Find the Festive Spirit of the New Year in Xiamen during a Warm Winter: Stay at Yiyuan Sunshine Hotel and Unlock the Unique Minnan New Year and Slow-Paced Life in 7 Days
The Spring Festival in the North is a biting chill with winds carrying snowflakes, while the New Year in Xiamen is a warm and inviting blend of sunshine, sea breezes, and traditional red-brick houses. Choosing the Yiyuan Sunshine Hotel (SM City Plaza Xiamen Station) as our base for this trip not only allowed us to experience the overflowing Minnan New Year atmosphere but also surprised us with the upgraded IMAX theater room. This hotel, located near the core business district, is not only a transportation hub but also an excellent entry point for immersing ourselves in Xiamen's slow-paced lifestyle. Starting our 7-day holiday here, northern visitors can discover the unique charm of the Minnan New Year through delicious food, shopping, and leisure.
I. Double Surprises at the Hotel: Festive Atmosphere and Healing Audiovisual Experiences
Upon entering the hotel, the distinctive Minnan (Southern Fujian) New Year atmosphere immediately envelops you: "Door sugarcane" adorned with red silk hangs at the entrance, symbolizing "sweetness and continuous progress"; the lobby's electronic screen plays the Minnan folk song "January Song" on a loop, with the humorous saying, "Early on the first day, early on the second, sleep soundly on the third"; complimentary orange-red cakes and peanut brittle offered by the staff provide a taste of the sweet flavors of the Minnan New Year. The most delightful surprise, however, is the upgraded giant-screen audiovisual room. The spacious screen paired with surround sound allows you to relax on the soft sofa after a long day, select a favorite movie, and let the warm lighting create a private cinema atmosphere, instantly dispelling travel fatigue. The room retains its original comfortable layout, while the newly added audiovisual equipment maximizes value, ensuring a relaxing time for couples or families.
The hotel's location is a major plus. It's a 5-minute walk to Wushipu Station on Metro Line 1 and a 10-minute walk to SM City Plaza, making shopping, dining, and getting around incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle without the hassle of rushing around.
II. 7-Day Minnan New Year Itinerary: Food, Shopping, and Leisure in One Place
Day 1: First Impression of Xiamen - First Taste of the New Year
- After checking into the hotel, experience the Minnan New Year customs in the lobby, listening to staff explain local traditions like "gathering around the stove" and "sending away poverty."
- In the afternoon, walk to SM City Plaza, visit the "Zhou Tongxue" pop-up store, and buy some limited-edition Xiamen refrigerator magnets. After shopping, relax in the mall's cafe and get used to the slower pace.
- For dinner, we recommend a satay noodle shop near the hotel. The rich broth with fresh shrimp and tofu puffs offers a refreshing taste of Minnan's savory flavor.
- Back at the hotel in the evening, unlock the IMAX theater, choose a comedy, and end your first day with laughter. Day 2: A Culinary Feast: Tracing Traditional Flavors
- Breakfast: Head straight to the Eighth Market! Ah Jie's Five-Spice Chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while Zhu Ji's Hand-Shredded Chicken is incredibly flavorful. Paired with a bowl of smooth and creamy duck congee, it's a feast for the taste buds.
- Lunch: Check out Tong An Restaurant. Must-try dishes are the quintessential Minnan New Year's dishes—Tong An Braised Pork Belly and Ginger Duck. The braised pork belly is tender and juicy, rich yet not greasy, while the ginger duck is soaked in ginger juice, warming both body and soul.
- Afternoon: For a treat, try 1980's Grass Jelly. The overflowing sweetness and generous toppings are refreshing and cleansing. Passing by an oyster omelet stall, be sure to try the crispy on the outside and tender on the inside Minnan seafood.
- Dinner: Experience the "Gathering Around the Fire" (围炉) dinner. Order mustard greens and blanched octopus, and feel the ritualistic atmosphere of a Minnan family reunion meal.
Day 3: Shopping Spree – Bringing Home the Festive Spirit of the New Year
- In the morning, explore the SM City Plaza shopping district. Purchase Minnan New Year's goods at Walmart in Phase 1, including handmade rice cakes from Yuan Chu Foods and white sugar rice cakes from Wu Zaitian, symbolizing "rising higher every year."
- In Phase 2, browse MUJI and Uniqlo at SM Lifestyle Plaza, selecting New Year's outfits. Sephora's beauty and skincare products satisfy even the most discerning tastes. The "Double Happiness Knot" counter on the first floor offers auspicious gifts like intangible cultural heritage red ropes and auspicious cloud-shaped jade pendants.
- In the afternoon, head to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. Buy coconut cakes and pineapple cakes at Ajizai, and purchase limited-edition "Zhou Tongxue" postal items at the Xiamen Post Office, packing together the charm of Xiamen and the festive spirit of the New Year.
- In the evening, return to the hotel and watch your travel vlog in the IMAX theater, reminiscing about the day's highlights.
Day 4: Mountain and Sea Stroll - Savoring the Garden City
- In the morning, take the subway to Zengshan Station on the Mountain and Sea Health Trail. The suspended walkway connects "eight mountains and three waters," with the city on one side and the sea on the other, offering distant views of the Twin Towers and Kinmen Island. Breathe in the fresh air filled with the scent of grass, trees, and sea breeze.
- In the afternoon, head to Dapingshan Park in Haicang. The mountain trail is lined with colorful flower paths, and the mountaintop viewing platform offers panoramic views of Xihai Bay. The Haicang Bridge stretches like a rainbow across the water, a truly magnificent sight.
- In the evening, explore the Yundang Lake Fitness Trail. Walk through the forest, gaze at the lake, watch egrets roost, and experience the ecological beauty of this "Garden on the Sea." When you're tired, relax on the coffee street and enjoy a leisurely time.
- For dinner, choose a Minnan restaurant by the lake and try local specialties like pig intestines and fried dates—the fresh and sweet taste is unforgettable.
Day 5: Slow Living in a Fishing Village - An Encounter with Ancient Houses and Sea Breeze
- In the morning, take a taxi to Oucuo Fishing Village in Xiang'an District. The oyster-shell walls of the ancient houses paired with century-old banyan trees create a photogenic scene with dappled sunlight. In the cafes converted from old houses, the delightful combination of fish ball soup and coffee exudes a chic, sophisticated atmosphere.
- In the afternoon, stroll along the village's walking paths, watch the fishing boats return to port, listen to the old fishermen tell stories of "fishing for small catches," and buy some dried squid along the way, bringing home the salty aroma of the sea breeze.
- On the way back in the afternoon, pass by Xiatanwei Mangrove Park. Stroll along the long boardwalk; the vast mangrove forests offer a sense of healing, allowing you to experience the ecological beauty of Xiamen.
- In the evening, return to the hotel and watch an art film in the IMAX theater, relaxing with soft sound effects.
Day 6: A Feast of Intangible Cultural Heritage – An Immersive Cultural Experience
- In the morning, head to Gulangyu Island. Book your ferry tickets in advance through the "Xiamen Ferry Co., Ltd." WeChat official account. Depart from Sanqiutian Wharf and stroll through the island's alleyways, experiencing the blend of Nanyang-style architecture and festive red lanterns.
- At noon, enjoy a bowl of satay noodles on Longtou Road and buy some Gulangyu pastries as souvenirs. In the afternoon, experience lacquer thread carving and shadow carving at the Bagua Building, making your own intangible cultural heritage items and feeling the charm of Southern Fujian culture.
- In the evening, return to Zhongshan Road. The old arcade streets are adorned with red lanterns. Watch puppet shows and a chest-slapping dance performance, while the sounds of Nanyin pipa drift from street corners, immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Southern Fujian New Year.
- For dinner, try sea worm jelly – a delicious and chewy treat for the brave, even more flavorful with garlic chili sauce.
Day 7: Lantern Festival Closing - A Perfect Ending
- Woke up naturally in the morning, packed my luggage, and finally stopped at Jianfu Convenience Store to buy some snacks, savoring the taste of Xiamen.
- In the afternoon, headed to Gulangyu Island for the Lantern Festival. The lantern riddle fair in front of the Bagua Building was bustling with activity. Strolling through the alleys with lanterns, the sounds of Nanyin flutes and pianos created a wonderful atmosphere.
- For dinner, enjoyed a bowl of sweet Shangyuanwan (Minnan glutinous rice balls), symbolizing a perfect start to the new year. Before heading back, watched the sunset over the sea one last time, treasuring the memories of this warm winter.
- If time permits, return to the hotel and enjoy one last time in the IMAX theater, ending the trip with a heartwarming film.
III. Travel Tips
- Transportation: The hotel is near Wushipu Station on Metro Line 1, providing direct access to major attractions. Taxis are readily available to popular attractions. Be sure to book your Gulangyu Island ferry tickets in advance. - Clothing: The average daily temperature in Xiamen during the Spring Festival is around 20℃. Pack a light jacket to protect against the sea breeze, and comfortable sneakers for walks.
- New Year Customs: On the first day of the Lunar New Year, people get up early to exchange "Gong Xi" (Happy New Year) greetings. On the third day, people relax and enjoy the leisurely pace. The Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day is the perfect occasion to admire lanterns and eat glutinous rice balls.
This Spring Festival, escape the northern chill and stay at the Yiyuan Sunshine Hotel. Relax in the cozy giant-screen cinema, immerse yourself in the delicious aromas of Minnan cuisine, and find healing in the slow pace of life between the mountains and the sea. Xiamen's New Year is not about biting cold winds, but about an intensely festive atmosphere, a relaxed lifestyle, and warm hospitality, ensuring every visitor from the north has an unforgettable Spring Festival memory.