Xiamen

Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China's Fujian province, sits on the Taiwan Strait. You can walk the car-free streets of Gulangyu Island, browse shops on Zhongshan Road, see buildings from the colonial era, swim at sandy beaches, or eat local dishes like oyster omelets and satay noodles.

Exploring Gulangyu Island

Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a short ferry ride from Xiamen. This small island doesn't allow motorized vehicles, making its streets quiet. As you walk through the narrow lanes, you'll see Victorian and Art Deco buildings, remnants of the island's past as an international settlement. Climb Sunlight Rock, the island's highest point, for wide views of Xiamen and the surrounding sea.

Temples and Spiritual Sites

Xiamen has several Buddhist temples. The Nanputuo Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty, is one of the largest in southern China. Its decorated halls and gardens offer a calm space away from busy city streets. The temple complex includes several halls dedicated to different Buddhist deities, and a vegetarian restaurant where you can try traditional Buddhist dishes.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

You can relax and swim at several beaches along Xiamen's coastline. Baicheng Beach, near Xiamen University, is popular with both students and tourists. The beach has soft sand and calm waters, good for swimming and sunbathing. For a more active option, ride on the Xiamen Cycling Skyway, the world's longest elevated cycling path. This 7.6-kilometer route gives you views of the coast and city skyline as you cycle.

Local Cuisine

Xiamen's food reflects its location by the sea and its cultural influences. Try the city's signature dish, oyster omelet, a savory pancake filled with fresh oysters and vegetables. Satay noodles, another local favorite, consist of thin noodles in a rich peanut sauce. For an unusual dessert, taste worm jelly, a gelatinous dish made from a type of marine worm - it tastes better than it sounds! Visit the Eighth Seafood Market to see the city's busy food scene and try fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices.

Getting Around

You can use Xiamen's efficient public transportation system to move around the city. The expanding metro network connects many major sites. Buses are also numerous and cheap. For a scenic route, take bus 1 along Huandao Road, which circles the island and passes many key sights. You can easily find taxis, but during busy hours, the metro or bus might be faster. To get to Gulangyu Island, regular ferries leave from several terminals in Xiamen.