Joanna James
Formerly referred to as Amoy, the port city of Xiamen nestled along China’s southeast coast beckons culture buffs and leisure seekers to embrace its inspiring scenery and landmarks.
Encompassing 1.87 sq km is one of Xiamen’s delightful getaways called Gulangyu Island. Scattered by winding paths that intersect each other along the way, the islet affords a tranquil escape where time can be spent catching a glimpse of oddly-shaped reefs, and sandy stretches and learning of an architectural style that merges Chinese and international elements throughout and across its streets and buildings. However, the crowning moment of being on Gulangyu Island will be to delight in the sheer majesty associated with Sunlight Rock which is the tallest mountain on the Island that would in turn, serve as an excellent backdrop where you may show off your photography skills.
Undoubtedly, a ‘must do’ whenever you find yourself in Xiamen, Yundang Lake comes across as an excellent way to beat the bustle of the city while still being in the city. Located in the heart of Xiamen, this waterbody showcases a fine mix of green spaces, walkways and pavilions that make it one of the finest of its kind to relax and completely take a break. What’s more? As one of the Xiamen tourist spots, this seawater lake is home to a slew of islands of which Egret Island is its most visited owing in part to it serving as a refuge for the area’s most popular species of bird – the Egret.
As a Buddhist shrine found at the foot of Wulao Mountain, South Putuo Temple is a renowned cultural monument that bears witness to a range of design features. Characterised by curved Chinese roofs and ample room to roam about and watch worshippers gather in their numbers, visitors will do well to call by the mesmeric structure of the Goddess of Mercy together with the Sultra House which contains an array of Buddhist relics.
Known for being a high-level university in China, Xiamen University was the 1st of its kind to be unveiled by an overseas Chinese national by the name of Tan Kah Kee. Ever since its inauguration in 1921, Xiamen University began establishing itself as an academic institute that stood for strict codes of conduct which merged well with its scenic setting and vibe. While reflecting traces of both local and international architecture throughout its entirety, the institute still retains glazed rooftops, and the Qingshui Walls and paves the way for visitors to take in its sheer beauty by visiting sites such as Lover Valley Reservoir and Lotus Lake respectively. Ideally, heading over during the month of June will have you in awe of a sea of crimson that flows through the university grounds as a result of the phoenix flowers appearing in full bloom.
If you're looking to enhance your putting skills and aim for that flawless hole-in-one while vacationing in Xiamen, make sure to include a visit to Kaikou Golf Club in your plans. Designed by Aussie golfing great and the ‘The Great White Shark’ himself Greg Norman, this 36-hole course built to an international standard is a half hour’s drive from downtown Xiamen and a short distance from properties like Pan Pacific Xiamen as well.
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.
