Xiamen, on China's southeast coast, is one of the country's most welcoming and foreigner-friendly cities. With its subtropical climate, UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island, Minnan culture and easy access to the culinary wonders of Chaoshan, it's an ideal destination for international travelers. Hengtong Holiday (+86 13799254912) has been welcoming foreign guests since 2013. Here's our complete inbound travel guide.
一、Visa & Entry
Citizens of most countries need a Chinese visa (L-tourist visa) to enter China. Apply at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, usually requiring passport, photo, itinerary, hotel bookings and round-trip tickets.
Visa-free transit: Xiamen Gaoqi Airport offers 144-hour visa-free transit for citizens of 54 countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU, etc.), allowing stays of up to 6 days in Fujian Province without a visa.
Hengtong Holiday is fully licensed for inbound tourism and can provide an official visa invitation letter if needed. We also arrange airport pick-up with English signage.
二、Getting There
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN): Direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Los Angeles and more.
- Xiamen North Railway Station: High-speed rail connects to Shanghai (6h), Shenzhen (3h), Guangzhou (4h) and Wuyi Mountain (2.5h).
- Ferry to Kinmen (Taiwan): 30-minute ferry for those continuing to Taiwan.
三、Where to Go
Gulangyu Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with car-free lanes, colonial-era mansions and China's only piano museum. Our English guide will walk you through Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden and Longtou Road food street.
Nanputuo Temple & Xiamen University
An active Buddhist temple founded over 1,000 years ago, next to one of China's most beautiful campuses. Try the famous vegetarian buns.
Huandao Road & Zengcuo'an
Coastal cycling path and a former fishing village turned arts hub — great for sunset and street food.
Nanjing Tulou
UNESCO Hakka earthen roundhouses, about 2.5 hours' drive. Our guides explain the fascinating clan-defense architecture.
Chaoshan (Chaozhou & Shantou)
The food capital of China. Chaozhou's Guangji Bridge light show, old town, and the famous Chaoshan beef hotpot are unforgettable. We can also arrange Yingge dance performances.
四、Our Bilingual 7-Day Inbound Tour
Hengtong Holiday's Min-Yue Inbound 7-Day Bilingual Tour (¥5,680/person) covers Xiamen, Gulangyu, Nanjing Tulou, Dongshan Island, Nan'ao Island, Chaozhou and Shantou. Inclusions:
- Full-time licensed English-speaking guide
- Foreigner-friendly 4-5 star hotels
- All entrance fees, private A/C vehicle, bullet train
- 6 breakfasts & 9 meals (including Chaoshan beef hotpot and seafood)
- Airport transfers and visa invitation letter
- 24/7 English-speaking emergency contact
五、Food & Payments
Xiamen and Chaoshan are paradise for food lovers. Must-tries: satay noodles, oyster omelette, ginger duck, Chaoshan beef hotpot, seafood and dim sum. Our guides will take you to authentic local restaurants — no tourist traps.
International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at major hotels but not at small restaurants. We recommend setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card, or carrying sufficient cash. Our guide can assist with payments.
六、Practical Tips
1. Download a VPN before arrival if you need Google/Facebook/Instagram access.
2. Google Translate with offline Chinese pack is helpful.
3. Tap water is not drinkable; use bottled water.
4. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for excellent guides.
5. Best seasons: March-May and October-December.
七、Contact Hengtong Holiday
Email / WeChat / Phone: +86 137 9925 4912 or +86 159 5924 6205.
Website: www.xmhtjq.com
License: L-FJ20206 (approved for domestic and inbound tourism by Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism).
Perseverance brings prosperity. Let Hengtong Holiday show you the real Xiamen and Chaoshan.