Joanna James
Xiamen has spring weather almost year-round, with a beautiful natural landscape this city found on the east coast of the Fujiang Province is packed with many attractions to keep you busy.
Located on the Siming District, in Xiamen, following the Opium War visitors from western nations kept on pouring into the Gulangyu Island. Now you can find churches, schools, businesses, large mansions and even consulates on an island less than 2 square km.
Gulangyu Island is a UNESCO world heritage site and is a national 5A tourist site. The island is also famous for its ancient relics, unstable Chinese/ Western constructions and its natural beauty. Tourists can discover the island by walking. While there, visit the hundred-year Shuzhuang Garden, Organ Museum, and Hi! Heaven! As you wander around Guxin Road, Quanzhou Road, and Anhai Road, you will see the Catholic Church, Sanyi Church and the Union Church. If you are still up for more activity, climb the top of Sunlight Rock, for a panoramic view of the sunset over Gulangyu Island.
Found in the Nanjing County, Hua'an County, and Yongding County,
Fujian Tulou is a massive residential construction. The building structure follows the oriental philosophy of being in harmony with nature and mankind. The buildings are constructed leaning towards the mountains or beside the rivers. Visitors can experience the unique buildings, and capture the gorgeous scenery of terraced fields and a water village. The building method might be archaic and boorish from today's standards, but beautiful in its own right. The structures are high on the exterior and flat on the interior. These structures have functions such as ventilation, earthquake resistance, sound insulation, heat protection and security.
There are over 30 kinds of such buildings in Fujian, with over 46 in total in Nanjing, Yongding, and Hua'an County.
Encircled by the sea and the Wulao mountain peaks, the Nanputuo Temple is an important Buddhist temple in the Han regions. South Putuo Temple is next to Xiamen University and is one of the most flourishing temples in Xiamen. The temple has a thousand-year-old history and was initially constructed in the late Tang Dynasty. During the rule of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, the Great Mercy Hall was built to worship Guanyin- a Bodhisatta who is a future Buddha.
The scenic temple has a vast Lotus Pond and a Release Pond to release captured fish. The main buildings within are the Daxiong Palace, the Hall of Great Mercy and the Depositary of Buddhist Texts. These buildings all line up in a row in a gradient style and makes a pretty sight.
On February 19th, June 19th, and September 19th several Buddhist events take place in Nanputuo Temple. Pious men and women light incense and prostrate in veneration to pray for good health and wealth in the coming year.
Found in Zhongshan Road Walking Street, it is the oldest market street in Xiamen. Constructions here are mostly arcades in pink and white, typical of the Nanyang style. The street has a bright and marvellous night view. Plus, all the tasty snacks you get to treat yourself! Find snacks such as Bapopo Herbal Jelly, Huang Zehe Peanut Soup. The street is also a great place for souvenirs! You can find a Xiamen city hotel such as the Pan Pacific Xiamen with ease for an overnight stay.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
