Xiamen Layover Tour: Private Guide from Port or Airport

Six to eight hours to see Xiamen's temples, islands and coastal views with a guide who knows the city

A private customized tour of Xiamen departing from your cruise port or airport, with a local English or Mandarin-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch or dinner. You choose which attractions to visit (Gulangyu Island, South Putuo Temple, historic forts or local markets), and the guide adjusts the itinerary to fit your arrival and departure times. Door-to-door pickup and drop-off are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Gulangyu Island3h
2. South Putuo Temple1h

Private Xiamen city tour and sightseeing

• Pick up at cruise port or airport
• Discuss places to visit with guide
• Visit Gulangyu Island and explore attractions
• Enjoy local lunch or dinner
• Visit Nanputuo Temple and hike to viewpoint
• Optional visit to Zhongshan Road or seafood market
• Return to cruise terminal or airport

The experience

Your guide and driver meet you at the cruise port or airport and spend a few minutes understanding what you want to see. Because this is a private tour, the itinerary is entirely yours to shape. The sample route typically starts with Gulangyu Island, a car ferry ride away, where you walk through old European architecture, visit the Shuzhuang Garden, climb to Sunlight Rock, and browse the Piano Museum and narrow streets. Lunch or dinner happens mid-tour at a local restaurant your guide recommends based on what you eat.

The second major stop is South Putuo Temple, a Buddhist temple built around the 6th century. Your guide walks you through the temple complex, explains the religious practices and local customs, and leads a short hike to the top where you see the coastal city spread below. If time and interest allow, you can add Zhongshan Road's shopping street or the Eighth Sea food market. The flexibility is the point when your ship or flight has a fixed departure.

The tour runs six to eight hours depending on which attractions you choose and how long you spend at each one. Your guide speaks English or Mandarin, the vehicle is air-conditioned, and bottled water is provided. You'll be dropped back at your port or airport in time for your next departure.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
• local guide speaking English or Mandarin.
• pickup and drop-off at your cruise port or airport.
• bottled water.
• lunch or dinner at a local restaurant.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour departing from the cruise portGuide in English or Chinese · 15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00Includes an excellent guide and a driver with a comfortable vehicle, plus pickup and drop-off at the cruise port. Pickup is included.

Tour departing from Xiamen AirportGuide in English or Chinese · 15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00Includes an excellent guide and a driver with a comfortable vehicle, plus pickup and drop-off at the airport. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

AgesAdult (8 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Sunny Private Tours

Is this one for you?Book from your cruise port if you're arriving by ship, or from the airport if you're flying in. The flexible itinerary and customizable stops let you build a tour around your layover length and interests, so a short connection doesn't force you to skip the sights that matter to you.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3): free.

Can I customize the stops if I don't want to see Gulangyu Island and the temple?

Yes. The itinerary is fully customized to your interests. When your guide picks you up, you discuss which attractions matter to you (shopping streets, markets, historic forts, or any combination), and the route adjusts accordingly.

What is Gulangyu Island like, and how do I get there?

Gulangyu Island is a small island known for its old European colonial architecture, gardens, and car-free streets. You reach it by ferry from Xiamen. The ferry ride is short and your guide handles the logistics.

How much time do I spend at South Putuo Temple?

South Putuo Temple is the second major stop. Your guide leads you through the temple complex and up a short hiking trail to the top for views of the coast. The time spent depends on your pace and interest, but it is a core part of the tour experience.

Do I need to book from my cruise port or the airport, or can I choose?

You choose at checkout: Tour from Cruise Port if you're arriving by ship, or Tour from Xiamen Airport if you're flying in. Your pickup and drop-off happen at whichever location you select.

Is lunch or dinner included in the price?

Yes, a meal is included and timed to fit your tour. Your guide recommends local restaurants and can accommodate dietary requests if you mention them when booking.

What should I wear for this tour?

Smart casual dress is appropriate. Comfortable walking shoes are useful since you'll explore temple grounds and island streets. Bring sunscreen and water, though bottled water is provided during the tour.