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Ask a QuestionXiamen, a coastal gem in Fujian Province, blends traditional charm with modern energy—and its shopping scene reflects this perfectly. From century-old pedestrian streets lined with colonial-style buildings to sleek malls offering global brands, the city caters to every shopper: whether you’re hunting for local specialties, handcrafted souvenirs, or trendy fashion. Below is a curated guide to Xiamen’s best shopping spots, complete with practical tips and must-buy items.
Zhongshan Road (YatSen Road) - 中山路
Known as one of “China’s Top 10 Shopping Streets,” Zhongshan Road is Xiamen’s most iconic commercial thoroughfare—where history, food, and shopping collide. Stretching 1.2 kilometers from Siming South Road to the coast, this century-old street is a living postcard of Xiamen’s past and present.
Lined with pastel-colored buildings blending European colonial styles (arcades, iron railings) and coastal Chinese flair, the street feels like a mix of old Shanghai and tropical Xiamen. Strings of red lanterns hang overhead, and street performers (playing traditional Fujianese music) add to the lively vibe—perfect for casual strolling and photos.
Local specialties are a highlight here, and you won’t want to miss stores selling Xiamen’s famous snacks and souvenirs. Look for peanut soup (warm, sweet, and creamy), shacha noodles (spicy-savory noodles with peanut sauce), and Xiamen-style pastries (like mung bean cakes and coconut cookies). For edible gifts, head to Huang Zehe (a well-known local brand) for peanut candy and sesame crisps.
Hundreds of shops also sell affordable casual wear, shoes, and accessories—ideal for budget shoppers. Stores like Semir and Meters/bonwe offer trendy, low-cost clothing that’s great for everyday wear. Near the coastal end, small boutiques stock Fujianese handicrafts, such as porcelain teacups (hand-painted with Xiamen harbor scenes) and bamboo weaving (small baskets or table mats) that make unique souvenirs.
The street ends at the Gulangyu Ferry Terminal, so after shopping, you can walk 5 minutes to the waterfront for views of Gulangyu Island’s skyline. Adjacent lanes—like Siming East Road and Jukou Street—are hidden gems, with family-run shops selling vintage toys and hand-sewn fabrics that feel like a step back in time.
Take buses 2, 3, 4, 10, 12, 23, 25, 27, 30, or 32 to “Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street” stop. The nearest BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit) station is “Zhongshan Road” (Line 1), a 3-minute walk from the street’s entrance.
Evenings (6 PM–9 PM) when the street is lit up, and food stalls (selling grilled squid and stinky tofu) are in full swing—avoid weekends if you prefer fewer crowds.
Longtou Road on Gulangyu Island
As Gulangyu Island’s main commercial street, Longtou Road is a must-visit for anyone exploring the “Piano Island.” Unlike Xiamen’s modern malls, this pedestrian-only street offers quirky boutiques, artisanal shops, and island-specific souvenirs—all with a laid-back, bohemian vibe.
Winding through Gulangyu’s tree-lined lanes, Longtou Road is dotted with colorful storefronts, small cafes, and street artists painting island scenes. The pace is slower here—perfect for browsing after visiting Gulangyu’s historic villas (like the Former Residence of Lin Juemin) or walking along its quiet beaches.
Fujianese handicrafts are the star buys here, and you’ll find plenty of stores selling pearl embroidery (delicate bags, scarves, and wall hangings made with freshwater pearls) and carved lacquerware (red or black boxes and vases etched with floral patterns). Stores like Gulangyu Craft House offer high-quality pieces, though prices are higher than on the mainland—feel free to negotiate for bulk purchases.
Island-themed souvenirs are also abundant. Look for cute, Gulangyu-branded items: fridge magnets shaped like pianos (a nod to the island’s “Piano Island” nickname), postcards with vintage villa photos, and scented candles with “sea breeze” or “osmanthus” fragrances (osmanthus trees line many of Gulangyu’s lanes, and their sweet scent fills the air in autumn).
Local snacks are a must-try too. Stop by Lin Zongxun Fish Ball Shop for fish balls (chewy, filled with pork) and grab a coconut ice cream (served in a fresh coconut shell) from street vendors—both make great on-the-go treats while you explore.
Wander the side lanes off Longtou Road (like Quanzhou Road) to find hidden bookstores (selling Chinese and English novels) and small galleries featuring local artists’ work. Many of these spots have cozy seating areas where you can pause with a cup of tea and soak up the island’s calm.
Take the ferry from Xiamen’s Domestic Ferry Terminal (near Zhongshan Road) to Gulangyu’s Sanqiutian Terminal. From there, walk 8 minutes along Longtou Road (follow the signs to “Gulangyu Commercial Area”). Note: Ferries to Gulangyu require advance booking (via the “Xiamen Ferry” app); tickets cost ~¥35 for adults (round-trip).
Morning (9 AM–11 AM) to avoid cruise ship crowds, or late afternoon (4 PM–6 PM) when the sun is softer and cafes offer happy hour deals on coffee or fruit tea.
Robinson Plaza - 罗宾森购物广场
For a modern, one-stop shopping experience, Robinson Plaza is Xiamen’s go-to for global brands, dining, and entertainment—especially convenient if you’re staying near Xiamen Railway Station or arriving by train.
Situated directly opposite Xiamen Railway Station and Central Bus Terminal, the mall spans 5 floors and covers 120,000 square meters. It’s designed for ease: clear signage, wide corridors, and plenty of seating areas make it easy to navigate, even with shopping bags or kids in tow.
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Fashion and beauty brands fill the mall, with international and domestic options to suit every style and budget. You’ll find ZARA, H&M, and UNIQLO for casual wear, Estée Lauder and Lancôme for cosmetics, and Coach for affordable luxury bags. The 3rd floor has a large children’s section with Disney and Barbie stores, making it a hit with families.
Electronics and home goods are also well-represented. The 4th floor features Suning (a major electronics chain) selling phones, laptops, and small appliances (like rice cookers and air purifiers—great for picking up practical items if you’re staying in Xiamen long-term). For home decor, check out Miniso (a Japanese-style brand) for minimalist items, from candles to storage boxes, at budget-friendly prices.
The 5th floor is a food court with options for every taste. Try Haidilao Hot Pot (spicy Sichuan-style, with table-side service like hand massages) or Pizza Hut for international fare, or opt for local Fujianese restaurants serving braised pork ribs with taro (a hearty, sweet-savory dish). There’s also a cinema (showing Chinese and international films) and a kids’ play area where little ones can burn off energy while parents shop.
Take MTR Line 1 to “Xiamen Railway Station” (Exit 3), a 2-minute walk to the mall. Buses 1, 3, 19, 28, and 43 stop at “Xiamen Railway Station South Square,” a 5-minute walk away.
Weekday afternoons (2 PM–5 PM) when crowds are thin—weekends and holidays (like Chinese New Year) get very busy, especially near the food court and kids’ play area.
SM Shopping Mall - SM城市广场
Xiamen’s first large-scale modern mall, SM Shopping Mall (short for “Shoemart,” a Philippine retail chain) is a local favorite for its mix of affordability, variety, and convenience. It has two branches in Xiamen—SM City Plaza I (the original, more popular) and SM City Plaza II (connected by a skybridge)—but the first branch is the best for shopping.
SM City Plaza I has 6 floors, each with a clear focus to make shopping easy. The B1 Floor houses Carrefour Supermarket, where you can stock up on fresh seafood (Xiamen’s coastal location means shrimp, crabs, and fish are always fresh), imported snacks, and Xiamen specialties like dried shrimp and seaweed. There’s also a “local food market” here with stalls selling peanut soup and oyster omelets (a Xiamen staple).
The 1st Floor is home to designer and fast-fashion brands, including Michael Kors, Calvin Klein Jeans, Bershka, and Stradivarius—great for updating your wardrobe with on-trend pieces. The 2nd and 3rd Floors feature men’s and women’s clothing (from brands like Jack & Jones and Only), children’s wear (Anta Kids for sporty styles), and sportswear (Nike, Adidas for athletic gear).
The 4th Floor is a go-to for tech lovers, with Sabo Digital Plaza selling 3C products (laptops, cameras, and phone accessories) from brands like Apple and Huawei. It also has Xiamen Bookstore—one of the city’s largest, with a wide selection of Chinese and English books, plus stationery and gifts like calligraphy sets.
The mall isn’t just for shopping. It has a bowling alley (great for group outings), a video game arcade (with classic games like basketball and dance machines), and a cinema with an IMAX screen for immersive movie experiences. The rooftop garden is a quiet spot to relax after shopping, with views of Xiamen’s skyline and green spaces below.
Take MTR Line 1 to “SM City Plaza Station” (Exit 1), directly connected to the mall via an underground passage. Buses 10, 27, 33, 51, and 133 stop at “SM City Plaza” stop.
Weekday mornings (10 AM–12 PM) when the supermarket is less crowded, or evenings (7 PM–9 PM) for entertainment—the bowling alley and arcade are busiest then, but still have plenty of space for casual visits.
Shi Mao Mall - 世贸商城
Shi Mao Mall is one of the most prestigious large shopping entertainment places in Xiamen, adjacent to the railway station. The transportation is convenient. It is home to the international famous Wal-mart supermarket, Printemps, McDonald's, KFC, etc. And the Ke Le Dining Plaze in the mall collects all the famous and tradition of famous snacks in Xiamen, as well as other flavor snack at home and abroad.
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