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Which Area to Stay in Xiamen: Siming District, Huli District or Gulangyu Island?
As they always say, "Location, location, location." When choosing the right hotel in Xiamen, you need to decide which area of Xiamen suits your preferences first. You have options like the downtown area of Siming District, offering most diverse hotel choices in Xiamen including some of the famous 5 star hotels in Xiamen, the Huli district with hotels closer to Xiamen airport, or indulging yourself with a premium hotel that was once a mansion belonging to one of Asia's most powerful businessmen. Which option would you prefer? Xiamen has it all.
Let's start with a straightforward answer: For most tourists visiting Xiamen, choosing a hotel in Siming district is the most ideal option. If you're planning a trip longer than one day and don't mind upping your budget a bit, Gulangyu is the best choice. As for Huli district, it's probably a "No" unless you have specific arrangements in that area though it’s closer to the airport. Here’s more detail for your reference. Read it through and find out what is the best hotel choice for you!
Xiamen Day Tour: Xiamen City Highlights & Gulangyu In-depth Exploration1 Day Nanjing Tulou Tour: From Xiamen to the Hometown of Mulan - Fujian Tulou3 Days Wuyishan Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site for Danxia Landscape & Tea Culture7 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Hakka Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Experience
Siming District: Most Common Choice When Visiting Xiamen
Most tourists especially the ones visiting Xiamen for a short period of time would book their hotels in Siming district. Book your hotel here in Xiamen offers advantages as follow:
- Accessibility: Siming district in Xiamen offers excellent accessibility with well-connected public transportation and taxi services, making it easy to reach your accommodation and explore the Xiamen’s attractions. And the main train station of Xiamen is located right in the center area of Siming district.
- Central location: With its central location, Siming district is home to popular tourist spots like Baicheng Beach, Xiamen University, and the Nanputuo Temple, allowing for convenient walking or biking to these attractions.
- Variety of hotel options: Siming district provides a wide variety of accommodation options, catering to different budgets and preferences, ensuring you can find the perfect place in Xiamen .
- Shop & dine: Food and shopping options are endless in Siming district, with numerous restaurants, shops, and markets, offering choices including Xiamen locals’ favourite to satisfy various tastes and budgets.
- Clean: The district in Xiamen is also recognized for its cleanliness and well-maintained surroundings.
Staying in Siming district offers convenience, as it provides easy access to all the necessities and amenities you need during your stay. Here are some specific areas in Siming District for you to consider, each housing hotels of different types.
Hotels in Zhongshan Road Area:
The hotels here are located in the heart of Xiamen's downtown, offering the most convenient accessibility. They span a wide price range, ensuring options for every budget. Staying here provides access to endless authentic Xiamen local food choices and a vibrant shopping experience.
Hotels in Huandao Road Area:
The hotels here are mostly situated along Xiamen's southern coastline, providing open views of the ocean. Some rooms even offer glimpses of Gulangyu Island. Most 5-star hotels in Xiamen are located along the Huandao Road. You can indulge in the most modern hotel services and enjoy the finest facilities available that Xiamen’s hospitality industry can offer.
Hotels in Zengcuoan and Xiamen University Area:
Here is the bustling tourist spot in downtown Xiamen . It can get crowded during the high season, but with some research, you can find more price-value hotel options even in a hot tourist city like Xiamen. It won’t be as good asa 5-star hotel but it’s a more down-to-earth option staying in a hotel in this area of Xiamen.
Gulangyu Island: Stay overnight at Xiamen’s UNESCO
Gulangyu island, being a UNESCO Heritage Site, it’s the must-visit if you only have time to visit one place in Xiamen . Getting to Gulangyu Island only takes 20 minutes by ferry. If you do have more time then might as well find a hotel on the island and stay, right? It’s worth it especially if you pick the right hotel! Here are the Pros staying in a Gulangyu hotel:
Xiamen Day Tour: Xiamen City Highlights & Gulangyu In-depth Exploration1 Day Nanjing Tulou Tour: From Xiamen to the Hometown of Mulan - Fujian Tulou3 Days Wuyishan Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site for Danxia Landscape & Tea Culture7 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Hakka Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Experience
- Stay in Gulangyu’s history: Experience the well-preserved colonial architecture and unique atmosphere of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gulangyu Island, where hotels are mostly housed in buildings with a rich history, such as former mansions of wealthy businessmen, consulates, churches, and schools.
- Beautiful scenery: Enjoy the lush green hills, secluded beaches, and breathtaking ocean views that Gulangyu Island offers.
- Convenient access to attractions: You can explore popular tourist spots like Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and the Piano Museum with ease when staying on Gulangyu Island. Hotels here are mostly located near attractions if they are not a historical attractions themselves.
- Relaxed atmosphere: Escape the city's hustle and bustle and unwind in the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere of Gulangyu Island.
- Limited traffic: Embrace the clean air and peaceful streets of Gulangyu Island, which is car-free, providing a tranquil environment for your stay.
- A more exclusive night vibe: Gulangyu Island can become crowded with tour groups during the day, especially in high season, but as most tourists leave the island in the evening, staying overnight in a hotel on the island allows you to witness Gulangyu unveiling its true charm as a secluded little paradise, a tranquil garden on the sea, as it was originally meant to be. You would find it still is that quite garden on the sea with the right hotel choice.
Top Xiamen Hotel Recommendations Based on Location
Now we have went through the ares of Xiamen let’s see some great hotel choices in specific! No matter where you are staying in Xiamen the expierence would be unique with the help of this little Xiamen hotel guide!
Hotel in Siming District: The Modern Life Style to Stay in Xiamen
As most tourist would chose the Siming District to stay visiting Xiamen we sure need to look into the hotel options here first.
Shangri-La Xiamen: Best Price-value 5-Star Hotel in East coast of Xiamen
Shangri-La Xiamen is a luxury hotel situated on the serene east coast of Xiamen, China. With stunning ocean and mountain views. While slightly remote, the hotel is conveniently close to popular attractions like Guanyinshan Beach, Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center, and Jimei Bridge. Guests can enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms, excellent dining options, and top-notch amenities. The hotel's remote location provides a unique and tranquil experience, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate. Please note that transportation may be required to reach the city center and other tourist spots.
Type: 5 Star Hotel
Address: No. 168 Taidong Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
Conrad Xiamen: Super 5-Star Hotel with Ocean View at the Heart of Xiamen
Conrad Xiamen is a luxury hotel situated in the heart of Xiamen's Siming district, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Its distinctive futuristic architecture features sweeping curves and dynamic forms. The hotel offers spacious and well-appointed rooms with stunning city views, a variety of international restaurants, a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts, business center, and versatile meeting spaces. With a central location, Conrad Xiamen provides easy access to major attractions like South Putuo Temple, Xiamen University, and Baicheng Beach. While slightly more expensive, the hotel's premium service, top-notch amenities, and convenient location offer exceptional value for a memorable stay in Xiamen.
Type: 5 Star Hotel
Address: No.186 Yanwuxi Road, Xiamen 361005 China
Swiss Grand Xiamen: Most Budget-friendly hotel in Xiamen
Swiss Grand Xiamen is a budget-friendly hotel ideally located in the heart of Xiamen. With its prime location, guests can easily explore popular attractions like South Putuo Temple, Xiamen University, and Baicheng Beach. The hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodations, and some rooms provide stunning ocean views. It is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a budget-friendly option with a great location in Xiamen .
Type: 5 Star Hotel
Address: No.12 Lujiang Avenue, Xiamen 361001 China
Gulangyu Island Hotels: An Exclusive Stay-over on Xiamen’s Crown Jewel
Miryam Boutique Hotel:
Miryam Boutique Hotel on Gulangyu Island is a captivating blend of history, elegance, and comfort. Housed in a restored heritage building, this hotel reflects the island's cultural heritage with a fusion of colonial and local architectural styles. Its prime location offers easy access to Gulangyu Island's attractions and the nearby beach, making it an ideal choice for a unique and memorable stay in Xiamen .
Type: Premium, historical building
Location: No.70 Huangyan Road, Gulangyu
Linshifu Mansion Hotel:
Nestled in a meticulously restored colonial building from the early 20th century, Linshifu Mansion Hotel (林氏府酒店) offers timeless charm and elegance on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen. Located in a tranquil neighborhood, it provides easy access to popular attractions like Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and the Piano Museum. The hotel's restaurant is highly recommended for its fine dining, favored by locals in Xiamen. Staying at Linshifu Mansion Hotel will transport you to the nostalgic ambiance of Kulangsu's old days.
Type: Premium, historical building
Location: No.11-19 Lujiao Road, Gulangyu
Must-read Xiamen Hotel Tips:
Book in advance: Xiamen is one of the hottest tour destination in Asia. The hotel price fluctuates a lot throughout the year. Book in advance to lock your rooms and deals. Where is the best time to visit? Check out our guide here: When is the Best Time to Visit Xiamen
Make sure they accommodate foreign travelers: The policy to accommodate foreign passport holders may change at some hotels, and the information on booking sites is not always up-to-date. As a foreign traveler, ensuring that the hotel you book can accommodate foreigners is essential for a smooth check-in experience. So contact your hotel directly to be sure or book your hotel through a professional travel agency.
How to Plan Your Xiamen Trip & Extension to Fujian
With a half-day trip, travelers can get a glimpse of historical heritage and the scenic views Xiamen has to offer. If you would like a more immersive experience, a 1-day trip or more time is more ideal for you to explore and cover more tour spots in Xiamen city and Gulangyu Island.
If you're planning a trip to Xiamen or any attractions in Fujian, it's highly recommended to start from Xiamen. If you have a bit more time, around 4-6 days, do consider extending your trip to the neighboring attractions in Fujian province. This will allow you to delve deeper into the region and experience its diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural offerings. Don't miss the chance to visit Quanzhou (Historical Emporium of the World), Fuzhou, Wuyishan (Origin of Black Tea), Hakka Tulou (UNESCO World Heritage), and Xiapu for a more immersive travel experience. It would be one of the Best China Tours.
Are you trying to Plan a tour to China? Here are some practicle info to help you come narrow down your destiantions: Top 10 Attractions in China, Places to Visit in China, Best Time to Visit China.
Explore Xiamen and Fujian with Asia Odyssey Travel
Asia Odyssey Travel has a local office and a team of local experts in Xiamen who can provide you with an in-depth insight into Xiamen and its surrounding areas in Fujian Province. Xiamen, being one of the hottest tour destinations in Asia, has so much to offer for tourists.
Planning ahead with a reputable agency could save you a considerable amount of time and energy. Traveling with a professional local guide from AOT would guarantee you fully experience the authentic local culture and lifestyle!
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