Is Xiamen really worth adding to your China itinerary
or should you spend those days in Shanghai or Guangzhou instead? This Xiamen travel guide breaks down everything we did in 2 days, exactly what it cost, and whether the famous $30 “mega spa” actually lives up to the hype.
Watch the full Xiamen episode here:
Xiamen on a Budget: How We Spent Only $207 in 2 Days
If you’re searching for things to do in Xiamen or planning a short Xiamen itinerary, here’s what 2 days for 2 people really cost us:
| Expense (2 people) | Cost (CAD) | Cost (USD) |
| Hotel | 76 | 56 |
| Meals | 54 | 25 |
| Spa | 81 | 60 |
| Cable Car | 79 | 57 |
| Local Transport | 14 | 10 |
| Misc | 9 | 6 |
| TOTAL | 280 | 207 |
Day 1: Best Things to Do in Xiamen (Food, Views & Nightlife)
1. Xiamen Food Tour Stop 1 – Danmanguan (蛋满贯)
We started our Xiamen itinerary with a local favorite.
Perfect for: Budget travel in Xiamen and a realistic local breakfast.
What we ordered: Combo A – dumplings, noodles, soup
Cost: 33 RMB (~$5 USD) for both of us
Why go: This place served the best Zhajiangmian noodles we had in Xiamen. The sauce was bold and savory with a strong nutty aroma and a silky, umami-rich depth that coated every strand perfectly.
2. Xiamen Food Tour Stop 2 – Huang Zehe Peanut Soup (黄则和花生汤)
A must-try if you’re curious about traditional Xiamen food.
Our take: Dumplings were the standout; peanut soup is more of a “try once” local experience than a repeat order.
Dishes: Peanut soup, dumplings, fried donut-style snack
Price: Most dishes 3–5 RMB
3. Zhonggu Cable Car (钟鼓索道) – Xiamen Scenic Viewpoint
This is one of the top Xiamen attractions for views.
Tip: Go for sunset if you can—better value when the city lights come on.
Cost: 80 RMB per person (~$15 USD)
Wait: ~20 minutes
Duration: ~40 minutes round trip
Views: Coastline, city, and the famous Xiamen Twin Towers
4. Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺) – Best Free Thing to Do in Xiamen
If you’re building a Xiamen travel guide 2026 or planning your own route, don’t skip this.
One of the most beautiful temples we visited in China and it’s free.
Cost: Free
Location: Next to Xiamen University
Highlights: Incredibly detailed and colorful temple architecture
5. Shapowei Art Zone & Baicheng Beach
- Shapowei Art Zone – Converted fishing area with murals, cafés, bars, and old boats. Great for a slow wander and photos.
- Baicheng Beach – Wide sandy beach, kites, bubbles, and a soft “weekend getaway” vibe with city views.
If you want a Xiamen walking tour that mixes food, culture, and sea views, this combo is perfect.
6. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
If you’re Googling “things to do in Xiamen at night”, Zhongshan Road needs to be on your list.
Why it’s worth it: This area turns into a full-on street food festival after dark and is the easiest way to feel Xiamen’s energy.
Vibe: Mix of European and Asian architecture, neon lights, random performances (yes, including a dancing robot)
Cost: Free to walk, pay-as-you-go snacks
Day 2: Xiamen Mega Spa – Su Ke Spa Review
Su Ke Spa (素可汤泉): $30 For 10 Hours in a Xiamen Bathhouse
This is the star of the video and the most unique item in this Xiamen itinerary.
- Entry fee: 199 RMB (~$30 USD) per person
- Time inside: 10 hours (afternoon to 11:30 PM)
At first, we were confused—no massages included, and it felt pricey. Then we found the buffet.
Food – Where the Value Explodes
All included in the 199 RMB:
- Big hot food buffet of Chinese dishes
- Fresh seafood: oysters, hairy crab, shrimp
- Sushi station
- Noodle bar & claypot rice
- Juice and fruit bar (including unlimited Shine Muscat grapes, which are crazy expensive back home)
- Ice cream bar
If you’re into China food + spa experiences, this place is wild value for money—especially if you treat it as both lunch and dinner.
Facilities – What This Xiamen Spa Includes
- hot spring pools
- Saunas
- Individual tubs
- Movie room with recliners
- Showers, full toiletries, and rest areas
It’s basically an all-day Xiamen bathhouse + buffet combo. Massages are extra, but even without them, this is one of the best-value spa experiences we’ve had in Asia.
Is Xiamen Worth Adding to Your China Travel Itinerary?
If you’re planning China travel on a budget and searching for a coastal city with good food, easy sightseeing, and one unforgettable mega spa, Xiamen is a strong yes.
- Great for: Value hunters, food lovers, and first-time China travelers
- Not for: People expecting a Maldives-style beach resort
You can watch our full Xiamen travel guide and Su Ke Spa review here:
$30 FOR 10HRS?! China’s INSANE Mega Spa (Unlimited Everything!)
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