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XMN ZSAM

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Xiamen, China · Since 1983

China
🇨🇳
IATA XMN
ICAO ZSAM
Coordinates 24.544°, 118.1277°

Last updated:

27.0M
Annual Passengers
2
Terminals
150+
Destinations
75%
On-Time
1
Runways
18m
Elevation (59 ft)
UTC+8
Timezone

About XMN

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport serves Xiamen, a scenic coastal city in Fujian Province known for its pleasant climate, colonial Gulangyu Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and strong ties to Taiwan and Southeast Asian Chinese communities. The airport is uniquely located on Xiamen Island itself, just minutes from the city center. It handles over 27 million passengers annually and serves as the hub for Xiamen Air. With terminals T3 and T4 (T1 and T2 were demolished and replaced), the airport is a key gateway to Fujian Province and an important link to Taiwan with frequent cross-strait flights.

Hub For

Xiamen Air (hub), China Southern Airlines (focus city)

Terminals

XMN Terminal 3

Terminal 3

Handles domestic flights for most carriers. Modern terminal with efficient layout and good amenities. The compact size means short walking distances between check-in and gates.

Gates A01-A30 10 min transfer
Lounges Shopping Dining
Airlines: Xiamen Air (domestic), Air China, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, domestic carriers
XMN Terminal 4

Terminal 4

The main international terminal also handling select domestic flights. Newer facility with expanded duty-free shopping, dining options, and premium lounges. Handles all international and cross-strait (Taiwan) flights.

Gates B01-B40 15 min transfer
Lounges Shopping Dining Showers
Airlines: Xiamen Air (international), China Eastern, Cathay Pacific, all international and Taiwan carriers

Minimum Connection Times (MCT)

45 min Domestic → Domestic
70 min International → International
85 min Domestic ↔ International

Airlines at XMN

Showing 8 of 39 airlines. View all airlines →

Getting There & Away

BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), regular buses, taxis, Didi ride-hailing, ferry to Gulangyu

Taxi

$3-5

15-25 minutes to city center

Public Transport

$0.30-0.50

25-40 minutes to city center

Parking at XMN

Parking structures adjacent to both T3 and T4 with affordable rates. The airport is close to the city so short-term parking is very popular....

Short Term

T3 Parking Garage

$8.00 /day
Short Term

T4 Parking Garage

$8.00 /day
Economy

Economy Surface Lot

$4.00 /day

Airport Lounges

Xiamen Air White Heron Lounge at XMN
4.3 ★
Airline

Xiamen Air White Heron Lounge

Terminal 4

Flagship lounge named after Xiamen's symbol, the white egret. Elegant Minnan-style design with wooden lattice screens and ocean views. Hot buffet features Fujian specialties including satay noodles, oyster omelettes, and peanut soup. Premium tea selection, shower suites, and quiet rest area.

Showers Sleep Area Bar Hot Food WiFi
Access: Xiamen Air Gold/Platinum, SkyTeam Elite Plus, Business/First Class on MF flights
Egret VIP Lounge at XMN
3.9 ★
Independent

Egret VIP Lounge

Terminal 4

Well-designed independent lounge with Minnan cultural touches. Serves Xiamen-style satay noodles, spring rolls, and traditional Fujian snacks alongside standard buffet fare. Shower rooms, rest zone, and a small library of Chinese and English books.

Showers Sleep Area Bar Hot Food WiFi
Access: Walk-in ($20), Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass
Blue Sky Domestic Lounge at XMN
3.5 ★
Independent

Blue Sky Domestic Lounge

Terminal 3

Compact domestic lounge with hot noodles, dim sum, beverages, and a quiet rest area. Affordable walk-in rate makes it good value for a comfortable wait.

Sleep Area Hot Food WiFi
Access: Walk-in ($15), Priority Pass, DragonPass

Where to Stay

Nearby Hotels

Pullman Xiamen Airport near XMN

Pullman Xiamen Airport

★★★★

5-minute drive from terminals, complimentary shuttle

Premium hotel very close to the airport with complimentary shuttle. Features rooftop pool, gym, spa, and multiple restaurants including Fujian and Western cuisine. Day rooms available for layovers.

Capsule Hotels

Xiamen Airport Capsule Rest near XMN

Xiamen Airport Capsule Rest

★★

Inside T4 departures area, near Gate B25

Modern capsule rest facility inside the terminal with private pods, USB charging, and fresh linens. Day-use from 2 hours. Perfect for transit passengers who don't want to leave the secure area.

Food & Dining

Nanputuo Vegetarian Kitchen at XMN
$$

Nanputuo Vegetarian Kitchen

Chinese/Vegetarian

Terminal 3 (Airside)

Inspired by the famous Nanputuo Temple's vegetarian tradition. Buddhist-style vegetarian dishes using tofu, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables crafted to look and taste like meat dishes. Peaceful ambiance with traditional Minnan decor.

Vegetarian

7:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Taiwan Street Bites at XMN
$

Taiwan Street Bites

Taiwanese/Asian

Terminal 4 (Landside)

Reflecting Xiamen's strong ties to Taiwan, this eatery serves Taiwanese favorites including bubble tea, braised pork rice (lu rou fan), beef noodle soup, and scallion pancakes. Popular with cross-strait travelers.

Vegetarian

6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Xiamen Satay Noodle House at XMN
$$

Xiamen Satay Noodle House

Chinese/Fujian

Terminal 4 (Airside)

Xiamen's signature dish—satay noodles (shachámian) in a rich peanut and spice broth with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and your choice of noodle type. Also serves oyster omelettes and Fujian spring rolls. A must-try local specialty.

Vegetarian

6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Car Rental

China Auto Rental (CAR Inc.)

T4 Arrivals Hall, Car Rental Counter

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Domestic chain with counter in T4. Useful for exploring Fujian Province—Tulou earthen buildings are a popular day trip. International driving permits not valid in China.

eHi Car Rental

T3 Arrivals, near Exit 2

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Competitive rates for exploring the Fujian coast. Book via their app for discounts. Good selection of sedans and compact SUVs.

What to Do During a Layover

Inside the Airport

Minnan Tea Ceremony Experience at XMN

Minnan Tea Ceremony Experience

2.0h+ needed $8

Fujian Province is the birthplace of oolong tea, and the terminal features several traditional tea shops offering gongfu tea ceremonies. Sample Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess) and Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) teas in the traditional Minnan style without leaving the airport.

Explore the City

These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.

Xiamen University & Nanputuo Temple at XMN

Xiamen University & Nanputuo Temple

4.0h+ needed Visa may be required

Visit one of China's most beautiful university campuses and the adjacent Nanputuo Buddhist Temple. Both are free to enter (university requires ID). The temple is famous for its vegetarian restaurant. Only 15 minutes from the airport by taxi.

Gulangyu Island UNESCO Visit at XMN

Gulangyu Island UNESCO Visit

5.0h+ needed $5 Visa may be required

The airport is so close to the city that visiting UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island is feasible even during a moderate layover. Take a taxi to Dongdu Ferry Terminal (20 min), ferry to the island (20 min), explore the car-free island with its colonial mansions, piano museum, and Sunlight Rock viewpoint. Ferry costs about $1.

Practical Information

WiFi & Connectivity

  • Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
  • Speed Rating: ●●●●○
  • Power Outlets: Type A, Type I (Chinese), USB
  • SIM Cards: Available for purchase

Services

  • Left Luggage: $2-4/day
  • Showers: Free in premium lounges
  • Medical Services: Available
  • Prayer Rooms: Available

Family Facilities

  • Children's Play Areas
  • Nursing Rooms
  • Family Restrooms

Money & Currency

  • Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
  • Exchange: Bank of China counters in T3 and T4 arrivals and T4 international departures
  • Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM
  • Tipping: Tipping is not expected in China. Prices are all-inclusive at restaurants and for services.

Good exchange rates for Taiwan Dollar given the frequent cross-strait traffic. ATMs widely available. Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted everywhere.

Smoking Areas

Smoking rooms available in both terminals before security and in transit areas

Lost & Found

Lost and found counter in each terminal arrivals hall. Airport service hotline available 24/7.

When to Fly

Best time: March-May, October-December

Peak seasons: Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), National Day (Oct 1-7), Summer (Jul-Aug)

Facilities & Contact

Airport Facilities

Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, left luggage, VIP lounges, nursing rooms, children's play areas, smoking rooms, prayer rooms, medical center, charging stations, duty-free shops, Minnan culture exhibition

Location

24.544, 118.1277

Elevation: 18 m

Official Website

www.xmairport.com.cn

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