Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Xiamen is a coastal city in southeastern China, known for its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50-100 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering reliable connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Chinese Yuan (CNY). As of April 2025, 1 USD ≈ 6.7 CNY. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, with Type A/C plugs commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards (Visa, MasterCard) accepted in some places. Local banks like Bank of China offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments, and serviced residences, with prices ranging from CNY 2,000 to CNY 5,000 monthly. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payment systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are popular; expect to pay around CNY 300-700 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Xiamen International Youth Hostel offer dorm beds starting at CNY 100 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Gulangyu Island is the top choice with its scenic views and historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Siming District, especially near Zhongshan Road, offers cafes, coworking spaces, and vibrant nightlife. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Xiamen Makerspace offers a vibrant community and good amenities for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Volcan is popular among nomads for its coffee and work-friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events at Xiamen International Conference Center attract professionals and entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like Xiamen Expats host regular meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the most commonly used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo offer bike-sharing services throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Huli Hill Fort Beach is a popular choice, just 20 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Xiamen Airlines operates numerous flights within China and to neighboring countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international airlines such as China Southern Airlines and Air China serve Xiamen. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | G15 highway connects Xiamen with major cities in Fujian province and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Xiamen North Railway Station serves as the city's main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus and Metro cards available for easy public transport; monthly passes cost around CNY 100. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available to nearby cities like Quanzhou and Zhangzhou. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Xiamen Five Star Hospital is renowned for its quality healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Karma Yoga Studio offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Fitness First provide modern facilities for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and cleaning services are widely available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me are the top food delivery platforms. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Xiamen Shacha Noodles', a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Kitchen offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dayang Island is famous for its local snacks and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Xiamen Zengcuoan Village has affordable food markets. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Dmall offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zhongshan Road is the main nightlife district with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Xiamen Craft Beer is a local favorite, with tasting tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine House offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Xiamen's seafood market is known for its variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as Pizza Marzano serve international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gulangyu Island and Nanputuo Temple are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Xiamen Museum showcases regional history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The South Putuo Temple is a significant religious site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Nanputuo Temple is a popular site for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Xiamen International Music Festival is a notable yearly event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zengcuoan Cultural Village is vibrant with art and performances. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Xiamen Grand Theatre offers a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Xiamen Shapowei Creative Park offers trendy shops and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like Live House host local musicians and bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art installations can be found around Zhongshan Road. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes for local cuisine are available at Xiamen Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Xiamen Art Museum features contemporary Chinese art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The reclaimed buildings on Gulangyu Island showcase colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich history with influences from colonial times. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jimei School Village offers beautiful gardens and landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gulangyu Island is a small but beautiful scenic area. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Xiamen's coastal paths, especially along the Huandao Road, are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Bailuzhou Park offers stunning views of the sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Xiamen is a stopover for migratory birds, especially at Kinmen Islands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Xiamen Beach have designated fire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express is a reliable parcel delivery service. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | There are numerous electronics repair shops around Siming District. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like Xiamen University offer Mandarin classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Xiamen Library is a great place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various activities for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Playzone offers a variety of gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Xiamen, but there are entertainment options like arcade games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CNY 30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CNY 1,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CNY 20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CNY 800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CNY 28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CNY 1,680,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CNY 18,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CNY 1,080,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CNY 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CNY 2,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CNY 15,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CNY 1,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income at varying rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules for foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax applies and varies by location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives; digital nomads should plan accordingly. |