Known to most locals as Amoy, Xiamen is a fascinating coastal city in China that's fast becoming a tourist hotspot for beachgoers. Offering travellers a break from the hustle and bustle of major Chinese travel hubs such as Shanghai and Beijing, Xiamen is a more tranquil and charming vacation destination for discerning travellers. Although 3 days is hardly sufficient to explore all that the city has to offer, here's how to make the most of your getaway to Xiamen.

Those who are intending to spend only 3 days in Xiamen must make sure that these three days are in the middle of the spring season or the autumn season in the seaside hamlet. Although one can technically visit Xiamen throughout the year, the sweltering heat of summer and the cold temperatures of winter do not make for an ideal holiday experience in this coastal area of China. This is why the spring and autumn months from April to November are perfect whether you wish to enjoy a beach getaway or a cultural tour of the city.

Since you are short on time and must make the most of 72 hours in Xiamen, it is crucial to stay in a centrally located hotel or resort that affords easy access to all the major highlights and activity bases. Whether you select a room at the Pan Pacific Xiamen or any other chain of hotels in Xiamen China, make sure the property is easy to access using public transport options and is also near Xiamen's top beaches and tourist attractions.

Kickstart your holiday in Xiamen with a tour of the iconic Fujian Tulou houses. The ancient households have been made with rammed earth and a combination of wood, stone and bamboo. The circular and square designs of the houses are also representative of Hakka architecture, which is unique to Xiamen. These types of dwellings were constructed for whole communities rather than nuclear families in centuries past. There are several different tiny villages such as the Chuxi Village where Tulou houses are still used today. After lunch, spend some quality beach time at Baicheng Sandy Beach before heading over to Hulishan Fort before it gets too dark.

Gulangyu Island in Xiamen | Image via pixabay

The second day of your Xiamen getaway can be spent at Gulangyu Island so head over to the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal in the morning as it's just a few miles away from the downtown area. By boarding a ferry, visitors can reach their island destination in no time. Having been an old treaty port, Gulangyu Island is easy to explore on bikes and the many Chinese and European fusion architectural styles are visible in most of the ancient structures on the island. Half a day is more than enough to enjoy the beaches and the historical sites on the island so head back to Xiamen after lunch and travel to famed Zhongshan Road, the city's main shopping street. Zhongshan Road, a bustling thoroughfare, is adorned with a myriad of small and large stores offering an extensive range of products. Among the must-visit destinations along this vibrant street is the renowned Xiamen Eighth Market.

Those who are jetting out of Xiamen on evening flights can spend the day hiking and picnicking at the picturesque Wanshi Botanical Gardens. Stretching across a vast expanse of 4 hectares, there is a dedicated area solely devoted to cacti plants. The holy Nanputuo Temple is also worth touring as it lies close to the Wanshi Botanical Gardens and is one of Xiamen's most active religious centres. Walking the grounds of Xiamen University is another great way to kill time for those who do not have enough time to head over to the Wuyi Mountains.