Taxis are cheap, starting at Â¥8 plus Â¥3 fuel tax - so Â¥11 for the first 3 kilometers. After the first 3km, the meter charge will go up based on distance. Note that although the meter may read with a decimal, most taxi drivers will round up. Also note that for rides over 3km, the fuel tax is Â¥2 so add that to whatever the meter reads. During the day time, you should be able to get anywhere on Xiamen island, including the airport, for under Â¥40. But be wary that some taxi drivers might take advantage of you if they know that you are not a local and might take the longer route to your destination. For example, if the driver says "HuándÇo Lù" after you tell him where you want to go, say bù no, because that is the ring road that circles the entire island and although it is scenic, it is likely the most expensive way to go.
The local bus system is very good, but the bus routes are listed in Chinese and do not have English on them. The BRT is Bus Rapid Transit, on elevated bus-only roads; very fast and comfortable but of course it does not go everywhere. Fare is usually ¥1 per person.
There is a frequent ferry service to/from GÇlà ngyÇ. The ferry terminal is just north of the Liujiang Waterfront Hotel. No charge for the journey out; buy tickets near the pier on GÇlà ngyÇ for the return trip, ¥8. More comfortable seating on the upper deck for an extra Â¥1 going either direction; you pay for that on the ferry.
To go around by bike is a great way to explore this gifted Island. Try the Island Ring Road HuándÇo Lù which has an extra path for bicycles in most of its parts. Start at Xiamen University Beach and go up until the International Exhibition Center. There are various rental stations on the HuándÇo Road, starting at Â¥30 per day. Enjoy the sunshine while cruising next to the sea. If you are leaving the path for bicycles, execute caution of the traffic.
Exploring Xiamen by motorbike is a great way as well, although it is forbidden on the whole island! Enforcement is strict in the vivid areas e.g. Yuandang Lake, Zhongshan Road, etc.. If caught, be prepared to pay a fine, or even to get your motorbike taken into custody. Elsewhere in Xiamen, the enforcement of the motorbike law is more easy. Riding a motorbike outside the island e.g. Jimei Area, Tongan Area, Haicang Area is allowed.
