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Xiamen Gaoqi Layover Guide (XMN)

What are you looking for in XMN?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Xiamen Airport (XMN) is an international airport located on Xiamen Island in Fujian Province, China. It’s situated about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown Xiamen. The airport officially opened in 1983. Xiamen is a major port city known for its mild climate, coastal scenery, and vibrant economy. The city is a popular destination for both business and tourism, offering beautiful beaches, rich culture, and a relaxed island lifestyle.

Can you leave Xiamen Airport (XMN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport can leave the airport under China’s 24-hour visa-free transit policy if holding confirmed onward tickets to a third country within 24 hours. Citizens of 55 eligible countries may apply online for 144- or 240-hour visa-free transit. Others require a full Chinese visa. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Gulangyu Island Explore the UNESCO heritage site Gulangyu Island’s winding lanes, colonial-era mansions and piano museum, then relax on beaches while savoring local snacks from street vendors. Don’t miss gardens, panoramic views. (Time required: 3–4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~35 min or BRT Line 1 to Xiamen Railway Station then ferry.)
• Nanputuo Temple Visit Nanputuo Temple’s vibrant halls, carved statues and peaceful gardens at the foot of Wulao Peak before sampling vegetarian snacks at nearby stalls. Enjoy architecture, pond chanting monks performing rituals. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or BRT Line 1 to Xiamen University Station, then 10 min walk.)
• Xiamen University Stroll Xiamen University’s leafy campus featuring colonial-era Collegiate Gothic buildings, lakeside pavilions and vibrant student life, with photo ops at Furong Tunnel’s colorful murals. Don’t miss lakeside views and cafes. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or BRT Line 1 to Xiamen University Station.)
• Hulishan Fortress Discover Hulishan Fortress’s well-preserved 19th-century canons, intricate stone walls and ocean-facing battlements, plus panoramic coastal vistas ideal for history buffs and photographers. Wander cliffside pathways, enjoy sea breezes sunset. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or Metro Line 3 to Hulishan stop.)
• Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street Wander Zhongshan Road’s bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, snack stalls and colonial-era facades, sampling peanut soup, oyster omelettes and other Fujian specialties amid lively atmosphere. Enjoy vibrant night lights. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or BRT Line 1 to Zhongshan Road Station.)
• Shapowei Art Zone Explore Shapowei Art Zone’s repurposed warehouses showcasing street art, indie galleries and quirky cafes, mingling with local artists and discovering pop-up exhibitions in this creative riverside district. Enjoy live music. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or BRT Line 1 to Xiamen Railway Station then 15 min walk.)
• Yundang Lake Park Relax at Yundang Lake Park’s lakeside promenade, snap photos of modern skyline reflections, stroll lush gardens and watch local fishermen casting nets at sunset. Sample local tea, snacks and cakes. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or BRT Line 1 to Yundang Lake Station.)
• Huandao Road Coastal Path Cycle or stroll Huandao Road’s coastal path, enjoying fresh sea breezes, ocean vistas and art installations along the 30 km ring road connecting Xiamen’s scenic beaches and parks. Rent bikes locally. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min.)

Things to Do in Xiamen Airport (XMN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Xiamen Gaoqi Airport offers multiple lounges in Terminals 3 and 4, including Premier Lounge (T3), Guest Lounge (T3) and First Class Lounges near Gates 3, 12–15 and 17. Facilities include complimentary Wi-Fi, self-serve snacks and beverages, freshly brewed coffee, newspapers, magazines, showers, massage chairs and business workstations. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Just outside Terminal 3, the five-star Hisilk Artwork Center “Fliport Coso” Hotel provides 155 spacious rooms, two restaurants, four meeting rooms and a fitness centre. Complimentary shuttle buses run between Terminals 3/4 and the hotel lobby. Pullman Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Hotel also offers pick-up/drop-off service, modern rooms and 24-hour front-desk assistance. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
For quick rest, paid VIP rest rooms are available opposite Gate 7 on the first floor of Terminal 3, offering recliners and privacy. Transfer passengers can use the free transfer lounge near domestic baggage claim. Some travellers report rentable sleeping pods or simply catching a nap on padded seating near quieter gates after security.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals after passing security; connect to “XiamenAirport_FreeWiFi” and register with a phone number or email. Alternatively, portable pocket-WiFi devices can be rented at mobile sales counters in each terminal’s public area for uninterrupted data access during your stay.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid Chinese SIM cards and eSIM plans are sold at telecom booths in the arrivals halls of Terminals 3 and 4. Packages typically include local data and voice minutes valid for 7–30 days. Users must present passport details to register. eSIM profiles can also be activated online before departure for seamless mobile service on arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed taxis queue outside Gate 7 in Terminal 3 and Gate 3 in Terminal 4, operating 24 hours. Fares to downtown Xiamen range from RMB 30–50 depending on traffic, metered by distance. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi are accepted; drivers expect a small luggage surcharge. Payment can be made by cash, Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Train: Xiamen Metro’s Line 3 serves the airport area at “Airport West Road” station, linking directly to Xiamen Railway Station and city centre. Trains run every 8–12 minutes from about 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. The journey to downtown takes roughly 30 minutes. (more info)

Bus: Several airport bus routes depart from Yuanlin Square opposite Terminal 3 and just outside Terminal 4 arrivals. Route 27 runs to the ferry terminal, Route 37 serves Xiamen Railway Station, and BRT services connect to major hotels. Buses operate from early morning until around midnight. (more info)

Shuttle: A complimentary inter-terminal shuttle runs between Gate 7 in Terminal 3 and Gate 5 in Terminal 4 every 10–15 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight. The air-conditioned coaches provide easy transfer for arriving, departing or connecting passengers without leaving the secure area.

Car rentals: Major rental agencies such as Europcar, Avis and Hertz have desks in the arrivals halls of both terminals. Vehicles range from compact sedans to SUVs. Drivers must be over 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and passport. Advance online booking is recommended to ensure availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Three airport car parks serve Gaoqi: Yuanlin and T3 East near Terminal 3, plus a lot outside Terminal 4. The first 30 minutes are free; thereafter fees range from RMB 6–15 per hour depending on vehicle size and location. Long-term rates apply for stays over 24 hours.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left-luggage counters are located in the arrivals halls of Terminals 3 and 4, offering staffed storage for suitcases and personal items at hourly and daily rates. Coin-operated lockers are also available in public areas. Services operate 24 hours, allowing flexible pick-up and drop-off. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Xiamen Airport (XMN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks