Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Try two local spots for lunch to compare flavors and portions while keeping meals under control; aim to choose one primary spot but allow for a quick second option if undecided. (01:04)
- Tip 2If you go for the cable car, go early or late in the day to avoid long queues and consider sunset for dramatic city views. (06:50)
- Tip 3Explore Shapowei on foot, focusing on murals and cafes; perfect for a relaxed afternoon with people-watching. (11:05)
- Tip 4Relax at Baicheng Beach at sunset for best light and a Busan-like seaside vibe; bring a jacket for breeze. (12:04)
- Tip 5Book a balanced spa day; compare value of entry versus add-ons like massages and private pools to maximize benefit. (14:31)
Ian and Jenny, aka Chasing The Chungs, set out to answer a simple question: is Xiamen a budget paradise worthy of a quick two day visit, or a clever tourist trap that overpromises? They frame their journey as mid-range travelers who track every cost and weigh value above all. The trip unfolds with a mix of free and paid experiences centered around Nanputuo Temple, Shapowei Art District, Baicheng Beach, Zhongshan Road, and a Suke hot spring mega spa that boasts an unlimited seafood buffet. The tone is practical and budget-conscious, with a clear verdict emerging: Xiamen can feel like budget Hawaii if you pick the right days and spots, but it can slide into tourist trap territory if you chase quantity over quality. Their first day leans into “Hawaii vibes” with street-food lunches, a scenic cable car viewpoint that proves variable in value, and city views that are worth it mostly for the peace and scenery when timed well. Day two pivots to the spa experience, where the mega spa access, $
More about the current video:
Ian and Jenny, traveling as mid-range explorers, start by weighing Xiamen’s nickname Hawaii of China against the reality of budget travel. They sample a pair of inexpensive dumplings and a peanut soup at two different eateries to compare flavors and value, then ride a cable car for a city view that may be worth it depending on the time of day and queue length. The day also includes a stroll through Nanputuo Temple and Xiamen University for scenic views, followed by a visit to Shapowei Art District, which comes alive at dusk with murals, cafes, and street life. Baicheng Beach delivers a sunset moment that feels reminiscent of Busan, while Zhongshan Road offers bustling nighttime energy and endless snack options. The centerpiece becomes a premium spa day, a jjimjilbang-style complex offering baths, saunas, a buffet, and even a movie room, all for a steep price that initially disappoints but eventually reveals surprising value in food and overall experience. The video closes with a verdict: Xiamen is not a Hawaiian paradise, but with smart choices it delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious travelers who balance local eats with occasional splurges. The final tally for two days sits around 207 USD, including lodging, meals, transport, and spa, prompting viewers to decide if their style of travel could fit here. Chasing The Chungs invites comments on their experience and teases a deeper blog post with itineraries and pins for cost breakdowns.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: Is Xiamen really a budget Hawaii?
- A: Yes, with careful planning and smart choices about where and when you splurge, Xiamen can feel like budget Hawaii rather than a tourist trap.