Xiamen: Island of music and art of living

Xiamen is recognized as one of the most scenic places to visit in China. There are beautiful beaches, parks, museums and interesting cultural attractions to spend days exploring. The main tourist attraction in Xiamen, Gulangyu, a delightful island just 10 minute ferry ride from the heart of down town, is honored as “Island of Piano”. It’s a great place to spend a day but it’s even better to schedule two or three days to see all it has to offer. Hulishan Fort, only a 10 minute bus ride from the ferry terminal, provides the visitor a look at the past military history of Xiamen along with breathtaking views of the ocean. Xiamen University, one of the most beautiful campuses in China, if not the world, is just a short walk from Hulishan.

Geographically close to Taiwan Province, Xiamen shares similar cuisine, dialect and customs as many Taiwanese originally came from Minnan, an area of southern Fujian Province. In 1841, the British forced Xiamen to open its port and it became one of the first treaty ports in China. People in Xiamen still cling onto traditions that have long been discontinued in other parts of China – in almost every home can be found a shrine, where people light incense and give offerings of food and prayers. When meandering among the zigzagging old lanes in the evenings, you can often hear the gong and high-pitch singing of Minnan opera.

Memorable Experience in Xiamen: Sipping tea amongst lotus flowers in the Nanputuo Temple while monks chant in the background. Strolling through Gulangyu's narrow streets while being serenaded by music drifting out of open windows. A night cruise around Xiamen, Gulangyu and Jinmen Island while listening to musicians play traditional Chinese music.