Xiamen is blessed with sandy beaches and an average annual temperature exceeding 20C, a combination which makes it very popular with those trying to get away from it all and soak up some sun. Relaxing on one of the city's beaches at Gulangyu Gangzaihou, Dadeji, Meihua, Dadeng Tri-Islet and Huangcuo is a wonderful option, but for more energetic visitors, taking part in water-sports, or playing a few rounds at Asia's biggest golf course, or shopping along Chungshan Road may be more appealing. Navigating the city is extremely easy by bike, providing a picturesque way to see the sights.

Visitors to Xiamen may want to time their trip with one of the city's festivals: during which times, the city is especially vibrant. The Moon-cake Gambling Festival is Xiamen's twist on the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival which is celebrated across the country. Special gambling moon cakes are baked and sold across the city, accompanied by folk dances and puppet shows. Other interesting festivals include the Xiamen Jimei International Dragon Boat when teams of rowers compete to rhythmic drums and locals cheer on their favorite boat, and the Xiamen International Marathon, which is the second largest marathon in China. More genteel celebrations such as the Phoenix Flower Tourism, the Gulangyu International Piano Art Festival and the International Tourism Festival also draw large crowds of visitors and locals.

One does not have to wait for a festival in Xiamen to see something of the local culture. The Minnan (Xiamen) performing arts, which originated in the area can be enjoyed daily at the Renmin Theater where "Dancing Xiamen Folk Performances" demonstrate folk costumes, Minnan music and puppet shows.

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