Zhongshan Road (中山路) is the old commercial spine of Xiamen Island, running east–west between Siming South Road and the Gulangyu ferry terminal. The full 1.2 km is arcaded qilou (骑楼) architecture — covered walkways on both sides, three or four storeys of 1920s–30s shophouses above — which keeps the whole street walkable in sun or rain.
It's busiest at night, when the arcades are lit and every side alley opens a food stall. Come for the Xiamen classics: satay noodles (沙茶面), peanut soup (花生汤), oyster omelet (海蛎煎), tusu jelly (土笋冻), ginger duck (姜母鸭). Most street dishes 15–35 CNY; sit-down locals under 100 CNY per person. Don't expect hidden gems here — it's the crowded mainstream — but the hit rate is high.
Getting there: Metro Line 1 to Zhongshan Road Station (Exit 1), which drops you at the west end. Walk east along the arcade, then south to Lujiang Road for a sunset view of Gulangyu. Best window: 17:30–21:30.