, you have several excellent options for exploration:
- Gulangyu Island: A must-visit, this charming resort island is just a 10-minute ferry ride away. Key attractions include the Guanfu Classic Art Museum, Shuzhuang Garden, the Twelve Rock Caves, and the Gulangyu Piano Museum.
- Nanputuo Temple: This famous Buddhist temple is a significant cultural and spiritual site in Xiamen, offering beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
- Jimei and Wanshiyan: These areas are also highly recommended for their scenic beauty and attractions, though specific details like entry fees or travel times are not provided in the reference.
- Sea Tourist Line: For those who enjoy coastal scenery, a sea tourist line is available, offering amazing views of the many beautiful small islands surrounding Xiamen.
Consider comparing independent tour options with those offered by your cruise line, as well as third-party providers like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Xiamen offers vibrant dining and shopping experiences. For dining, look for restaurant clusters, often recognizable by their colorful decorations. A good tip is to choose establishments patronized by local Chinese families, as they often offer authentic cuisine. Many menus feature pictures, which is helpful given language barriers. Seafood is a specialty, often kept alive in large tanks for freshness. Dining out in China is generally a lively and fun experience with less formal etiquette.
Food Safety Tip: Always drink bottled water, and use it even for brushing your teeth. Exercise common precautions when eating out.
For shopping, you'll find large shopping malls, often catering to Westerners, where you might find larger clothing sizes. Be aware that many items, particularly in these malls, can be counterfeit, and bargaining is expected. A common strategy is to show the amount you're willing to pay with cash in hand, walk away, and if they gesture you back, finalize the deal. Always remain courteous. Store opening hours are flexible; shops tend to stay open as long as there are customers.
Safety
While Xiamen is generally safe, a few precautions are advisable:
- Taxis: Be cautious of "touts" who may try to charge inflated fares. Insist on the meter being used, and if a driver refuses, find another taxi.
- Counterfeit Currency: Occasionally, you might receive a counterfeit bill, usually of a small denomination. There's little you can do about it; consider it a souvenir.
- Food and Water: Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth, and practice common sense food safety when dining out.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Yuan, also known as Renminbi (RMB).
Language: Taxi drivers primarily speak Chinese. It's helpful to have destination names written in Chinese characters or use a map with both English and Chinese labels.