Xiamen Xiali Old Quest｜Hidden Alleys and Sweet Sea Flavors

Xiamen’s warmth is the old times you stumble upon when stepping into its ancient alleys～🌊​
Gulangyu Bishan Road Old Villas・Alley Exploration​
A quieter vintage spot than the main street! Red brick walls covered with old vines, wooden shutters half-open, the wind blowing with a “creak” 🎐 Passing by a courtyard gate covered in bougainvillea, the owner smiles and invites you to see the old well inside, the moss on the well’s edge hiding traces of time. Sitting in a tea house converted from a villa, order a cup of old tea paired with a Gulangyu pie, flaky crust crumbs falling into your palm, listening to the owner say “This house is over a hundred years old,” even the sunlight feels warmly nostalgic～​
Shiweitou Marine Erosion Park・Coastal Adventure​
A wilder sea view than the beach! Black reefs smoothed by the waves, sea erosion caves like natural picture frames, standing inside the cave to take photos of the sea, waves splashing coolly on your clothes 🌑 Pick up a patterned shell, fingertips tasting the salty sea water, sitting on the reef basking in the sun, watching cargo ships slowly pass in the distance. Occasionally, fishermen row small boats by, shouting “Today’s shrimp is fresh,” even the sea breeze carries the stories of the ocean～​
Zengcuoan Fishing Village Handicraft Center・Crafting Sweetness​
An experience spot hidden in the fishing village! Learn to make fish balls with Grandma, the fresh fish paste sticky on your hands as you roll it into round little balls and drop them into boiling water 🐟 Wait for the fish balls to float, bite into the chewy, juicy burst, so fresh it makes you squint. You can also learn to weave fishing nets, twine twisting around your fingers, Grandma teaching “Fishermen used to rely on this to make a living,” pack the finished fish balls to take away, even the fish paste on your hands feels like an achievement～​
Baijia Village Old Post Office・Sending Warmth with Old Letters​
A corner with more character than a new post office! The green mailbox shines with an old glow, wooden counters display vintage stamps, pick a postcard with old photos of Xiamen, write a few heartfelt words ✉️ Sitting on an old rattan chair in the post office, watching sunlight fall on the paper through the glass window, even the “rustling” sound of the fountain pen writing becomes gentle. The staff smiles as they stamp the postmark, saying “It will arrive tomorrow,” the postcard in your hand feels like holding a little hope～​
💡 Old Quest Tips​
Wear vintage-style clothes! Perfect for photos in old alleys～Bring non-slip shoes! The marine erosion reefs are slippery～Fish balls are best eaten fresh, they harden when cold～​
The charm of Xiamen isn’t in rushing to check off spots, but in the warmth of old alleys, the wonder of marine erosion, and the sweetness of handmade crafts. This kind of old quest truly captures Xiamen’s gentle spirit～💫

Post by JuhoK?rkk?inen | Oct 22, 2025