Live Your Best Lives
Since the end of 2018, Xiamen University has implemented a reservation system. All applications for admission must be made through the WeChat official account "UXIANU." During the school year, admission is limited to 1,000 people per day, 5,000 on weekends, and 10,000 on statutory holidays.
So, it's hard to get a reservation on a regular basis. It's basically a fight for the day, and sometimes it's gone in the blink of an eye. I've always heard about Jimei University Village, and when I got there, I found it was absolutely stunning and perfect for taking photos, right? If you can't get a ticket to Xiamen University, come to Jimei University Village. You won't regret it.
The original Jimei University Village included: Xiamen Fisheries College, Jimei Maritime College, Jimei Normal College, Fujian Institute of Physical Education, Jimei Finance and Economics College (now all merged into Jimei University), Jimei Returned Overseas Chinese Students' Tutorial School (Huaqiao University Chinese Language and Culture School), Jimei Middle School, Jimei Primary School, Jimei Kindergarten and other schools, as well as Funan Assembly Hall, library, gymnasium, concert hall, dragon boat pond, sailing club and other facilities.
Jimei School Village was also founded in 1913 by the famous patriotic overseas Chinese leader Mr. Tan Kah Kee. The total construction area of the school village is over 3,000 acres, with more than 100,000 teachers and students. It has formed a talent training system from preschool education to elementary, junior high and high school, from undergraduate education to master's and doctoral education.
Tan Kah Kee first founded Jimei Primary School and then Xiamen University, so the arcade buildings here are no worse than those of Xiamen University, and they are super beautiful. They are open all day without reservation.
Jimei University Village Subway Station - Haidi Road - Huaqiao University Chinese Language and Literature College - Jimei University Village Building Sign - Jimei University Maritime College - Tan Kah Kee's Former Residence - Guilai Garden - Dragon Boat Pond - Grand Staircase - Natatorium - Aoyuan Garden - Tan Kah Kee Park - Jimei University - Aquatic Sports Center - Shigu Road
Come out of Jimei School Village subway station, walk to the right and you will see the traffic light. Cross the road and walk on the sidewalk of Seawall Road. At this time, don’t rush to the gatehouse of Jimei School Village. Walk along Seawall Road for about 500 meters and you can take pictures of the subway and the sea. It feels like you are in a small Kamakura!
The architectural style is very typical of the ancient houses in southern Fujian and is very distinctive, but you are not allowed to enter now, so you can only view it from the outside and take pictures standing at the door.
Walking back from the Chinese Language and Culture College to Aoyuan Road, you can see the small Western-style building next to it, and you can see the sign of Jimei School Village not far away.
Walking inside, you will see the Navigation College. You can enter the school. Sometimes you need to register your name and phone number, sometimes not. The small Western-style buildings in the school are very beautiful, with red brick buildings all over.
There is also the white and blue Qingxin Building, which is not inferior to Xiamen University's for taking photos. The key is that there are few people inside, so no one will compete with you for the photo spots. There are still students going to school here!
You can walk to the former residence of Tan Kah Kee from the Navigation College. The entrance, corridor and second floor of the former residence are very suitable for taking photos, and the life scenes of Tan Kah Kee are restored inside.
From the back door of the Tan Kah Kee Former Residence, you can directly enter the Return Garden. This garden was built by Tan Kah Kee specifically to call back his overseas relatives. The original intention was to remind them of their homeland, to cherish their motherland, and to provide a gathering place upon their return. The building, as a whole, embodies the style of an ancient Southern Fujian house, with exquisitely carved railings and painted columns.
You can see the Dragon Boat Pond after exiting the gate of Guilai Garden. Dragon boat races are held here every year during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is very spectacular and lively. When there are no activities, the dragon boats will be parked nearby and you can take as many photos as you want.
If you walk along the road, you can see Nanxun Building and Yanping Building, but they are both inside Jimei Middle School and outsiders cannot enter.
But you can appreciate the extra-long staircase next to it. Opposite the stairs is the Jimei Aoyuan Swimming Pool, which is open from 3 to 7 o'clock every day and costs 15 yuan per person. What's special is that the sea is next to the swimming pool, as if you are in an infinity pool.
Going forward, you will reach Aoyuan and Jiageng Park. The two places are connected and admission is free.
Entering from Aoyuan, you can see the Chen Jiageng monument, and overlook the entire sea from here.
After leaving the park, walk along the beach to reach the Tan Kah Kee Museum. The museum carries the great life of Tan Kah Kee and is highly recommended for everyone to visit.
Note: The museum closes at 5 pm, so please allow at least 1 hour for your visit.
There is a sea bike path next to Jimei University, which is about 20 kilometers long. The bike path is built on the sea, and it feels like riding in the middle of the water, which is a unique experience.
No reservation is required for visiting Jimei University, you can walk in directly. The overall architecture of the school is modern, and there are black swans in the lake, the same as those at Xiamen University. You can stroll around the campus leisurely and comfortably.
Shigu Road, right next to the school, has a lot of delicious food at affordable prices, but it doesn't get busy until after 5 p.m., as many shops are closed during the day. Enjoying a delicious meal while taking in the beautiful night view of the school is quite enjoyable.
Jimei University Village is the life's work of Mr. Tan Kah Kee. It integrates kindergarten, primary school, middle school and university and is open to the public free of charge. If you can't make an appointment for Xiamen University, come here and experience the beauty of the subway passing through the sea. It is definitely worth the money!
