Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is the primary airport serving Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province on China's southeast coast. Located just 10 km from downtown, the airport serves as the main hub for Xiamen Airlines (SkyTeam) and handles approximately 28 million passengers annually.

The airport operates from two terminals:

• Terminal 3: All international flights, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan flights, and some domestic flights (Xiamen Airlines, China Southern, Hebei Airlines)
• Terminal 4: Domestic flights only, located 4 km east of Terminal 3

Xiamen is strategically positioned as a gateway to Fujian Province and offers unique proximity to Taiwan. The city's Wutong Ferry Terminal provides direct ferry service to Kinmen (Quemoy), Taiwan, just a 30-minute journey across the Taiwan Strait.

Key Airlines and Routes

Xiamen Airlines is the dominant carrier, operating the majority of flights from XMN. The airline offers non-stop routes to destinations including:

• Long-haul: Los Angeles, Vancouver, Paris, Amsterdam, Sydney, Melbourne
• Regional: Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila

Other major airlines at XMN include China Southern, China Eastern, Shandong Airlines, and international carriers like KLM and Singapore Airlines.

Note: A new airport, Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport, is under construction on Dadeng Island and expected to open in late 2026. Once operational, it will replace Gaoqi Airport entirely.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is located 10 km north of downtown Xiamen, on the northern coast of Xiamen Island. The journey to central areas takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and destination.

Transport options:

• Taxi: Fastest option, CNY 30-40 (~$4-5.50) to downtown
• Airport shuttle bus: CNY 15-20 (~$2-3), various routes
• City bus: CNY 1-2 (~$0.15-0.30), slower but cheapest
• BRT (Bus Rapid Transit): CNY 0.50 (~$0.07), connects to metro system

There is no direct metro connection to the current airport. However, you can take BRT Line L19 to connect to Metro Line 1 at Gaoqi Station.

DiDi (China's equivalent to Uber) operates in Xiamen. Download the DiDi app before arrival and add a payment method. International credit cards work, though linking a Chinese bank account provides more options.

Taxis are readily available 24/7:

• Terminal 3: Taxi stand at Gate 7 (Arrivals Level 1)
• Terminal 4: Taxi stand at Gate 3 (Arrivals Level 1)

Destination	Fare	Time
Downtown / Zhongshan Road	CNY 30-40 (~$4-5.50)	20-30 min
Xiamen Railway Station	CNY 25-35 (~$3.50-5)	15-25 min
Gulangyu Ferry Terminal	CNY 35-45 (~$5-6)	25-35 min
SM City Plaza	CNY 20-30 (~$3-4)	15-20 min

Taxi rates:

• Base fare: CNY 10
• Per km: CNY 2
• Night surcharge (23:00-05:00): 20% extra

Taxis accept cash only. Have your destination written in Chinese characters or show the address on your phone.

Airport Shuttle Bus

The airport shuttle bus offers direct routes to key destinations. Ticket counters are located near Gate 9 (Terminal 3) and Gate 5 (Terminal 4).

Route	Destination	Fare	Time
Shuttle 1	Xiamen Railway Station	CNY 15 (~$2)	30 min
Shuttle 2	SM City Plaza → Gulangyu Ferry	CNY 15-20 (~$2-3)	40-50 min
Shuttle 3	Zengcuo'an → Huangcuo	CNY 15-20 (~$2-3)	45 min
North Station	Gaoqi Metro → North Railway Station	CNY 10 (~$1.40)	25 min

Operating hours: 08:40-20:10 (varies by route). Check current schedules at the ticket counter.

City Buses

Regular city buses are the cheapest option:

• Bus 27: Airport → Gulangyu Ferry Terminal (CNY 1, last bus 21:20)
• Bus 37: Airport → Railway Station (CNY 1, 06:30-00:10)
• Bus 41: Airport → Bonded Zone (CNY 2, 06:30-21:40)
• Bus 81: Airport → Lianhua Second Village (CNY 1, 06:45-22:05)
• Bus 91: Airport → Convention Center (CNY 1, 06:32-21:15)

Payment: Cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay. Some buses accept transit cards.

BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)

Xiamen's elevated BRT system offers fast, traffic-free transit:

• Line L19: Connects Terminal 4 to Gaoqi Station (Metro Line 1)
• Fare: CNY 0.50 (~$0.07)
• Hours: 06:30-22:10

From Gaoqi Station, transfer to Metro Line 1 for destinations across Xiamen Island and the mainland.

Parking is available at both terminals:

Location	Rate	Notes
Terminal 3 Parking	CNY 10/hour, CNY 80/day max	Closest to T3 departures
Terminal 4 Parking	CNY 10/hour, CNY 80/day max	Closest to T4 departures

Payment accepted: Cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay. Underground parking provides shade and protection from weather.

Both terminals offer a mix of Chinese and international dining options.

Terminal 3:

• Chinese restaurants: Dim sum, Fujian cuisine, noodle shops
• Fast food: KFC, McDonald's
• Cafes: Starbucks, local tea houses
• Post-security: Limited options; eat before clearing security

Terminal 4:

• Food court: Multiple vendors with Fujian specialties
• Quick service: Noodles, rice dishes, dumplings
• Western options: Coffee shops and sandwich counters

Price guide: Expect to pay CNY 30-60 (~$4-8) for a meal at the airport. Prices are 20-30% higher than downtown Xiamen.

Tip: Xiamen is famous for its seafood and Fujian cuisine. Try local specialties like oyster omelet (蚵仔煎), satay noodles (沙茶面), or peanut soup (花生汤) if available.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals. Connect to the airport network and register with your mobile number (Chinese or international numbers accepted).

Network name: Look for "XMAIRPORT-FREE" or similar airport-branded network.

Speed: Adequate for browsing and messaging. Video calls may be inconsistent.

Alternative: Purchase a local SIM card or bring a portable WiFi device. Many travelers pre-order eSIMs before arriving in China.

Note: Many international websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked in China. Consider setting up a VPN before arrival.

SIM card availability at Xiamen Airport is more limited than at major hubs like Beijing or Shanghai.

Where to buy:

• Look for China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom kiosks in the arrivals hall
• Availability varies; kiosks may not always be staffed

Requirements:

• Original passport (required for registration)
• Facial recognition may be required

Typical costs:

• Tourist SIM (7-8 days, 5GB): CNY 60-100 (~$8-14)
• Monthly prepaid (10GB+): CNY 80-150 (~$11-21)

Alternatives:

• Pre-order a SIM via Klook or Amazon for airport pickup
• Purchase an eSIM before departure (works with compatible phones)
• Buy a SIM at a China Mobile or China Unicom store in downtown Xiamen for better prices

Recommendation: China Unicom SIMs are most compatible with international phones and offer tourist-friendly packages.

ATMs are located in the arrivals halls of both terminals, operated by major Chinese banks including:

• Bank of China
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
• China Construction Bank
• Agricultural Bank of China

Currency: China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called Renminbi (RMB). Exchange rate: approximately CNY 7.2 = US$1.

Currency exchange: Counters available in both terminals, but rates are unfavorable (typically 3-5% worse than bank rates). Withdraw CNY from ATMs for better value.

Payment methods: Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominates in China. International visitors can now link international credit cards to Alipay, which is highly recommended. Cash is still accepted but less common.

Tip: Bring some cash as backup, especially for taxis and smaller vendors who may not accept cards.

Duty-Free: Available in Terminal 3 international departures. Offers Chinese liquor, tea, cosmetics, electronics, and souvenirs.

Notable stores:

• Terminal 3: Chinese tea shops, local snack stores, brand-name boutiques, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
• Terminal 4: Smaller selection; convenience stores and gift shops

Local specialties to look for:

• Tieguanyin tea: Fujian is famous for this oolong tea
• Gulangyu pie cakes: A local pastry specialty
• Dried seafood: Xiamen specialty snacks

Hours: Most shops open from first flight to last flight (approximately 06:00-22:00).

Xiamen Airport has several lounges accessible via Priority Pass and airline status.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 3 (International):

• First Class Lounge 7: Open 07:00-20:00. After security, near Gate 17, take escalator to upper level. Maximum 3-hour stay. Smoking room available.

Terminal 3 (Domestic):

• Premier Lounge: Open 06:00-21:00. Airside, next to Gate 6.
• Guest Lounge: Open 09:00-18:00. Opposite Gate 21. Alcoholic drinks limited to beer.

Terminal 4 (Domestic):

• First/Business Class Lounge: Open 06:30-20:30. After security, on the left. Smoking area available.

Airline Lounges

• Xiamen Airlines Lounges: Available for business class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members
• China Southern Lounge: Available for premium passengers

Day pass: Approximately CNY 200 (~$28) if not eligible for complimentary access.

Hotels near Xiamen Airport range from budget chains to mid-range business hotels. The airport area is primarily commercial, with more upscale options in the downtown and Wuyuanwan districts.

Near the airport:

• New East Asia Hotel: Approximately 1 km from airport, basic amenities
• Holiday Inn Express Xiamen Airport Zone: 4 km from airport, reliable chain option
• Atour Hotel Wuyuanwan: 3 km from airport, modern Chinese boutique chain

Upscale options (10-15 km from airport):

• Hyatt Regency Xiamen Wuyuanwan: Highly rated, 24-hour airport shuttle
• Sheraton Xiamen Hotel: Business-friendly with airport transfer service
• Langham Place Xiamen: Luxury option in the city center
• Waldorf Astoria Xiamen: Premium luxury downtown

Tip: For early morning departures, consider staying near the airport. For layovers of 8+ hours, downtown hotels offer better dining and sightseeing access.

Xiamen is one of China's most livable coastal cities, known for its mild climate, colonial heritage, and excellent seafood. The city blends traditional Fujian culture with modern development.

Top attractions:

Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿) — 30 minutes from airport

• UNESCO World Heritage Site and car-free pedestrian island
• Colonial architecture, winding lanes, piano museum
• Sunlight Rock: Highest point with panoramic views (CNY 60 admission)
• Ferry from downtown: CNY 35 round-trip, 8-minute crossing
• Allow 4-6 hours for a proper visit

Zhongshan Road (中山路) — 25 minutes from airport

• Historic pedestrian shopping street
• Local snacks, Fujian cuisine, night markets
• Close to Gulangyu ferry terminal

Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺) — 30 minutes from airport

• Active Buddhist temple at the base of Wulao Mountain
• Free admission; adjacent to Xiamen University campus

Huandao Road (环岛路) — 35 minutes from airport

• Scenic coastal road with beaches and cycling paths
• Popular for sunset views across to Kinmen (Taiwan)

Kinmen (Taiwan) Day Trip

Xiamen is one of the closest points to Taiwan. You can take a ferry to Kinmen Island (Quemoy) for a unique cross-strait experience:

• Ferry: 30 minutes from Wutong Ferry Terminal (CNY 160/~$22 one-way)
• Note: Requires valid Taiwan visa or visa-free eligibility
• Change currency in Kinmen (better rates); RMB not accepted in Taiwan

Getting Around Xiamen

• Metro: Line 1 runs north-south across the island; Line 2 and 3 extend to mainland districts
• BRT: Fast elevated bus system connecting key areas
• DiDi/Taxi: Convenient for direct routes; CNY 10-40 for most island trips
• Bike sharing: Hello Bike and Mobike available; CNY 1-2 per ride

Weather: Subtropical climate. Best months are March-May and September-November. Summers are hot and humid with typhoon risk (July-September).

Language: Mandarin Chinese. Limited English outside hotels and tourist sites. Download a translation app and have key phrases/addresses written in Chinese.