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The gateway to the Min Sea, the city of heroes.
It describes Xiamen Island, which was called Jiahe Island in ancient times and also known as Lu Island.
Because groups of egrets often lived there in ancient times, it is also known as Ludao, Lumen and Luyu.
Picture @Photo.net
Xiamen, a breathtaking port city, earns the nickname "Garden on the Sea." Its scenery resembles a painting, blending mountains, azure sea, bizarre rock formations, secluded caves, temples, gardens, flowers, and lush trees. As the poem states, "A city like a flower leaning against a rock, a thousand green hills embrace the sea," vividly depicting Xiamen's stunning beauty.
As a veteran who has lived in Xiamen for four years, I have compiled this comprehensive Xiamen travel guide for everyone, covering food, clothing, housing, transportation, travel, shopping and entertainment.
Over the past four years, I have been traveling through the streets and alleys of Xiamen using various means of transportation. The places I recommend are all places I have visited in the past four years and are also the more recommended places.
Pictures @photo.com, Asen
Xiamen, a city often mistakenly thought to be the capital of Fujian Province, is actually a sub-provincial city and a special economic zone in Fujian Province. It is an important central city and port located on the southeast coast, and also a scenic tourist destination.
Xiamen is located at the southeastern end of Fujian Province, bordering Zhangzhou to the west, Quanzhou to the north, and facing Kinmen, Kinmen, and Dadan Island across the sea to the southeast.
The Minnan dialect is widely spoken here. It is a major city in the Minnan region. Together with Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, it is known as the Xiamen-Zhangzhou-Quanzhou Minnan Golden Triangle Economic Zone.
Xiamen is divided into the following areas: Siming District and Huli District on the island; Jimei District, Haicang District, Tongan District, and Xiang'an District off the island.
The main tourist spots are concentrated in Siming District and Jimei District
Picture @Asen
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
✈️Airport: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (on the island)
🚉Elevator Station: Xiamen Station (on the island), Xiamen North Station (off the island)
🚢Ferry Terminal: Xiamen International Cruise Center
Picture @Asen
1. Xiamen Airport is located in Huli District on the island. It is a 4E-level civil international airport with two terminals, T3 and T4 (T3 is the old terminal and T4 is more modern).
2. Currently, Xiamen only has Gaoqi International Airport. If the airfare is not suitable, you can also choose the neighboring Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport.
3. There is currently no direct subway to Gaoqi Airport, but there is a BRT station next to Terminal 4 (T4 Terminal Station)
4. There are already three subway lines on the island. You may be curious why there is no subway directly to the airport, because the airport will be relocated off the island in a few years.
A world-renowned island airport, one of the world's rarest, is now rising on Dadeng Island in Xiang'an. Built to the highest international 4F-class standards, it is hailed as the highest-grade airport on my country's southeastern coast. This is Xiamen's new Xiang'an International Airport. The project will be constructed in three phases, with the first phase scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, flight testing requirements by March 2026, and operation open by the end of 2026.
Satellite photos of Xiang'an Airport in December 2022
The new airport will have four runways and several times more parking spaces. Will this drive down airfares?
Xiang'an International Airport rendering @Xiamen Municipal Construction Bureau
By then, Metro Line 4 and Line 3 will reach the new airport, as well as a new coastal avenue. It can be said that although the airport is located farther away, the convenience and affordability of transportation will be greater. I am really looking forward to living here!
Rendering of the Third East Channel @Xiamen Construction Bureau
1. Xiamen currently has two stations, Xiamen Station and Xiamen North Station. Xiamen Station is located on the island, while Xiamen North Station is located outside the island.
Xiamen Station is located on the island (it's a dead-end station), closer to the tourist attractions, but it has fewer trains. Also, to enter the island, you have to cross the sea. The train windows offer ocean views on both sides! Sitting there feels like floating on the sea, and catching sunrise or sunset is truly breathtaking. My first trip to Xiamen in 2014 left a lasting impression on me.
Video @Asen
3. Most of the cities we depart from arrive at Xiamen North Station, which is convenient for entering the island. It has subways and BRT. The key is that on the basis of the existing lines (Xiamen-Shenzhen Railway, Longxia Railway, Fuzhou-Xiamen Railway, Yingxia Railway), a new line will be added: Fuzhou-Xiamen High-speed Railway 350KM Line, which will be opened on September 28, 2023. At that time, Fuzhou and Xiamen will be able to travel smoothly in one hour.
Picture of the new Xiamen North Railway Station @Xiamen Transportation
Picture of the new Xiamen North Railway Station @Xiamen Daily
Fuzhou-Xiamen High-Speed Railway Line Schematic @ Xiamen Transportation
Due to the pandemic, the Xiamen International Cruise Center has not yet resumed international cruise service. Only in July did it welcome its first high-end cruise ship, the China Merchants E-Dun, on the Shenzhen-Xiamen-Shenzhen route. Before the pandemic, Xiamen Port served international cruise routes, and we look forward to the full resumption of cruise tourism.
Picture @China Merchants E-Dun
Picture @Photo.net
🚇Subway: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3
🚌BRT: K1, K2, K3, K5, K6, K7, K8, K9
In Xiamen, I think the subway and BRT are the same type of transportation. The reason is that Xiamen BRT is the first rapid bus system in China to adopt an elevated bridge model. Because it is basically a separate elevated bridge throughout the entire route, and the frequency is relatively fixed, it is not disturbed by traffic lights and traffic jams along the way, and the operating hours are as reliable as the subway, so the subway and BRT can be regarded as the same means of transportation.
Subway: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3 (the lighter colored lines in the image below are BRT lines)
Picture @Xiamen Metro
With the intersection of BRT and subway, you can basically reach the main tourist attractions in Xiamen.
Picture @Xiamen Metro
1. The same cross-sea subway section as Spirited Away on Metro Line 1 (Takasaki Station - Jimei School Village Station) (Jimei School Village - Garden Expo Park is also a cross-sea section) mainly the section from Takasaki Station to Jimei School Village Station
2. BRT Cross-sea Section T4 Terminal Building - Jiageng Sports Center Station, T4 Terminal Building - Fenglin Station
3. Get off at Jimei School Village Station. See the Jimei School Village Guide for details of the surrounding area.
Xiamen has many ferry terminals, with the main routes running to and from Gulangyu Island. Other routes include routes to and from Zhangzhou Port, Kinmen Island, and coastal sightseeing cruises.
Tips:
Tips for buying tickets to Gulangyu Island:
There are many docks to Gulangyu Island. The only docks for non-Xiamen residents to land on the island are the Cruise Center Xiamen-Gulangyu Terminal and the First Terminal.
The lowest ticket price at Xiamen-Guangzhou Cruise Center Terminal is RMB 35, and the lowest ticket price at First Terminal is RMB 50.
Choose Sanqiutian Pier on Gulangyu Island, which is close to the scenic spots.
You need to buy tickets in advance during peak season
You can leave the island at any time and from any pier (within 20 days)
1️⃣ [Siming District]: Zhongshan Road, Eight Markets, Xiamen University, Nanputuo Temple, Ding'aozai Cat Street, Shapowei, Baicheng Beach, Hulishan Fort, Yanwu Bridge Platform, Hongshan Park...
2️⃣【Jimei District】: Jimei University Village, Dragon Boat Pond, Jimei University, Water Sports Center, Ten-mile Causeway, Dashe, and the coastline around the East China Sea...
3️⃣【Gulangyu Island】: A great place for a day of wandering...
Siming District, the core area of Xiamen City, carries multiple functions of Xiamen City, including economy, politics, culture, and finance. It is located in the southern part of Xiamen City, surrounded by the sea on three sides, and faces islands such as Xiaojinmen and the mainland of Zhangzhou across the sea.
Picture @Photo.net
The name of Siming District has a profound historical origin. In 1650, while stationed in Xiamen to fight against the Qing and restore the Ming Dynasty, Zheng Chenggong renamed Xiamen Siming Prefecture, expressing his nostalgia for the Ming Dynasty. In the early years of the Republic of China, the administrative system was upgraded to Siming County. With the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xiamen City reorganized its administrative regions, and Siming District was established to commemorate the achievements of the national hero Zheng Chenggong.
Picture @Photo.net
Siming District boasts a long, deep-water coastline, azure seas, azure skies, golden beaches, wondrous rock formations, lush greenery, fresh air, and a pleasant climate. These unique natural conditions make Siming District one of China's most beautiful harbor districts.
Recommended spots in Siming District include: Zhongshan Road, Eight Markets, Xiamen University, Putuo Temple, Ding'aozai Cat Street, Shapowei, Baicheng Beach, Twin Towers, Yanwu Bridge, and Hongshan Park.
Picture @Asen
It's not hard to find that most of the places to visit are very close to each other, and many of them can be visited in series. The following will introduce each point. You can choose the corresponding points to connect according to your preferences. If you want to start a special forces journey, you can also choose to check in at all of them. If you don't want to choose, you can also refer to the route recommendations below. One-day tours, three-day tours... are all satisfied~~~
Zhongshan Road (Amoi Yat Sen Road) was called Dahan Road during the Japanese colonial period.
Stretching along Xiamen's bustling commercial street, the 1,198-meter-long, 15-meter-wide street connects directly to the sea. The street incorporates a variety of distinctive elements, including Nanyang-style arcade buildings, a dazzling LED nightscape, a dazzling array of Fujian and Taiwanese snacks, and the ancient tradition of Nanyin, creating a unique atmosphere.
Picture @Photo.net
One end of Zhongshan Road connects to the Wuzhou Hotel in Xiamen, while the other leads to the azure sea, overlooking Gulangyu Island, the Garden on the Sea. The arcade buildings on Zhongshan Road are a hallmark of Xiamen's architectural culture, most of which were built in the 1920s with investment from returned overseas Chinese.
Picture @Asen
Rows of arcade buildings are built along the street, and buildings with a strong Nanyang style are dotted on both sides, giving Zhongshan Road the elegant name of "Nanyang Style Commercial Street".
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Asen
On Zhongshan Road, old shopping malls intersect with each other. Some of them are bustling with customers, while others are quite deserted. You can see Printemps, Tiger City, Laiya Department Store, Zhonghua City... on this road.
Picture @Photo.net
Nowadays, there are many modern art shops along the way, selling postcards, scents, and various small items, which are also worth visiting.
In addition, food is also indispensable. There is only one old shop on this road that you can check in, Huang Zehe Peanut Soup Shop. This century-old shop on this street is famous both at home and abroad. As the name suggests, it mainly serves peanut soup and is paired with some other snacks.
Picture @Photo.net
The Eighth Market, Xiamen's busiest, largest and most diverse seafood market, is one of the most lively and historically rich places in the city.
Its history can be traced back to the 15th year of the Republic of China, and it has a long history. It has always been the gathering place for the freshest and most affordable seafood in Xiamen.
Picture @Asen
The streets of the Eighth Market are not wide, with three- or four-story arcades standing on both sides. The color of the walls has faded with time, leaving behind traces of nostalgia.
Seafood, vegetables, fruits, small sundries and various snack stalls are lined up in the narrow streets and under the arcades.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
The most famous seafood here is undoubtedly the seafood. Because the Eighth Market is close to the First Pier, fishing boats can deliver fresh seafood to the market as soon as they dock, ensuring a fresh and diverse variety of seafood, which has attracted many restaurants and hotels to purchase.
Picture @Asen
In its early years, the bustle of the Eight Markets was primarily driven by local residents and vendors, with few tourists. Both sides of the trade spoke fluent Minnan dialect. However, with Xiamen's development and the influx of immigrants, Mandarin became the second primary language.
Later, the popularity of a well-known celebrity and a documentary film attracted photography enthusiasts and internet celebrities to the Eighth Market to take photos and livestream the unique features of this ancient market. These works, after being disseminated online, attracted the attention of many cultural enthusiasts and gradually attracted more people to come and experience the life there.
Picture @Photo.net
Hidden within Xiamen's intricate alleyways, the Eighth Market seamlessly blends in with the surrounding old streets, lanes, and buildings, creating a vibrant atmosphere of life. Nearby is the Bamboo Chapel, one of Xiamen's oldest surviving Catholic churches, and the city's oldest post office. Nearby old lanes, such as Jiutiaoxiang, Shiyijian, Hezigan, and Datie Street, are imbued with Xiamen's unique historical charm. Exiting the quaint, bustling, and narrow Eighth Market leads to the ferry bus terminal. Turning around, you're instantly transported to the bustling Lujiang Road, a world away.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Eating is a must when visiting Bashi. I always bring a lot of food to take away every time I visit Bashi. Here are some recommended delicacies:
Shacha pork tenderloin, Zhuji Shredded Chicken, Zhuji Shredded Chicken, Huiyuan Bakery, Zhong Lijun's Pan-fried Cake
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
I usually visit Zhongshan Road and the Eight Markets together as a coherent tour route: yellow is Zhongshan Road, red is the recommended tour route
Picture @Asen
🗺️ Tour route: Exit 3A of Zhenhai Road Subway Station (go straight) - Siming South Road (turn left) - Zhongshan Road (go toward the sea) (turn right) - Zhenbang Road (go straight) - arrive at the Eighth Market
Xiamen University, abbreviated as XMU, has Siming Campus, Zhangzhou Campus, Xiang'an Campus and Malaysia Branch. The Siming Campus has the longest history and is the most beautiful.
Picture @Photo.net
Xiamen University was founded in 1921 by the patriotic overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee. Three years earlier, in 1918, Tan Kah Kee founded Jimei University in Jimei University Village, which will be introduced later.
Xiamen University is known as "the strongest in the south" and "the most beautiful university in China". The beauty is not imaginary. The Siming campus is located under the vastness of Wulao Peak, nestled in the gentle embrace of the harbor, close to the thousand-year-old Nanputuo Temple, and the Baicheng Beach with rolling waves stretches right in front of the door.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
The buildings on campus are arranged in a straight line, a typical layout of one main building and four secondary buildings. The main building, Qunxian Building, is named after the line in the poem "Preface to the Lanting Collection," which reads, "All the wise men have arrived, young and old have gathered together." Its architectural style is heavily influenced by traditional southern Fujian dwellings.
The South Gate was completed in 2017. Behind it, a statue of Tan Kah Kee stands proudly, overlooking the distant sea, as if conveying a magnificent vista. This world-class university has fulfilled Tan Kah Kee's vision: "Foreign ships sailing through Xiamen Port will be able to see this magnificent institution from the sea."
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Asen
✅Wandering spots on Xiamen University campus
1️⃣ Shangxian Field, 2️⃣ Xiamen University West Gate, 3️⃣ Furong Lake, 4️⃣ Furong Tunnel, 5️⃣ Siyuan Valley, 6️⃣ Tan Kah Kee Statue
✅Attractions around Xiamen University
🌟Baicheng Beach, 🌟Nanputuo Temple, 🌟Yanwu Bridge Platform, 🌟Cat Street, 🌟Shapowei, 🌟Ring Island Road...
Tips:
✅How to make an appointment at Xiamen University?
🌟Reservation channel: Make a real-name reservation through the "Xiamen University Visitor Reservation System" WeChat official account;
🌟 Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance and up to 3 days in advance⏰
🌟Time: Appointments are open from 8:00 every day until full. No on-site appointments are accepted⏰
🌟Number limit: No more than 1,000 people per day on weekdays; no more than 5,000 people per day during winter and summer vacations and weekends; no more than 10,000 people per day on national holidays, first-come, first-served basis! 👫
🌟Reservation process: Please use your ID number to make a reservation. Each person can add up to 4 accompanying persons, who must enter the school together with the person making the reservation. After the reservation is successful, you can view the reservation information in the "Reservation History".
🌟 School admission time: Weekday admission time is 12:30-14:00; winter and summer vacations, statutory holidays and weekends admission time is 8:00-18:00
🌟 Campus entrance: Visitors who have successfully made an appointment can only enter the campus through the visitor-only entrance of the Xiamen University Visitor Center (No. 333, University Road) (other campus gates are not used as visitor entrances)
🌟 School admission verification: ID card or other valid documents are required to enter the school
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Nanputuo Temple, originating in the late Tang Dynasty, was originally named Sizhou Temple. Over time, it was renamed Puzhao Temple during the reign of Emperor Zhiping of the Song Dynasty. However, during the early Ming Dynasty, the temple fell into disrepair and was not rebuilt until the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. Dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, Nanputuo Temple, similar to the Guanyin Dojo on Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang Province, earned its name due to its location south of Putuo Mountain. It has become a sacred Buddhist site in southern Fujian.
Picture @Photo.net
🔔Main buildings: Main Hall, Sutra Library, Great Compassion Hall, Heavenly King Hall
The Heavenly King Hall within the temple
houses Maitreya Bodhisattva, Skanda, and the Four Heavenly Kings. Two majestic lion statues stand majestically on either side of the entrance porch, guarding the hall entrance. Upon entering the hall, the Four Heavenly Kings' glaring gazes inspire awe.
🔶Great Compassion Hall
The Great Compassion Hall, built during the Ming Dynasty, houses the Guanyin Bodhisattva. A two-handed Guanyin is enshrined in the center of the main hall, while figures with 48 arms are enshrined on the other three sides. This hall, entirely supported by wooden beams and brackets, uses no iron nails, making it a model of similar architecture in China.
🔶Scripture Pavilion
The Sutra Repository, built in 1936, is a two-story building with a Dharma Hall downstairs and the Jade Buddha Hall upstairs. It houses a rich collection of Buddhist scriptures.
🔶Main Hall
The Main Hall was built in the 15th year of the Republic of China. A towering statue of the Three Buddhas is enshrined in the center of the main hall. The Three Holy Ones of the West are also enshrined within the hall. This temple has a long history dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
To enter the temple, you need to make an appointment in advance on the WeChat (Nanputuo Temple) public account
📍No. 515 Siming South Road, Siming District
🕐8:00-18:30
Cat Street is a street with cat elements as its theme, and is filled with various cat graffiti and sculptures.
Picture @Photo.net
Long ago, the Xiagang area was a thriving fishing area, with fishermen often drying their catches on the sunny slopes of Ding'aozi. However, cats naturally dislike water and typically only eat fish when food is scarce. To protect their catch, local residents raised cats in large numbers to catch mice. This led to cats becoming a common sight in the area, earning it the name Cat Street.
Picture @Photo.net
With urban transformation and the shift in fishing, Ding'aozai has gradually become a densely populated community. While cats have lost their natural habitat, local residents have recreated Cat Street through cultural innovation to preserve community memory and promote Xiamen's maritime culture. This community values morality and friendly coexistence, fostering a fine tradition of good neighborliness.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Cat Street Food:
The delicious food you can check out on Cat Street includes Xiamen University chicken rolls, Cat Street rice balls, and Zhangzhou four-fruit soup.... Just give it a try
Four-fruit soup: I recommend the Qiaodong Four-fruit soup restaurant next to Jimei University.
Picture @Photo.net
Although cats are not easily seen on the streets, people can visit a place called the "Cat Museum" which has a close relationship with cats. The museum displays various cat accessories and collectibles, as well as lively cats.
⏰ Opening hours: Cat Museum 10:00-22:00
🎫Tickets: You don't need a ticket to enter the Cat Museum, but you do need a ticket to enter the glass house where the cats are. It's 10 yuan per half hour, and only 30 tickets are sold per day. Cat lovers should go early!
Shapowei is the origin of Xiamen Port and has been used as a safe haven since the Qing Dynasty.
The name comes from the fact that this is the end of a long stretch of sandy beach. In the early days, Xiamen Port was an arc-shaped bay. This area of the bay is crescent-shaped, with golden sand beaches connected together, hence the nickname "Jade Sand Slope".
Picture @Photo.net
Today, Shapowei has become a trendy gathering place for young people, with its various artistic paintings and trendy designs attracting many people to take photos. There are many unique shops and popular online food, and the entire street is short, so you can just walk around it.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Strolling along the several hundred-meter-long wooden boardwalk by the water, no matter where you stop, you can look up at the iconic Twin Towers, where the contrast between history and modernity is presented in a vivid and harmonious way.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
During the annual high tide, Shapowei instantly turns into Venice on the water.
The rising sea water was above my calf, flooding the stone pavement in front of the store and almost entering the houses along the street.
Astronomical high tide time: Xiamen will experience significant astronomical high tides in the days after the full moon in August and September of the lunar calendar every year.
Principle: The periodic rise and fall of ocean waters (the so-called tides) is primarily determined by the tidal forces of the moon and the sun, particularly the moon. Whenever the moon aligns with the sun, the tidal forces of the two celestial bodies act in the same direction, increasing the rise and fall of ocean waters.
Picture @Asen
Located near the entrance to Xiamen University, this beautiful beach stretches between the Yanwu Bridge and the Hulishan Fort. It's a popular spot for Xiamen residents, perfect for watching the sunset and enjoying the sea breeze.
Picture @Photo.net
✨ Baicheng Beach is perfect for watching the sunset in winter, where you can see hot air balloons, the Twin Towers, and the Yanwu Bridge. However, this is a popular tourist attraction, so it is recommended to visit during the off-season or on weekdays.
✅Suggestions:
It is recommended to go there in the evening when the temperature is not high, and play in the sand and step on the water before sunset.
Transportation: There's currently no subway access, but the southern extension of Line 3 will connect directly here in the future. From Xiamen Station, it's only three stops to the beach to watch the sunset. There are many buses arriving now. Get off at the terminus of Line 1 and transfer to buses 2, 20, 22, and more.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Asen
Xiamen's Hulishan Fort Scenic Area is a National Cultural Relic Protection Site and a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction. Its structure, part bunker, part city wall, evokes a European style while retaining the architectural charm of Ming and Qing dynasties. A product of China's Westernization Movement, Hulishan Fort has historically been known as the "Gateway to Fujian and the Key to Southern China."
Hulishan Fort has a unique geographical location. It faces Kinmen Island across the sea to the east, is adjacent to Zhangzhou by the sea to the south, is in harmony with Gulangyu Island to the west, and is adjacent to the bustling urban area to the north.
Picture @Asen
The Krupp cannon at Hulishan Fort was once identified as "the oldest and largest 19th-century coastal gun still in its original location in the world" and won the Guinness World Record for Best Project.
Let us appreciate the majestic appearance of the ancient cannon king, experience the military splendor of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and witness the history filled with smoke of gunpowder.
Picture @Asen
The fort is located next to Baicheng Beach
Ticket price: 25
Opening hours: 8:00-17:30
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
The viewing platform officially opened in 2016
Like the bridge itself, the Yanwu Bridge Observation Deck features a pure white, fish-belly design. Spanning over 10,000 square meters, this spacious platform gently extends out over Xiamen Bay, a mirrored backdrop of azure waters and clear skies. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of ferries, Haicang, Gulangyu Island, and Zhangzhou Harbor, while listening to the crashing of waves against the rocky cliffs.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
The viewing platform is located offshore between the Yanwu Bridge and the Yanwu Road overpass, connected to the coastal promenade by three plank roads. Characterized by a curved design with no right angles, the platform gently extends toward Xiamen Bay. From the Yanwu Bridge viewing platform, you can take in a 360-degree panoramic view of the vast seashore, sunrises and sunsets, and the romantic Qin Island.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Asen
Hongshan Park, established in 1984, is located on the eastern side of a mountain range connected to the Wanshi Botanical Garden and is part of the Wanshishan National Scenic Area. It borders the Railway Cultural Park to the southeast, the Zhongshan Road business district to the northwest, and the Gulangyu Scenic Area to the west. It's less than 600 meters south of the Shapowei tourist area, offering stunning views and a convenient location. It's also a rarely-crowded park! Highly recommended!
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Jimei is the hometown of patriotic overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee
Jimei District, named after Xunwei, was originally a small fishing village in northern Xiamen, belonging to the Xijie Shiyidu, Rendeli, and Mingsheng Townships of Tong'an County. Jimei is located at the end of the Tianma Mountains, where seven small hills converge to form a tail area, hence the name "Jinwei." Furthermore, its location at the end of the Xunjiang River led it to be called "Xunwei" during the Qing Dynasty. Xunwei, pronounced similarly to "Jimei" in the Minnan dialect, later became refined to the current Jimei.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
The recommended locations in Jimei District are as follows:
On the shores of the Fujian Sea lies Jimei Township, a picturesque place with picturesque mountains and picturesque waters, the most picturesque place in southern Xinjiang.
This place is not only blessed with beautiful natural scenery, but also a gathering place for various beautiful landscapes. The architecture here is a fusion of Chinese and Western styles, fully displaying the typical architectural features of the overseas Chinese hometown in southern Fujian.
Picture @Photo.net
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the official naming of "Jimei School Village".
Exactly 111 years ago, overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee founded Jimei Primary School in his hometown, thus opening the long scroll of Jimei school history.
Picture @Photo.net
Back in September 1912, Tan Kah Kee returned to China and founded Jimei Primary School. At the time, the school lacked its own campus, instead using the Chen family ancestral hall as its main structure. To improve teaching conditions, Tan Kah Kee purchased a seawall west of the village for 2,000 silver yuan. He hired workers to dig deep into the surrounding soil and level the center, creating a small island. He also spent nearly 10,000 silver yuan on a wooden schoolhouse, the first structure of Jimei School. Subsequently, the schoolhouse was gradually expanded, and the curriculum was continuously enriched. Today, Jimei School buildings can be found throughout Jimei Fishing Village, creating a unique "school within the village, village within the school, and a blend of school and village."
In Jimei, you can study from kindergarten to doctorate
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Jimei School Village Tourist Map
The following introduction will introduce the attractions one by one
Picture @Asen
The Dragon Boat Pond, also known as the Big Pond or Outer Pond, is located south of Daonan Tower. With a circumference of over 1,000 meters and an area of approximately 130,000 square meters, it was originally formed in 1950 by Tan Kah Kee, who built embankments on the Xiamen beach to reclaim the Outer, Middle, and Inner Ponds. After 1954, Tan Kah Kee began organizing dragon boat training and competitions for villagers, teachers, and students. In the mid-to-late 1950s, he continued to improve the embankment and surrounding landscape, making it an ideal venue for competitions. The scenic area is a great place for enjoying the breeze, the scenery, and for a stroll or exercise.
Picture @Asen
There are currently primary and secondary schools around the Dragon Boat Pond, and their Kah Kee architectural style was funded and built by Mr. Tan Kah Kee.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Nanxun Building, personally overseen by Chen Jiaguang, boasts 15 stories and a floor area of 8,105 square meters. Upon its completion in 1959, it was the tallest building in Fujian Province at the time. Combining the characteristics and strengths of both Chinese and Western architecture, it is a landmark of Jimei School Village.
The Nanxun Building was equipped with an elevator, which shows Mr. Jiageng's foresight.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Xiamen not only has Xiamen University, but also Jida University
Jimei not only has Jimei Middle School, but also Jimei University
The schools mentioned above are inseparable from Mr. Tan Kah Kee, and their architectural styles are all in the style of Kah Kee architecture that combines Chinese and Western styles.
Jimei University was founded by Mr. Tan Kah Kee in 1918, three years earlier than Xiamen University. The earliest department established was the Normal Department of Jimei School, followed by the Fisheries Department and Business Department of Jimei School in 1920. In 1994, Jimei Normal College, Jimei Navigation College, Jimei Finance and Economics College, Xiamen Fisheries College, and Fujian Institute of Physical Education merged to form Jimei University.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Asen
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
There is a Xiamen Sea Bikeway at the Water Sports Center leading to the "Sea of Stars".
Here you can always see kayakers training every day and wait for a beautiful sunset. It is really a good place to relax.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
The ten-mile-long embankment located at the Jimei School Village subway entrance hides a little-known "embankment construction history".
At the time, transportation within and outside Xiamen Island was difficult. Under the impetus of Tan Kah Kee, the government adopted the method of "casting rocks to build a dike," relying on the Xiamen seawall spirit of "moving mountains and filling the sea, unity and dedication, scientific innovation, and self-improvement." In an era of material scarcity and limited production tools, a ten-mile-long dike was built. This created the necessary conditions for the opening of railways and highways.
Picture @Asen
Today, the Ten-Mile Causeway, built with the hands of older generations, has been revitalized and transformed into a popular online destination for young people. The rich academic atmosphere of Jimei University Village and the trendy romance of the Ten-Mile Causeway complement each other perfectly, perfectly meeting the academic and lifestyle needs of young students.
The Ten-Mile Causeway is now home to a variety of leisure activities, including camping, street performances, and unique car trunk markets. Here, you can enjoy the stunning views of waves crashing against the rocks and the sunset, while listening to the gentle and melodious love songs of young singers. A romantic atmosphere permeates the entire Ten-Mile Causeway.
Jimei Dashe, the hometown of Tan Kah Kee, boasts numerous historic houses and overseas Chinese buildings that preserve the memories of time, imbuing the area with a rich nostalgic atmosphere. Stepping into Dashe feels like stepping back in time, as ancient stories emerge like a tide, and the air is filled with the charm of timeless festivities.
Picture @Asen
Hidden among the old houses in Dashe are some emerging light meal, coffee and dessert shops. During holidays and weekends, they attract many young people who are keen on exploring shops and shopping to come and spend a wonderful time together.
Dashe is a prime example of the perfect fusion of the old and the new, attracting numerous artists and photographers, and offering nearby residents a low-cost, diverse artistic and cultural experience. Here, tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, showcasing a unique charm.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
In addition to the island-circling route in Xiamen, there is also a romantic coastline in Jimei.
Strolling along the sea breeze, you'll arrive at Tong'an Bay, Xiamen's widest inner bay. The coastline here is boundless and expansive, with mangroves swaying gently with the gentle waves and egrets resting peacefully on the mangroves, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene.
Picture @Photo.net
Traveling along the East Coast Romantic Route, you can choose to stroll along the ever-expanding rainbow runway, feel the sea breeze on your face, ride a bicycle and enjoy the fresh breeze, or take a sightseeing bus to comfortably appreciate the scenery along the way. There are many ways to satisfy every tourist's different preferences for a seaside trip.
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Asen
Gulangyu Island lies in the southwest corner of Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. This small island enjoys a pleasant climate, with year-round spring-like conditions. Free from the hustle and bustle of traffic, it is filled with the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers. Like a dazzling pearl nestled amidst the azure waters of Xiamen Bay, it is known as the "Garden of the Sea."
Picture @Photo.net
Through the test of time, Gulangyu Island possesses a profound fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, and a blend of natural and cultural landscapes. Since the reform and opening up, thanks to the concerted efforts of the government and various stakeholders, conservation efforts have been carried out at every level, from the urban landscape to the historical architecture and landscape, and even to the cultural and artistic heritage. This ensures that we can still see an authentic and intact Gulangyu today. Over a thousand buildings of diverse styles still remain on the island, reflecting its traditional love of music. It has earned the nicknames "International Architecture Expo," "Home of Music," and "Piano Island."
If you fly over Xiamen by plane, you will definitely see this green island full of buildings. If your plane takes off from the east-to-west runway of Xiamen Airport, your plane will also soar over Gulangyu Island after takeoff.
Picture @Asen
There are many guides and various routes for visiting Gulangyu Island on the Internet, but what I would like to recommend is the following method: choose a few points that interest you, and then take any route to get there after getting on the island. You may have to take a small path, a tunnel, or a main road. On the way there, you can see the authentic characteristics of Gulangyu Island, the international architecture, and feel the unique style of Gulangyu Island. Gulangyu Island is very suitable for wandering around, because there are surprises everywhere, and there is always a corner that suits you.
Sunlight Rock, Fuxing Road, the most beautiful corner, Shuzhuang Garden,............
Picture @ Gaode Map
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
✔️Transportation on the island: There are no cars on the island. There are sightseeing buses that go around the island, but they only go on the main roads. People mainly walk.
✔️Please refer to the previous article on small transportation ferries for ticket purchase
If you live on the island, you can go for a sunrise run early in the morning and greet the first rays of sunshine~~~
Picture @Photo.net
Picture @Photo.net
In Xiamen, as night falls, it quietly takes off its daytime attire and puts on its graceful night appearance.
Climb aboard a cruise ship, slowly set sail on the sea, feel the sea breeze, and listen to the whisper of the waves. Wandering through the night of Xiamen, you'll have a panoramic view of the entire island, from Zhongshan Road to Gulangyu Island, to the Twin Towers and Haicang Bridge.
Picture @Asen
Lujiang Road, lying across the other side of Gulangyu Island, is loved by Xiamen citizens for being one of its representative landmarks, just like the Bund in Xiamen.
It inherits the elegance of classical architecture, such as the "Xiamen First-Class Post Office" and the Lujiang Hotel, while also boasting the splendor of modern architecture, including the International Bank Building, the Customs Building, the China Construction Bank Building, etc.
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
🚢Lujiang Night Cruise Schedule
The first flight is at 19:40, the second flight is at 20:10 (two flights per day throughout the year. During peak tourist season, we will arrange for early departures and additional flights. The specific flights will be subject to the on-site arrangements of the scenic spot)
🎫Boarding/ticket collection address: Departure Hall 2, Heping Wharf, No. 3 Lujiang Road, Siming District
Duration: 90 minutes
Haicang Bridge Tourist Area is located in Huli District, very close to Bay Park and is also a sunset viewing spot.
In the distance, you can see the busy port, cars passing by on the bridge, and planes flying overhead. Although the mountains here are not high and the roads are not far, the sunset is still fascinating.
From here you can overlook the entire Haicang Bridge, most of the Dongdu Port, and you can also see the Sea World Ferris Wheel.
It's very suitable for taking a group photo with the bridge~~~
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Official account: Xiamen Mountain and Sea Health Trail will tell you the nearest trailhead and the scenery at each location
The trail is divided into: Cloud Sea Line 23 kilometers, Forest Sea Line 31 kilometers
The Yunhai Line (i.e. the east-west health trail) is about 23 kilometers long. It runs through the important ecological nodes of the "Eight Mountains and Three Waters" in the central and northern part of Xiamen Island, and constructs an east-west mountain and sea walking corridor connecting the island. It starts from the Dongdu Cruise Shipyard and ends at the Guanyin Mountain Dream Beach.
The Linhai Line is a recently completed route that is perfect for exploring the mountains, forests, lakes and seas! ! !
Picture @Xiamen Mountain and Sea Trail Official Account
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Xiamen boasts a 7.6-kilometer-long aerial bike path, one of the longest in the world and the only one of its kind on either side of a dedicated BRT elevated highway. This unique path is suspended approximately 5 meters above the ground, making it a true aerial bike path.
The entire line includes 11 entrances and exits, namely Ruijing-California Plaza, Ruijing Middle School, Zhonglun Park, Lvling Road, Municipal Building, Houkeng, Xianyue Road, Jinhu Road, Government Affairs Center-Double Ten Middle School, Fanghu North Second Road, and Xianhou Road.
Here you can scan a shared bicycle nearby and embark on an aerial bicycle journey~~~
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
Picture @Asen
1️⃣ [Siming District]: Zhongshan Road, Eight Markets, Xiamen University, Nanputuo Temple, Ding'aozai Cat Street, Shapowei, Baicheng Beach, Hulishan Fort, Yanwu Bridge Platform, Hongshan Park...
2️⃣【Jimei District】: Jimei University Village, Dragon Boat Pond, Jimei University, Water Sports Center, Ten-mile Causeway, Dashe, and the coastline around the East China Sea...
3️⃣【Gulangyu Island】: A great place for a day of wandering...
4️⃣【Other Area Activities】: Lujiang Night Cruise, Haicang Bridge Tourist Area Mountain and Sea Trail, Sky Bike Path...
The planning of the itinerary is to make additions and subtractions on the above points.
D1: Zhongshan Road - Eight Markets - (Ding'aozai Cat Street - Shapowei) - Yanwu Bridge Platform - Baicheng Beach - Jimei Academy Village - Dragon Boat Pond - Shili Long Causeway
D1: Zhongshan Road - Eight Markets - (Nanputuo Temple - Ding'aozai Cat Street - Shapowei) - Yanwu Bridge Platform - Baicheng Beach (Sunset) - Lujiang Night Cruise
D1: Gulangyu Island - Zhongshan Road - Eighth Market
D2: Ding'aozai Cat Street - Shapowei - Yanwu Bridge Platform - Baicheng Beach - Jimei School Village - Dragon Boat Pond - Dashe - Water Sports Center to watch the sunset or the Ten-Mile Causeway
D1: Zhongshan Road - Eight Markets - (Nanputuo Temple - Ding'aozai Cat Street - Shapowei) - Yanwu Bridge Platform - Baicheng Beach (Sunset) - Lujiang Night Cruise
D2: Botanical Garden - Jimei Academy Village - Dragon Boat Pond - Dashe - Shili Long Causeway - Water Sports Center
D1: Zhongshan Road - Eight Markets - (Nanputuo Temple - Ding'aozai Cat Street - Shapowei) - Yanwu Bridge Platform - Baicheng Beach (Sunset) - Lujiang Night Cruise
D2: One day on Gulangyu Island
D3: Botanical Garden - Jimei Academy Village - Dragon Boat Pond - Dashe - Shili Long Causeway - Water Sports Center
Day 1: Jimei Academy Village - Dragon Boat Pond - Dashe - Coastline around East China Sea (take a taxi or bus) - Water Sports Center - Shili Causeway (Sunset)
D2: One day on Gulangyu Island
D3: Zhongshan Road - Eight Markets - (Ding'aozai Cat Street - Shapowei) - Yanwu Bridge Platform - Mountain and Sea Trail
