Travel to Xiamen China - A Unique Asian Experience

 The city was a major seaport since the ancient times, located on the south-east coast is also well-known as the "Gate to China". One of the best domestic travel destinations in Fujian province, Xiamen is also referred as "Egret Island" due to a large inhabitant of Egrets living in the area. The place is ideal to visit due to its mild temperature (11-15 deg. C) all year long except the typhoon months. As a littoral city, it is abundant on beautiful and man-made tourist attractions that surely will take your breath away. Even traversing the streets from the coastal roads up to the shopping districts surely will amaze you because of its beautiful, artistic, safe and clean environment. 

View of Siming District| Xiamen Travel Blogs 2012/2013.

Shopping district in Xiamen.

There is a lot of tourist attraction in Xiamen, domestic and foreign visitor gather to the island for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, amusement, beauty, as well as its history. The most recommended spots are Gulangyu Island, Hulishan Cannon Fort, Nanputou Temple, and Xiamen University. 

The people here enjoys convenient transportation either by bus, ferry, plane, or by train. BRT or Bus Rapid Transit System has been in operation since 2008, the public enjoy a cheap CNY 1 fare throughout the city. Road congestion is by minimal to none so wandering with a private car isn't an issue. 

Major Travel Spots and Scenery: What is on Xiamen?

Statue of Koxinga, Gulangyu Island, Xiamen City

Gulangyu Island, takes a whole day into your itinerary. There a lot of options in this area and mind you, half a day aren’t enough to really feel and enjoy what the island could offer. It houses a wide array of man-made scenic wonders from the massive statue of Zheng Chenggong, the stunning Shuzhuang Garden, The Sunlight rock, and the fine collection of pianos and organs at the Xiamen's Piano Museum. Check out my Gulangyu Island blog post broken into 2 parts. 

Some Krupp cannons, Hulishan Battery, Xiamen City

Another major location to visit in Xiamen is the old Chinese garrison, Hulishan Fortress. Built in 1894, the fort has over 100 years of history. It houses a 50 tons 13 meters Krupp cannon imported from Germany. There are over 100 cannons displayed inside and a sightseeing pavilion was also built to give a better impression inside the fortress. Click here for information about the fortress.

Getting off from the battery, Xiamen University, we’ll let you continue your investigative ego in there huge library. Regarded as one the best university campus in China, the university offers unique picturesque locations and scenery. Founded in 1921, the campus remains to be an achiever and ranked high in the worlds list of universities. Entering from the West gate and watching the swans in the majestic lotus lake will surely drive your inquisitive nature to study in this prestigious school. 

South gate - Main entrance of Xiamen University

Exiting to the South Gate and adjacent to the campus lays South Putou Temple or Nanputou Temple which is situated in the WuLaoFeng Mountain. Upon entering the gate, lotus pond with a pavilion will great you from the left side. A must-go destination in Fujian province, the temple will give you a unique Buddhist experience even if you are not interested to the religion. The 30,000 square meters temple has four major structures which includes the Devajara Hall (the Hall of Heavenly Kings),Mahavira Hall, Dabei Hall (the Hall of Great Compassion) and a Pavilion with Buddhist sculptures and artifacts stored. 

Devajara Hall, Nanputou Temple

Travelling to Xiamen City reminds me of the documentary movie called "Kon-Tiki", it is about Thor Heyerdahl's voyage from South America to TuaMuto Island to prove hes theory that Polynesia was settled from west to east. Of course he was successful. What if I’ll try to make my own sole voyage using what our ancestors did thousands of years ago and cross the South China Sea going to Xiamen from Southern Philippines? haha.. You might think im a bit insane, and yes light crafts have been the major transportation since the ancient times and yet they managed to sail across the vast sea, why not me? Anyway, this is getting way off the topic. haha. Enjoy the photos taken from Siming District, Xiamen City below. :)

 Related Articles:

Gulangyu Island - Xiamen's Main Tourist Destination Part 2/2 

Getting Your Chinese Visa in the Philippines for Your Travel to Xiamen
Gulangyu Island - Xiamen's Main Tourist Destination Part 1/2

Hulishan Cannon Fort
South Putou Temple