Xiamen  

If you are wandering about a travel destination on the Southern coast of China that can amaze you with some really great touristic features and interesting cityscape, scheduling a holiday trip to Xiamen can be a really nice thing to consider. Opened in 1840 as a treaty port for foreign traders, this place managed to embrace many European elements that can be felt in the atmosphere once reaching the city. Another interesting fact about Xiamen and the nearby island of Gulang Yu is that it represents one of the earliest Special Economic Zones where economic experiments where developed. The entire place has acknowledged an impressive economic boost that influenced greatly the nearby territories as well. As a matter of fact Xiamen was recognized as second most livable city in china and one of the most suitable for living from all over the world. Since it has become such an important economic and touristic hub getting in is very easy and varied. It is all up to you if you want to reach the city arriving to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, take a so called bullet train from other major Chinese destinations or arrive by ferry to the ferry terminals.

After getting in make sure to leave you luggage at one of the various Xiamen hotels and start an interesting city exploration. The range of booking places is really impressive from budget class hostels to splurge hotels with world-wide known names. Gulang Yu remains one of the main attractions of the city. Being a car free pedestrian area it kept its scenic views till nowadays. Sunlight Rock opens some unbelievably beautiful panoramas over the harbor and the skyline of Xiamen downtown. Some really fine looking mansions and a beautiful catholic church can be admired in the areas of Lujiao Lu and Fujian Lu. For some recreational moments feel free to spend some time admiring the beauty of Yundang Lake in the Bailuzhou Park a beloved place of street performers and musicians. Another gorgeous park is Jiageng Park, gorgeous greenery and blossoming flowers will totally enchant you. Are you interested in sacred landmarks? Nanputuo Temple is a really great place to go to admire Buddha statues and other specific ornamental elements. Other places of interest that every visitors of the island should see are: Hulishan Fortress, The Water Garden and Xiamen Shinegood Culture Gallery. Shopping lovers will find plenty of interesting lovers at Night markets of Xiamen and will enjoy the opportunity to try some of the local specialties.