Xia men

Xiamen: The Artistic Slow Life of a “Garden on the Sea”

Xiamen, a “garden on the sea” nestled between blue waters and green hills, is famous for its laid-back artistic vibe, refined南洋 (Nanyang) charm, and leisurely island pace. Here, you won’t find the rush of a metropolis—only the ring of bicycle bells along the island loop, the melody of pianos from Gulangyu, and the scent of tea in old streets. It’s a city meant to be explored slowly, step by step, with your heart wide open.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Gulangyu Island
   A “Museum of International Architecture,” dotted with piano museums, Shuzhuang Garden, and red-brick colonial villas. Wander its maze-like lanes, where century-old banyan trees and sea-borne piano notes await around every corner.

2. Xiamen University & Nanputuo Temple
   “China’s Most Beautiful Campus” backs against Wulao Peak and faces the ocean. The murals in Furong Tunnel capture youthful dreams, while neighboring Nanputuo Temple offers incense spirals and panoramic views from its hilltop.

3. Island Ring Road Cycling
   A “Golden Coastline” linking Baicheng Beach, Zengcuoan Art Village, and Huangcuo Beach. Rent a bike and pedal past palm trees, coastal sculptures, and sunsets melting into the sea.

4. Shapowei Art Zone
   A transformed fishing port turned creative hub, where art markets, indie cafes, and vintage shops thrive among traditional Minnan houses—a unique blend of old and new.

5. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
   A long corridor of南洋 (Nanyang)-style arcaded buildings, glowing with lights at night. Hidden in its alleys are local flavors like peanut soup, satay noodles, and sea worm jelly—true tastes of old Minnan.

Unmissable Experiences

• Sunrise at Gulangyu: Watch the first light of dawn paint both sides of the Lujiang River from Sunlight Rock.

• Xiamen Health Trail: Walk elevated pathways weaving through urban forests and coastline vistas.

• Minnan Tea Culture: Sip Gongfu tea in an old-street tea shop, listening to elders share stories of “tea and life.”

• Night Cruise on Lujiang: Admire illuminated architecture from the water, seeing Xiamen sparkle as a “Pearl on the Sea.”

Why Choose Xiamen?

This city perfectly blends island poetry with Minnan’s vibrant daily life—you can explore century-old consulates on Gulangyu in the morning, sip pour-over coffee while watching fishing boats return at Shapowei in the afternoon, and feast on just-caught seafood at Baishi Market by evening. Xiamen’s beauty lies not in grand landscapes, but in the “small blessings” woven into everyday details: a whiff of tea, a sea breeze, or an impromptu street concert. It’s for those craving to slow down, and for travelers seeking inspiration in an artistic atmosphere.