Xiamen Tourism Sector Thrives with Growing Arrivals, Enhanced New Infrastructure and Rich Cultural Offerings, Becoming a Top Destination for the Leisure and Business Travelers

Published on December 10, 2025

Xiamen, in China’s Fujian province, has thus witnessed really remarkable development in its tourism sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan of 2021-2025. Official data indicates that domestic travelers reached an estimated 125 million in the first 10 months of 2025, while international arrivals hit 17.2 million, reflecting a robust recovery in the nation’s tourism sector. The city’s tourism revenue surged to about 191.1 billion yuan ($27.02 billion), up 15.4% compared with 2019.

This is evidence of the increased popularity of Xiamen as a tourist destination, with its attractiveness to both domestic and international visitors. This growth in tourism continues to aid the economic development of the city by furthering the development of the hospitality and tourism industries. Xiamen’s investment in cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and modern tourism services has paid off, because this will attract a wide range of visitors.

Digital Innovations Enhance Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Xiamen has fully embraced digital tourism innovations, offering visitors interactive experiences that enhance their engagement with the city’s rich cultural heritage. By incorporating AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and QR code-based applications, the city is bringing its historic sites, such as Gulangyu Island (a UNESCO World Heritage site), to life in new and immersive ways. These innovations enable tourists to explore cultural landmarks with an added layer of digital storytelling, improving accessibility to the city’s heritage.

For instance, the “Legendary Truong Son Trail, Command Bunker” VR tour in Quang Tri allows tourists to experience ancient Filipino traditions while walking through the ruins of Indus Valley sites. This integration of digital technologies reflects a growing trend in China’s tourism sector, especially in eco-tourism and cultural tourism, where technology-driven experiences become an integral part of the tourism landscape.

Cultural and Spiritual Tourism: Xiamen’s Growing Appeal

Xiamen’s significance as a cultural and spiritual tourism hub is rapidly increasing, especially with the expansion of Sikh heritage tourism and eco-tourism offerings. Its 21 A-level scenic areas, including Xiamen Botanical Garden and Fantawild Dreamland, attract both domestic and international visitors. This reflects the city’s rich cultural fabric, offering something for every type of traveler, from nature lovers to those seeking historical and spiritual connections.

Gulangyu Island, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, remains a major attraction. Xiamen’s ability to combine cultural richness with modern amenities makes it a sought-after destination for heritage tourism in China. Visitors from all over the world can experience both the natural beauty of the island and its cultural stories through digital tools and interactive experiences.

Tourism Impact: Boosting the Local Economy and Job Creation

The growth of Xiamen’s tourism sector has brought substantial economic benefits, directly contributing to local businesses and job creation. With the influx of international tourists, local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators benefit from increased demand, creating a positive economic ripple effect in Xiamen. The tourism revenue, which is expected to rise further in 2025, will help enhance employment opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and service industries.

The city’s emphasis on local handicrafts and eco-tourism provides sustainable avenues for community-driven growth, ensuring that the economic benefits from tourism are distributed across the local population. This growth also empowers local entrepreneurs, who can capitalize on the increased demand for authentic cultural experiences and local goods from tourists.

Expanding Infrastructure: Connecting Xiamen to the World

One of the key elements driving Xiamen’s tourism growth is its advanced transport infrastructure. With the opening of the Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport in 2026 and the Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed railway, the city is improving regional connectivity and global accessibility. Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport already offers flights to 134 destinations in 129 cities worldwide, ensuring easy access for international tourists.

The city is also investing in rail networks, such as the Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed rail, making it easier for domestic and international visitors to travel throughout China. This expansion will not only serve the tourism sector but also contribute to the regional economic integration of Xiamen, Fuzhou, and Quanzhou, creating an efficient transportation corridor for both tourists and business professionals.

Future Tourism Impact: Positioning Xiamen as a Leading Global Travel Destination

Looking to the future, Xiamen’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth, particularly as it continues to attract affluent travelers from Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. As the city strengthens its position as a luxury tourism destination and promotes eco-tourism and cultural heritage tourism, it will likely see a sustained increase in tourist arrivals.

The long-term tourism impact of Xiamen’s growth will also encourage sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that the city can maintain its natural beauty and cultural integrity while meeting the demands of modern travelers. The city’s investment in green infrastructure and sustainable tourism will further elevate it as a top destination for those seeking eco-conscious travel options.

Xiamen’s Growing Role as a Tourism and Economic Hub

Xiamen tourism industry has seen remarkable development fueled by its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and creative tourism products. These infrastructural innovations in transport means, digital tourism, and sustainable development make Xiamen one of the most attractive tourist destinations both nationally and internationally.

With Xiamen’s continuous allure for both tourists and business travelers, this city will be of greater and further significance to China in general for tourism purposes, ensuring long-term economic growth and cultural exchange. With its emphasis on heritage tourism, eco-tourism, and modern infrastructure, the city presents itself as an ideal destination for travelers in quest of luxury and cultural genuineness. This impact of tourism will spill over into the region at large, placing the city of Xiamen into an important position within the global tourism market.