A Seaside Garden That Slows Down Time

Xiamen · Fujian Xiamen, a "seaside garden" nestled on the shores of the East China Sea, attracts countless travelers with its leisurely pace of life, charming island scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Here, there is none of the hustle and bustle of Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou—only the sound of pianos on Gulangyu Island, the breeze along Huandao Road, and the lively atmosphere of Shapowei. If you yearn for a slow-paced, healing journey, follow this guide to unlock the best way to experience Xiamen. **1. Recommended Itinerary (3-4 days)** * **Day 1: Artistic Gulangyu, Encounter the Island of Music** * Morning: Take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, stroll through the International Architecture Exhibition, and experience the blend of Chinese and Western cultures (recommended spots: Shuzhuang Garden, Hai Tian Tang Gou, Bagua Building) * Afternoon: Taste Minnan snacks on Longtou Road (recommended: Ye’s Mochi, Lin’s Fish Balls), visit the Piano Museum, and feel the charm of the Island of Music * Evening: Enjoy the sunset glow at Sunlight Rock and overlook the panoramic view of Gulangyu Island * **Day 2: Romantic Huandao Road, Cycling Between Mountains and Sea** * Morning: Rent a bicycle and ride along Huandao Road, feeling the sea breeze on your face (recommended section: Zengcuoan to Huangcuo Beach) * Afternoon: Visit Hulishan Fortress to learn about Xiamen’s coastal defense history, or relax with sunbathing at Baicheng Beach * Evening: Explore Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street to experience Xiamen’s vibrancy and savor authentic local delicacies (recommended: Peanut Soup, Tusu Jelly, Shacha Noodles) * **Day 3: Lively Shapowei, Searching for Old Xiamen Memories** * Morning: Explore Shapowei Art West District, check out artistic shops and popular photo walls * Afternoon: Visit Nanputuo Temple to feel the solemn Buddhist culture, or experience the academic atmosphere at Xiamen University (advance reservation required) * Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at Baxian Seafood Market and experience the everyday life of Xiamen locals **2. Unique Experiences** * **Attend a Concert on Gulangyu Island:** Gulangyu is famous as the "Piano Island," where almost every household owns a piano. You can choose to attend a professional concert in the music hall or encounter impromptu piano performances on the street. * **Stay a Night in a Homestay at Zengcuoan:** Zengcuoan is Xiamen’s most artistic fishing village, gathering many homestays with diverse styles. Pick a favorite homestay and enjoy the slow life of the fishing village. * **Have a Seafood Feast at Baxian Market:** Baxian is Xiamen’s oldest seafood market, offering a wide variety of seafood. You can select your seafood and have it cooked at nearby processing shops to enjoy a delicious seafood feast. * **Watch the Sunrise on Huandao Road:** Huandao Road is Xiamen’s most beautiful coastline, and watching the sunrise here is an exceptional experience. In the early morning, when the first rays of sunlight shine on the sea, the whole world seems to be bathed in golden light. **3. Food Recommendations** * **Shacha Noodles:** A representative Xiamen dish with rich shacha sauce and chewy, smooth noodles. * **Tusu Jelly:** A specialty snack made from marine worms, with a chewy texture and fresh taste. * **Peanut Soup:** Xiamen’s favorite dessert, with soft peanuts and a sweet, fragrant broth. * **Oyster Omelette:** A snack made with oysters and sweet potato starch, crispy outside and tender inside, delicious and flavorful. * **Ginger Duck:** A dish stewed with old ginger and duck, featuring tender duck meat and a strong ginger flavor. **4. Accommodation Recommendations** * **Gulangyu Island:** Recommended to stay in historic-style villa hotels, such as Lijiazhuang Hotel and Gulangyu Seaside Garden Hotel. * **Zengcuoan:** Recommended to stay in artistic-style homestays, such as oneday Homestay and Class Three Homestay. * **Zhongshan Road:** Recommended to stay in conveniently located hotels, such as Xiamen Lujing Hotel and Xiamen Ruiyi Grand Hotel. **5. Transportation Guide** * **By Air:** Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center, accessible by airport shuttle bus or taxi. * **By Train:** Xiamen Station and Xiamen North Station are the main train stations, reachable by bus or metro to the city center. * **City Transportation:** Xiamen has convenient city transportation, including buses, metro, taxis, and ride-hailing services. **6. Travel Tips** * Xiamen has a subtropical marine climate with mild seasons, but summers can be hot, so sun protection is recommended. * Gulangyu Island implements visitor limits; it is advisable to purchase ferry tickets online in advance. * Xiamen locals are warm and hospitable, but be cautious of tourist traps. * Xiamen is a city suited for slow travel; slow down and savor the charm of this city. **Conclusion:** Xiamen is a city that makes you not want to leave once you arrive. Here, you will find the romance of blue seas and skies, the lively atmosphere of old streets and alleys, the influence of music and art, and the unique charm of Minnan culture. We hope this guide helps you plan a perfect trip to Xiamen and leave your beautiful memories in this seaside garden. [Island][Island][Island][Island]