Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is located in Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province. It is Xiamen's most iconic old commercial street and a landmark of the city. The street is defined by its arcade (Qilou) buildings, which form one of the largest and best-preserved arcade commercial streets in China. Combining Nanyang (Southeast Asian) style with Minnan (southern Fujian) characteristics, it integrates shopping, dining, leisure, cultural tourism, and sightseeing, making it a signature symbol of Xiamen's commercial and historical culture. The main stretch of Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is about 1.2 kilometers long, with a total block area of approximately 230,000 square meters and over a thousand shops along the street. It is one of the busiest pedestrian streets in Xiamen, with the highest foot traffic and the most vibrant commercial atmosphere.
History and Culture
Zhongshan Road was first built in 1925 and originally named Zhonghua Road. It was a significant achievement of Xiamen's modern urban planning and construction, and from its inception, it became the city's core commercial artery. In 1928, it was officially renamed Zhongshan Road in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, witnessing Xiamen's complete evolution from a modern trading port to a contemporary tourist city.
The street's signature arcade buildings blend elements of traditional Minnan dwellings, colonial Nanyang architecture, and Western classical styles. They are typical carriers of modern overseas Chinese culture and maritime trade culture, and an important historical symbol of Xiamen as a homeland for overseas Chinese. For much of its modern history, Zhongshan Road served as Xiamen's commercial, financial, and cultural center, gathering numerous time-honored brands, traditional merchant houses, and folk craft workshops, preserving rich cultural memories of local customs, cuisine, and commerce.
Since the 21st century, Zhongshan Road has undergone multiple protective renovations and business upgrades, retaining its historical character while incorporating modern commercial functions. It has become a vital window for Xiamen's historical and cultural heritage and urban tourism development, and a representative district where Minnan culture, overseas Chinese culture, and maritime culture converge.
Major Attractions
Arcade Building Complex
The arcade building complex is the core landscape of Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, running along the entire main street. Most buildings are 2 to 4 stories high, featuring continuous covered walkways that provide shade and shelter from rain. These structures are iconic examples of the fusion of Nanyang style and Minnan characteristics. The complex largely retains its Republican-era appearance, with ornate fa?ade decorations that combine practicality and aesthetic appeal, making it one of the best-preserved modern arcade districts in China.
Zhonghua City
Located in the central section of Zhongshan Road, Zhonghua City is the largest modern commercial complex within the street area. Its architecture echoes the arcade style, while its interior integrates shopping, dining, entertainment, and creative cultural products. It is a benchmark of historical preservation blended with contemporary commerce and a must-visit commercial attraction on Zhongshan Road.
Huang Zehe Peanut Soup Shop
Huang Zehe Peanut Soup is a time-honored Xiamen food shop located along Zhongshan Road. Founded in 1949, it specializes in traditional Minnan snacks such as peanut soup, chive fritters (jiu caí he), and fried jujube cakes (zha zao). It represents the local food culture of Zhongshan Road and is popular with both locals and tourists.
Jukou Street
Jukou Street is a branch pedestrian lane off Zhongshan Road, about 200 meters long. It is known for Minnan specialty snacks, creative souvenir items, and folk craft products. The lane is narrow and bustling, offering the most authentic, lively street atmosphere in the Zhongshan Road area.
South Putuo Temple Access Path
The eastern section of Zhongshan Road has a walking passage that leads directly to South Putuo Temple and Xiamen University, serving as a key node connecting the historical commercial district with cultural attractions, making it convenient for visitors to combine these core sights in one tour.
Suggested Route：
West Entrance of Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street → Arcade Building Complex → Jukou Street → Huang Zehe Peanut Soup Shop → Zhonghua City → East Entrance of Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Travel Tips：
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours; night visits are especially recommended as the street's lighting effects are more impressive after dark.
Prioritize walking along the main arcade street to appreciate the historical architecture, then explore the branch alleys for snacks and handicrafts.
Can be combined with South Putuo Temple, Xiamen University, and Gulangyu Island for a full-day itinerary.
For Minnan snacks, opt for time-honored local brands like Huang Zehe and 1980 Glutinous Rice Dumplings for more authentic flavors.
Visitors interested in creative souvenirs and gifts can find Xiamen specialty products at Zhonghua City and various shops along the street.
On weekends and public holidays, foot traffic is heavy; visiting during off-peak hours is recommended for a better experience.
Important Notes：
Zhongshan Road is a pure pedestrian zone; motor vehicles and non-motorized vehicles are prohibited.
During holidays, crowds are dense; please take care of your personal belongings.
Confirm prices before making purchases at street-side shops to avoid disputes.
Spitting and littering are prohibited; help keep the area clean.
Some side alleys are narrow—be courteous and avoid crowding.
Snack shops have limited seating; dining during off-peak hours can reduce wait times.
Transportation：
Bus: Take routes 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 21, 22, 32, 45, 48, 121, 122, 135, or 853 and get off at Zhonghua City Station, Zhongshan Road Station, or Lundu Post Office Station; then walk to the street.
Metro: Take Metro Line 1 to Zhenhai Road Station, then walk about 500 meters to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.
Ferry: If returning from Gulangyu Island to Xiamen Island, disembark at Lundu Ferry Terminal and walk about 800 meters to reach the street.
Taxi / Ride-hailing: Directly navigate to "Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street" or "Zhonghua City."
Opening Hours：
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is an open-area street, accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, with no closing time. Shop operating hours are generally 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; some snack and food stalls open from 7:00 AM to midnight. During holidays, business hours are often extended.
Admission：
Free entry. Some entertainment facilities and activities within the street area may charge fees.