Xiamen, China
Best places to shop in Xiamen
4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Xiamen — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-09
1. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Photo: HualinXMN · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
The arcaded colonial-era shopping street running to the sea — local snacks, tea, pearls and clothing under qilou arcades.
Where: Street ShoppingMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 09:00–22:00Cost: Budget–Mid
2. Gulangyu Island shops
Photo: jeanbi · CC BY 2.0 · source
The car-free island's lanes — craft, coral and shell work, pianos and music shops, and local snack producers.
Where: Street ShoppingMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 08:00–19:00Cost: Mid-rangeWatch out Coral and some shell products cannot legally be imported into the EU, US, Australia and many other countries under CITES. Buying them risks confiscation and a fine at your own border.
3. Bailuzhou and Xiamen tea markets
Photo: Bryanken · Pexels License · source
The Anxi and Wuyi tea trade — oolong, Tieguanyin and Da Hong Pao sold from dedicated tea markets and shops across the city.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 09:00–19:00Cost: Mid-rangeTip: Sit down and taste before buying. Any serious tea shop expects this and will brew several grades for comparison.
4. SM City and Mixc Xiamen
Photo: Tom Fisk · Pexels License · source
The main modern malls — international brands, supermarkets, cinemas and food halls.
Where: MallMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–22:00Cost: Mid-range
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