Xiamen: Living Guide

A small city for China’s standards, filled to the brim with Chinese history from a plethora of temples and a well-known island to scenic mountains and waterfalls. A small expat community and lovely locals with well-run shops, bars and clubs. Never short of entertainment but easily accessible to larger cities if you need a day or weekend away! 

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The Basics

A city based in southeast China, Fujian Province, with 3.7 million residents. The closest cities are Zhangzhou 45km, Quanzhou 74km and Putian 142km away.

 Xiamen is known for its hot weather, hitting peaks of 33° in summer months. Its apparent ‘cold’ winters only going as low as 11° from December to February. Spring and autumn seasons fluctuate between 13° and 28°. Rainfall is unpredictable but hard hitting once it comes!

 A well-developed transport system, the bus network costs 1-2 yuan per trip and works 24/7. The metro has 2 working lines spanning 45 miles and 8 lines under construction, to be completed by 2026. Also, there is a ferry which is convenient for tourists coming to visit the famous Gulangyu island, costing only 35 yuan for a 20 minute trip. For long distance travel there are 3 main bus stations - Fanghu, Hubin and Jimei - as well as Xiamen train station and airport that reach all the larger cities within China.

 

City Highlights

Nanputuo Temple

A beautifully crafted Buddhist temple covering 258,000 square meters that’s over 1000 years old! Tourists come for spiritual healing and the belief of wealth gain. If you need a bite to eat, there’s a lovely vegetarian restaurant in the temple. Also, if you have enough time you can climb Wulao Peak behind the temple for an awesome scenic view of the valleys. It is free of charge to visit the temple.

 

Gulangyu Island

A must-see attraction boasting amazing natural scenery, European inspired architecture and interesting museums. Relaxation is easily found with soothing music across the island from pianos and violins, to guitars and visitors singing. A short 20-minute trip via ferry, free entry to the island but extra attractions cost. Open all day and most people spend a few hours wandering the paths at their own leisure.

 

Tulou

Known as the Earthen Castles, there are different historic attractions with unique Chinese culture. The Tianluokeng buildings are shaped similarly to the Olympic rings and has beautiful scenery encompassing it. While the Yuchang contains tilted pillars, one at a 15° angle, amazing pictures to be taken! All buildings are free to enter but contain nearby gift shops and food stalls and you can plan a route via tour buses. A day out is required since bus journeys take from 1-2 hours to each location.

 

The Red Armadillo

A top-quality restaurant with an amazing buffet special on Saturday nights that all locals and expats rush to! Serving a mixture of foreign and local foods from quesadillas to noodles or burgers. If you’re a picky eater the chefs can cater to your needs with some special requests, but don’t be too cheeky! Quick service and a great atmosphere. Located on Daxue road take bus 103.

 

Lu River

Start your night with a cruise across the Lu river with some beautifully light up landscapes, and a tour guide if you’re interested in some facts! Refreshments consist of Gongfu tea and Gulangyu pie, local delicacies you have to try! An hour round trip costing 50 yuan.

 
Baby Face

A hotspot for Xiamen residents, regarded as a trendy club with a buzzing atmosphere. An in-house DJ and occasional live performances help attract expats and can lead to a couple drinks with a lot of dancing. Only a short walk from the Sofitel Hotel. Taxis line the street making it an easy ride home.

 

Surrounding Areas

Zhangzhou

A great weekend getaway containing awe-inspiring mountains, tons of cultural heritages and known as the ‘Home of Flowers and Fruits’. If you’ve packed a bikini and the suns shining head down to Dongshan Island for a relaxing afternoon. Yundong cave offers dark caverns and caves or quaint walks through the pathways.

 

Quanzhou

An avid history fans dream, you can visit Guandi temple to see its magnificent dragon carvings and towering furnaces. If you’re feeling social the Brickyard is filled with bars that expats attend for a chilled beer and enjoyable environment. Maritime museum displays all you need to know from the amazing trading history to the shipbuilding of years gone by.

 

Putian

Natural masterpieces with huge tourist hotspots. Meizhou Island is very busy due to the Mazu temple’s magnificent architecture and the popularity of the Mazu festival. You can see dazzling waterfalls, walk among the breath-taking greenery or get active with rafting at Jiulong Valley Forest Park.

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