Xiamen, China 🇨🇳
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Xiamen, also known as Amoy, is a coastal city in southeastern China known for its mild climate and beautiful seascapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3.5 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 75 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CNY ≈ 0.15 USD. Major banks include Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Bank of China. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A, C, and I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, with affordable prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Alipay and WeChat Pay widely accepted, with international debit/credit cards usable in major locations. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available through Booking.com, Airbnb, and local rental agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are popular options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Xiamen International Youth Hostel and Sail Dragon International Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Xiamen Huamin International Conference Center offers flexible desk options. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee First is known for a quiet atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups organized through Xiamen Toastmasters and expat groups on WeChat. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Xiamen Expat Community groups arrange regular meetups and social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the most popular ride-hailing service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Public bike-sharing services such as Mobike and Ofo are widely available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Gulangyu Island is renowned for its stunning beaches and is only a ferry ride away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Xiamen Air offers regional flights across Asia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air China and China Eastern connect Xiamen to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways such as G1518 and G324 provide easy access to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Xiamen Railway Station connects to major cities in China. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Xiamen public transport cards can be purchased for easy access to buses and metro. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently to nearby cities like Zhangzhou and Quanzhou. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Xiamen University Affiliated Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room Xiamen offers various classes for all skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | One Gym Club has multiple locations and offers affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and pickup/delivery services are available around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Ele.me and Meituan are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the renowned Xiamen seafood noodles (Shacha Mian). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan and vegetarian circles are growing, with Liugong Island Vegetarian Restaurant being a must-visit. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the local mango sago at Haiwan Hanjue. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Explore Zhongshan Road for local snacks and budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Fresh grocery delivery services include Alibaba's Hema. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | South Putuo area has a mix of bars and restaurants for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Xiamen Brewery produces various craft beers and offers tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Visit Wine Bar 53 for a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Zhongshan Road pedestrian street is famous for various street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Authentic Italian at Carluccio’s is a favorite among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the South Putuo Temple and Xiamen Gulangyu island for historical significance. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Xiamen Museum showcases rich cultural history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Haicang Bridge offers scenic views and a glimpse into the city’s historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Nanputuo Temple is an important Buddhist site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Xiamen International Marathon is held every January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Gulangyu is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Xiamen Grand Theater hosts various performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Xiamen's local markets offer a taste of the regional produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are common at venues like Bohemian Most. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Gulangyu island features vibrant street art along its historic buildings. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn to cook local dishes at Ede's Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the Xiamen Art Museum for contemporary exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | JVacant house in Huandao Road showcases colonial-era architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's significant cultural blend is reflected in its architecture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Xiamen Botanical Garden features various plant species and beautiful landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wuyi Mountain National Park is a popular hiking destination nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Taiwan Park has scenic paths for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Xiamen Viewing Platform offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Xiamen's wetlands are ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The beaches on Gulangyu Island have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and China Post offer reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops in the Taining Road area cater to various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis tables for local residents and visitors. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Mandarin language schools are available for language learning. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Xiamen Library is a quiet and resourceful place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host events and classes for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various gaming cafes can be found in the city, offering both PC and console gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Xiamen; however, nearby areas may have entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥25,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥1,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥18,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥720,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥22,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,320,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥2,240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥1,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% on most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, China has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate for property transactions. |