In Xiamen, there is one free tour that requires pre-registration - a walking tour led by a local native of the city, who leads a personal walking route through the alleys, markets, and promenades of the island. Participation does not involve a ticket price: at the end of the tour, each participant leaves a tip for the guide in an amount that feels right to them, depending on the experience they received.
Xiamen is one of China's most pleasant coastal cities - a green island city facing a narrow strait, with shady avenues, architecture of merchants who returned from Southeast Asia and a relaxed atmosphere that feels light years away from the country's megacities. Precisely because its charm lies in the small details - an arched facade, a tea stall, an alley that suddenly opens out to the sea - a walk with someone who grew up here is worth more than any tour bus.
Registration is done in advance through GuruWalk, and the exact meeting point and language details are provided on the tour page. It's worth checking them before you arrive - and the rest happens on foot.
Recommended free tours in Xiamen
A free walking tour led by a Xiamen native, on a personal and secret route through alleys, markets, and coastal corners that most travelers don't know.
Follow a Local Xiamen Native Through My Own Secret Walking Route
A Xiamen native leads a personal walking tour away from the tourist hotspots: alleys, local flavors, and stories from those who grew up here. A great way to get to know the city at eye level and at a relaxed pace.
Why take a walking tour of Xiamen?
Xiamen was built on a pedestrian scale: the old city center sits on the edge of an island, distances are short, and the best way to understand it is to simply walk. The Zhongshan Road pedestrian street leads straight to the sea between avenues of historic arched houses built by Chinese merchants returning from Southeast Asia, and its side alleys hide noodle stalls, tea shops, and markets that Western tourists rarely encounter.
A few minutes south lies Shapowei, an old fishing port turned colorful art district with galleries, cafes and graffiti, and next to it lies the Nanputuo Buddhist Temple and the green campus of Xiamen University, among the most beautiful in China. A long beach promenade wraps around the island, and opposite, a short ferry ride, lies car-free Gulangyu, a World Heritage Site of historic villas and pianos in almost every home.
A local guide turns all of this from a bullet point list into a story: why houses are built the way they are, where to eat the right noodles, and how a small port city in Fujian province became one of China's most sought-after cities. That's exactly the value of a free tour - local eyes, at street level.
Areas and starting points of the tours
The old town around Zhongshan Road
The natural starting point for walking tours in Xiamen: the historic arched streets, the local market, and the alleys between the main street and the port. Here is also the coastline from which you can see Gulangyu across the water, and is an excellent starting point for the rest of your city tour.
Shapowei and the University South
The old port, which has been transformed into a creative and street food complex, and next to it is Nanputuo Temple and the Xiamen University campus - a young and calm area that is very suitable for continuing your independent walk after the tour.
Gulangyu
The historic island is only accessible by ferry, so walking tours of central Xiamen usually don't include it - it's worth dedicating a separate half-day to it. The exact meeting point for the tour itself is provided when you register on Gorowalk, so it's important to check it on the tour page before you leave.
Important tips before you go out
Register in advance at GuruWalk - places are limited and the guide receives an update on the number of attendees through the system. Check the tour page to see which language it is conducted in - tours for international travelers in China are usually held in English - and arrive about ten minutes before the start time, because the tour leaves on time.
Xiamen is subtropical: Summer is hot, humid and sometimes accompanied by tropical storms, and the cooler months are much more pleasant for walking. In the summer months, it is better to choose an early morning or late afternoon, a hat and water are a must, and comfortable shoes are always recommended - part of the route is on stone and old sidewalks.
The tip at the end of the tour is given in cash, in local yuan. There is no fixed rate - it is customary to give an amount that reflects the enjoyment and length of the tour. In China, almost all daily payments are made through local apps, and it is worth setting them up before the flight - but that is precisely why it is important to keep a few bills aside for the tip.
Xiamen is considered a very safe city to walk around, even in the evening. Transportation is convenient and cheap - metro, buses, ferries and taxis - and saving the destination name in Chinese on the phone saves misunderstandings. It is important to remember that entry and visa requirements for China change from time to time - checking the updated requirements for Israeli citizens with the official authorities before booking is the traveler's responsibility.
Paid tours and attractions in Xiamen
The tours on the site are free based on a tip; those who want to delve deeper can also combine a guided tour or a paid attraction - these are the leading options in the city:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the free tours in Xiamen really free?
Yes - there is no ticket price and no prepayment. At the end of the tour, it is customary to leave a tip for the guide in an amount that each participant chooses for themselves, based on their satisfaction with the experience.
Do I need to register in advance for the tour?
Yes. Registration is done through GuruWalk, places are limited, and exact meeting point details are sent after registration. If plans change - cancel in advance to make room for other travelers.
In what language is the tour conducted?
The language is clearly stated on the tour page on Gorowalk, so it is important to check before signing up. Tours for international travelers in China are usually conducted in English.
How much is it customary to tip at the end of the tour?
There is no set amount. It is customary to give in cash, in the local yuan, an amount that feels fair in relation to the length of the tour and the experience - and it is worth preparing bills in advance, because in China most payments are digital and there will not always be anywhere to make change.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Generally yes - the pace is relaxed and the distances are reasonable, but it's a few hours of walking in a humid climate. In the summer it's better to choose an early hour, and a baby stroller may be difficult in the old alleys.
What is important to check before flying to Xiamen?
Entry and visa requirements for Chinese citizens change from time to time - check with official authorities for the latest information before booking flights. This is the traveler's responsibility.
