Sightseeing in Xiamen - what to see. Complete travel guide

Xiamen is situated in the Fujian province. This city is a major port and an important tourist center of the country. It was founded almost 2,000 years ago. In the 3rd century AD, at the place of modern Xiamen, a large city of Tongan was located. In the Middle Age the city was one of the most important shopping centers of the country. The region exported silk, highly valued by foreign traders. Due to favorable strategic position and large factories engaged in silk manufacturing, at the beginning of the 16th century the city started attracting European tourists.

By the middle of the 19th century, many new plants and factories were built in the city. At that times Xiamen survived a series of military clashes. It gained the status of a large industrial and commercial center. The city still has the status of an important shopping center. It attracts many tourists not only with a vast number of historical sights, but also with an abundance of shopping pavilions and workshops, where you can order and purchase exclusive goods.

Xiamen is great for sightseeing: one of the most unusual sights is the island of Gulangyu . In the 18th century the first international settlement was formed in this area. European industrialists and merchants built luxury villas and industrial buildings on the island – they are preserved to the present day. The island is famous not only for historical attractions, but also for its unique nature, as a large part of its territory is covered by dense forests. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Those who enjoy hiking can make a route through the picturesque surroundings of the city with famous tourist sites. For example, a beautiful mountain of Sunlight that discovers a magnificent panoramic view of Xiamen. To combine walks in historical places with some lounging, guests of the city can spend their time at the local beach, known for its cheerful and lively atmosphere.

The modern city is characterized by a developed tourist infrastructure. Here you can spend a vacation with the whole family, appreciate the cultural identity and traditions of the indigenous population. Walking through shopping centers and chilling out at the sea side, exploring the historical and natural attractions, visiting marvelous national restaurants and stylish bars is just a small part of the entertainment that Xiamen can offer to its guests.

Putuo Monastery has become a signature landmark of Xiamen. The beautiful complex was founded in the 7th century. It is located in a very interesting area, in the mountain region of Wulao. This region is famous for its gorgeous caves and mountain streams, a visit to which is an essential part of any excursion. The large territory of the monastery is distinguished by an incredibly beautiful landscape design. It is a fabulous place to walk in picturesque gardens, admire manmade ponds, and spacious terraces. The entrance to the monastery is open to absolutely everyone. During an excursion there, visitors will explore local temples and see how monks live there.

Xiamen University is a no less interesting landmark, the building of which is of a great value from an architectural point of view. Best masters worked over the creation of this gorgeous building. Nowadays, the university is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country. It also has a beautiful adjacent territory with a garden that attracts not only students but also local people.

Ding'aozai Street is one more interesting tourist landmark. Locals and tourists gave another unofficial name to it – the Cat Street. Facades of numerous buildings are decorated with images of cats. Moreover, attentive visitors will find images of cats painted on lanterns, benches, and other elements of the infrastructure. The picturesque street has countless souvenir shops and art galleries that offer amazing memorable gifts. Figures of cats, as well as other items with the cute animals, remain one of the most popular souvenirs. Kitten figurines are one more interesting peculiarity of this street. There are more than 20 figurines in total on Ding'aozai Street. Travelers can participate in this exciting “quest” and try to find all the figurines.

It is also important to mention peculiar gastronomic traditions of the city. Local restaurants offer a range of unique dishes that are not available in other regions of China. It is a place where one can try wonderful meat dishes. As a rule, meat is baked with various herbs and spices here. Peanut soup is one more popular specialty of the city, as well as various seafood soups. Local restaurants primarily use best and fresh ingredients to cook meals.