Joanna James
Across from Taiwan lies the city of Xiamen, and if you are wondering what's so great about it, then you ought to know it's everything! This city in China caters to any kind of traveller from the history buffs to the extreme foodies and even families on vacation. Here are a few things to do when you are here.
If you are travelling with kids or simply love the ocean and its creatures, Gulangyu Seashell Museum is a place you simply cannot miss out on! The museum is home to more than 6800 shells from countries from across the world like the US, Southeast Asia and Australia. What was once an air raid centre has now been converted into a place that displays the lively ocean on land with holographic images, fish tanks and more high-tech exhibits to keep you in awe!
If you want to get to know the way of life of the local people and dive deep into their culture, then this simple one-day tour should be a treasure of an experience. You will start by making your way to the old quarter of Xiamen. You will witness the oldest temple in China and the Nanputuo Temple and even roam the seafood market here. Take a stroll along Zhongshan Road Walking Street and you'll also come across a Catholic Church and the old post office. Stop by at a temple for a vegetarian lunch and continue towards Huli Mountain Fort and Jimei School Village.
Xiamen hotels will be able to help in organising this excursion, so discuss things with the front office and they will arrange for you to be dropped at the ferry dock. Take the ferry to Gulangyu Island, once you reach there, climb Sunlight Rock and take in the stunning views of the city. On your way back, roam the streets and you might just be able to get a load of souvenirs too. Once you get back you can do a little more shopping at Zhongshan Pedestrian Street and enjoy some of the street food Xiamen has to offer!
This university was founded back in 1919 and is located on the slopes of the mountains. The campus was initially called Amoy University. The main building of the university is a major tourist attraction. It's got libraries, expertly manicured gardens and a Lotus Lake too. The university is just a 15-minute drive away from Pan Pacific Xiamen.
This is a garden with about 10 more gardens within it. Beginning from the base of the Wanshi Mountains, the gardens spread out into the distance across the rich green hills. Dawn Bell Ringing from Heaven's Border, Jade Sceptre on Central Boulder, Laughing Rocks of Eternal Peace, Road on Purpled Cloud, Melodious Instrument Cave and A Thousand Sceptres Facing Skywards are some of the most popular attractions within the garden itself. The gardens are full of indigenous plants as well as plants found in other parts of the world.
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