Xiamen

24° 28' 43.36" N 118° 5' 35.05" E [24.4787, 118.0931] (KML)

Most of the city is on Xiamen [M] island. The smaller island Gulangyu [S] and the mainland areas Jimei and Haicang, just across bridges, are administratively parts of the same city, but geographically distinct.

Until 1840, Western "barbarians" were allowed to trade only in Guangzhou [M] (which they called Canton), and only under strict controls. After China lost the First Opium War, Britain took Hong Kong [M] and China was forced to open five Treaty Ports: Guangzhou, Xiamen [M], Fuzhou [M], Ningbo [M] and Shanghai [M].

In Xiamen [M], the island Gulangyu [S] became a foreign enclave with consulates and luxurious homes. Today it is a quiet area (no cars or motorcycles) and five minutes by ferry from downtown, and still quite scenic.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fujian [S] was a focus of missionary activity. There are still many historic churches in the region.

In the 1970s, Xiamen [M] was made a Special Economic Zone [S] to encourage development and since it has flourished. Technically, only Xiamen island and Gulyang Yu are in the SEZ, but the whole region is flourishing. Xiamen has more Taiwan investment than any other mainland city, partly because Taiwanese is a dialect of Minnan [S] (Southern Min) a family of Chinese languages which are spoken in southern Fujian [S]. There is also a major influx of other foreign investment; among the foreign companies with large factories in Xiamen are Dell and Kodak.

It is not Shanghai [M] or Hong Kong [M], but compared to many other cities in China, Xiamen [M] is definitely a very vibrant, affluent and modern place. It got an international award in a contest for most livable cities in 2002, neighboring Quanzhou [M] won the following year.

Xiamen [M] Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is on Xiamen island and conveniently close to downtown, ¥30-40 and 20 minutes by taxi. Xiamen Airlines [1] use XMN as their hub. They have connections all over China and some international flights. Several other Chinese airlines also fly to Xiamen.

If you are flying to Xiamen [M] from North America, consider Korean Air [S]. They offer great discounts, and the Seoul Airport is the most user-friendly on the planet, free internet and nice free lounges with couches to stretch out on. If you are coming from elsewhere, look for cheap flights direct to Xiamen from Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.

The bullet train on the Fuzhou-Xiamen high speed railway [S] began service in April 2010 (which takes about 100 minutes). The Fuzhou-Shanghai line has already been in service for long, so Xiamen [M] have good connections north. There is also regular train service running north and south (from Fuzhou [M], Shantou [M] or Hong Kong [M]), and though this is the cheaper option, transportation is slow since the railroads travel a circuitous route through mountains. For southbound trips to the coastal cities to the south or to Shenzhen [M] and Hong Kong, take a bus.

Trains to Xiamen [M] include

• Guangzhou [M], ¥261 hard sleeper, 14 hours.

Buses to Xiamen [M] include

• Quanzhou [M], ¥35, 1.5 hours.
• Fuzhou [M], ¥70-90, 4 hours.
• Hong Kong [M], Guangzhou [M], Shenzhen [M] or Zhuhai [M], around ¥200-300, overnight sleeper bus. There is a bus direct to Xiamen [M] from Hong Kong airport. For trips from Hong Kong, try to choose a bus that goes all the way. With some tickets, you have to change buses at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border.

A boat service operates to and from Kinmen in the Taiwan hourly 8:30AM-5:30PM every day. Tickets cost NT$700 from Kinmen and ¥180 from Xiamen [M].

Taxis are cheap, starting at ¥8 for the first 3 kilometers. You can go anywhere on Xiamen [M] island, including the airport, for under ¥40.

The local bus system is very good, but the bus routes are listed in Chinese and do not have English on them. The BRT is Bus Rapid Transit, on elevated bus-only roads; very fast and comfortable but of course it does not go everywhere. Fare is usually ¥1 per person.

There is a frequent ferry service to/from Gulangyu [S]. The ferry terminal is just north of the Liujiang Waterfront Hotel. No charge for the journey out; buy tickets near the pier on Gulangyu for the return trip, ¥8. More comfortable seating on the upper deck is an extra ¥1 going either direction; you pay for that on the ferry.

To go around by bike is a great way to explore this gifted Island. Try the Seaside Road (Huandao Lu) which has an extra path for bicycles in most of its parts. Start at Xiamen [M] University Beach and go up until the International Exhibition Center. There are various rental stations on the Huandao Road, starting at CNY 3o per day. Enjoy the sunshine while cruising next to the sea. If you are leaving the path for bicycles, execute caution of the traffic.

Exploring Xiamen [M] by motorbike is a great way as well, although it is forbidden on the whole island! Enforcement is strict in the vivid areas (e.g. Yuandang Lake, Zhongshan [M] Road, etc.). If caught, be prepared to pay a fine, or even to get your motorbike taken into custody. Otherwise the enforcement in the remote areas of the island is relaxed. Riding a motorbike outside the island (e.g. Jimei Area, Tongan Area, Haicang Area) is allowed.

The Xiamen [M] dialect of Minnan [S] is taken to be the standard dialect, so Xiamen is an excellent starting place to learn Minnan. Minnan is not mutually intelligible with Mandarin [S], Cantonese or any of the other Min dialects.

Mandarin [S] is almost universally spoken by younger people as it is the only language used in the education system. English is not widely spoken, though staff in higher end hotels will be able to communicate in English.

You can enjoy Xiamen's unique scenery not only in the day but also in the night. Take a breather and walk beside Yuandang Lake in the evening and you can see how Xiamen [M] transforms into a different setting: lighted artistic sculptures, scent of the sea, and romantic lovers by the lake. Enjoy your stroll and notice that some buildings even have a light show at night, simple laser/light shows that attract attention, which is some form of an advertisement mostly done by newly opened commercial buildings and some residential complexes to draw attention to their business.

• Zhongshan [M] Road Pedestrian Street, off Liujiang Road near the Gulangyu [S] ferry terminal. See the yearly facelifts and notice that older buildings are becoming extinct and being replaced by modern ones.  

• Night markets. See how smaller businesses trade in the night.  

• Yundang Lake (Bailuzhou Park), (from Hubin bus station, turn left, then turn left on Bailuzhou Road). See how the egrets flock in the day and fly home in the night.  

• Bailuzhou Park. A large and beautiful park. Go around 8:30PM and enjoy the vendors, music, and dancing.  

• Xiamen [M] University. Beautiful campus with old traditional buildings and a tranquil lake outside the foreign language department. You may not be able to get in without a university ID or a guide, however.  

• Jiageng Park. A beautiful park in memory of Tan Kah Kee (Chen Jiageng), founder of Xiamen [M] University.  

• Nanputuo Temple. A big Buddhist temple outside Xiamen [M] University at Xiada (short for Xiamen University) Street. Visitors can climb the mountain behind the temple for beautiful views of Xiamen and surrounding nature. The mountain is also littered with small enclaves with hundreds of Buddhist statuettes. Entrance to the temples is 3 RMB, but you can walk around the lotus pond and eat in the vegetarian restaurant on the east end without paying admission.  

• Huli Fortress. A large former garrison with lots of antique cannons and a good view off the southern tip of Xiamen [M]. Entrance is 25 RMB.  

• Music Square. A park-like area along the boardwalk with sculptures of/about many famous composers and musicians, both Western and Chinese. Look for the public toilets with the musical notes on the wall, or a large red sculpture that looks somewhat like an open fan.  

Kite Surfing [S]

With its clear waters, long and wide sandy beaches as well as its stabel winds, Xiamen [M] is one of the major hot spots for Kite Surfing [S] in China, and often hosts various domestic and international competitions. Regularly there is a huge crowd who hails from all over China, and sometimes even from abroad to kite in Xiamen. Kite Surfing can be done at best at Haiyuntai, close to the Asia Golden Bay Hotel (Huandao Road).

From April till December you will find perfect cross-shore winds and warm to mild water temperatures. The water is quite flat, choppy waves are seldom. Watch out for some rocks in the water when the tide is low. Swimmers in that area are also seldom which makes it safe to Kite here, even if your skills are not perfect yet. Since there are lots of other Kiters here who always have an eye for each other and will help each other, it will enhance the safety. 11 meters Kite are fine most of the year, however you sometimes might consider a 9 or 14 meter Kite, depending on the wind. From October till April a 5mm wetsuit will keep you comfortable warm.

A Kitesurfing School with Chinese and English speaking IKO-certified Instructors, including equipment for sale and storage, compressor and shower facilities is located on the beach, at the Rasa Sayang Restaurant.

Different nearby facilities like restaurants, hotel or guest houses offers all you need. The seaside patio of the Rasa Sayang, with daily BBQ in the evening, is an amazing chill-out area for Kiters and their friends.

Nightlife [S]

Xiamen [M] has a rich and vibrant nightlife, which is still affordable, compared to Shanghai [M] or Beijing [M]. In all major luxurious hotels you will Filipino-Bands in the Lobby in the evening, creating a perfect atmosphere for a drink after the work is done.

The Discoteques "1801" and "Dushang", a distance of only 200 m, draw a big crowd all night. Although crowded, these places are safe in generally. If you come after 11 p.m. on a saturday night your entry may be denied, since then the place is overcrowded already.

The main hot spot for nightlife the Haiwan Park, next to the Yuandang Lake. Here you find different Clubs, Pubs and Discoteques. "The Key" is a favourite hot spot, with a Fillipino and a Taiwan Band who bringing the spirit to the top every night. The Discotheque "KK" is worth visiting, but you should be cautious, since fights between drunken people happen here sometimes.

Alternative and cheaper nightlife, with lots of students and younger people, can be found at Zhengcuoan, near to Xiamen [M] University. Here you find a lot of cheap pubs, open-air BBQ´s and casual gatherings of young people who enjoy the sunset and mild Xiamen nights over a drink.

There is a whole strip of cafes and bars along the lake next to Marco Polo Hotel, most with patios or balconies with a view of the lake. On the side street off the lake are several more places.

• Chongching, (Down the side street next to Geo Geo). Excellent sichuan food, moderate prices, plain decor. Staff do not speak English, but there is English on the menu.  

• Coyote Cafe & Cantina, 58-2 Ganglong Huayuan, Yuandang Road, ☎ +86 592 5046623, [2]. Lunch and dinner. Tex-Mex made with fresh ingredients.  

• Javaroma. Good coffee, run by an Aussie. Very quiet except for Tuesday night's "two for one deals" on pizza.  

• Geo Geo Cafe, (Furthest from Marco Polo Hotel in the lake side strip). Serves good Italian and American food and coffee. The food is excellent. This is easily the best cafe along "Coffee Street"  

• Little Chili's. Offers excellent Chinese food at an affordable price. The menus are in English.  

• Lujiang Harbourview Hotel. Has a nice sixth floor al fresco restaurant looking out at Gulangyu [S] Island. The restaurant has an English menu and serves Fuijian specialities. Highlight was some excellent wasabi marinated cucumber slices.  

• Marco Polo Hotel. Does a good Sunday international buffet for ¥120 plus service.  

• Tutto Bene. A very good Italian place.  

• Chu Family Coffee, 15 Zhonghua Road, Gulangyu [S] Islet, ☎ +86 13600944308. Quiet and lovely place. The building was recently renovated. They offer coffee, Western style luncheon and desserts. Staff can speak a little bit of English and they offer English menus.  

Tea Houses are popular in Xiamen [M]. You will see relaxing people making tea in front of their houses in daytime.

This lists accommodation in Xiamen [M] only. For accomadation on Gulangyu [S] island, see Gulangyu.

• V-inn Hotel, 121 Xian [M] Rd, Siming District, ☎ +86 592 2628888, [3]. Offers air-conditioned rooms, some of which have personal computer, free Internet access, cable TV, and an IDD phone. Best rates on official website start at ¥208+.  

• Xiamen [M] Baijiacun International Youth Hostel (门百家村国际青年旅舍), 20 Liaohua Lu (蓼花路20) (From Songbo (松柏) bus station, take bus #86/#616 to Gongyuan Dong Lu (公园东路）, the hostel is on the opposite side with a red wall. Taxi 17元.), ☎ +86 592 2131010 (baijiacunhostel@hotmail.com), [4]. . Clean, spacious hostel located in a great location at Zhongshan [M] Gongyuan (中山公园) 40元 8-bed dormitory.  

• Xiamen [M] International Youth Hostel, 41 Nanhua Road, Siming District, ☎ +86 592 2082345 (yhaxm@yhaxm.com, fax: +86 592 2199876), [5].  

• Gem Hotel. Beautiful Japanese-style rooms overlooking much of downtown Xiamen [M]. Includes Chinese buffet breakfast and free wired internet access. Most of the staff speak English well and are extremely helpful. From ¥140.  

• Jing Hua Hotel, 1130 Xiahe Rd, Siming District, ☎ +86 592 5819898, [6]. Three star hotel offering 146 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have Internet access, satellite TV, and mini-bar. Some of its amenities include KTV, fitness center, and sauna. Best rates on official website start at ¥258.  

• Xiamen [M] Kingty Hotel, No. 189 Xianyue Road, Siming District, ☎ 86-21-5111888, [7]. Each room is air-conditioned, and equipped with cable TV, Internet access, a mini-bar, IDD telephone, and safety box. Some of its amenities include meeting and conference rooms, fitness room, beauty salon, and hotel restaurants that serves Cantonese, Fujian [S], and Sichuan food. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like Bailuzhou and Jiageng Park, Coyote Cafe & Cantina, and Yundang Lake. Best rates on official website start at CNY 298.00.  

• Yunding Hotel, 206 Huang Cuo Mao Hou, Siming District, ☎ 86-592-2561111, [8]. Offers spacious air-conditioned rooms, all furnished with rollaway beds, a safe, and DDD/IDD phone. Some of its amenities include indoor swimming pool, tennis court, and Chinese restaurant and bar. Best rates on official website start at ¥308.  

• Xiamen [M] Lujiang Hotel, 54 Lujiang Road (100 metres north of the ferry station), ☎ +86 592 2022922. checkin: 3PM; checkout: Noon. A grand old place, very central on Beach road. The restaurant has authentic dim sum.  

• Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen [M], 12-8 Zhenhai Road, ☎ +86 592 2023333 (bc@millenniumxiamen.com, fax: +86 592 2036666), [9]. checkin: Noon; checkout: Noon. Located in downtown Xiamen which is a major shopping and business district, the hotel is only minutes away on foot to the ferry to Gulangyu [S]

• Sheraton Xiamen Hotel, 386-1 Jiahe Road, ☎ +86 592 5525888, [10]. The latest international chain hotel to grace Xiamen's shores. It is very plush, and the Waves Pan Asian buffet is very good.  

• Pan Pacific Xiamen [M], 19 Hubin Bei Road, Xiamen 361012, Fujian [S], China, ☎ (86 592) 507 8888 (fax: (86 592) 507 8899), [11]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. A super modern hotel, the rooms use a lot of glass and modern design techniques. The hotel also has an excellent ¥100 lunch buffet. Rooms start at ¥630..  

• Marco Polo Hotel. This hotel is in an excellent location, and offers a very good international buffet and a great atmosphere.  

• Riyuegu Hot Springs Resort. One of the most beautiful resorts in Xiamen [M]. Besides the regular accommodations, the resort also contains an exotic hot springs [S] park. They have all sorts of flavors (like milk, rose, tea, etc.) mixed into their natural hot springs water. They also have a fantastic spa. It is worth a trip.  

• Best Western Xiamen [M], 158 Yuhounanli Road, Siming District, ☎ +86 21 61226688 ext. 7800, [12]. A 4-star business hotel offering 490 lavishly-furnished room, first-rate amenities and services, function rooms, gym, and spa.  

• Hakka Tulou [S] - In Yongding County, 3-5 hours from Xiamen [M], are the amazing tulou, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site [S], structures where a number of residences are built inside a single fortified compound.

Text content was last edited at 08:30, on 27 May 2010 by Wikitravel user Vidimian. Based on work by Menchu Valderama, Claus Hansen, duskromano, Ester Rebecca del Fierro and Call Me Snapps , Wikitravel user(s) Crystalrabbit7, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others. A list of contributors is available at the original article on Wikitravel. This text content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0.