Xiamen

Zhongshan Road, one of Xiamen’s busiest shopping streets, is partially traffic-free and lined with a mix of well-known retail outlets, offering everything from clothing to footwear. However, it’s the side streets, which wind parallel to Zhongshan, where you’ll find a range of smaller, independent shops offering unique goods and a more local shopping experience.

Taiwan Snack Street buzzes with energy, drawing foodies to its tempting stalls. Here, you can sip on bubble tea, savour the bold flavours of stinky tofu, or crunch into crispy Taiwanese chicken. Adventurous eaters might take a bite of the quirky 'large sausage wrapped in small sausage' or enjoy roasted oysters straight from the grill. Souvenir shops also line the street, selling an eclectic mix of gifts and keepsakes at fair prices.

Wanda Plaza is one of the best destinations for shopping international brands in Xiamen, having introduced names like H&M, Zara and Uniqlo to the city. It also features a variety of dining options, a Walmart and the Wanda Plaza Cinema, home to the city’s first IMAX screen.

With six floors of shopping, SM City Plaza is a sprawling retail haven where you can find a wide range of local and international brands alongside plenty of dining options. And for those looking to unwind, the mall features a cinema for the latest blockbusters.

Longtou Lu is the bustling heart of Gulangyu Island’s commercial scene, lined with numerous souvenir shops offering a wide variety of local handicrafts. From colourful pottery and traditional calligraphy to intricate jade articles, antiques, porcelain, and postcards, there’s plenty to explore.